Aluminum-Clad Wood Window Repair

Durability

• Aluminum-clad windows use the exterior layer of metal as a means of resisting moisture, pollutants and ultraviolet light from the sun. This prevents the wood window interior from breaking down over time. It also leaves the window with an exterior surface that is much harder than wood and therefore resistant to dents and deep scratches. Aluminum-clad windows cost significantly more than wood windows, but they should also last longer under most conditions.

Repair Options

• The durability of aluminum-clad windows means that when repairs are necessary, they become more complex for homeowners. Simply milling new wood to replace a dented frame or sill is not an effective option. The new material won't match the aluminum-clad portion of the window, and it will be more susceptible to damage in the future. Some forms of thin aluminum cladding are bendable, which offer some limited repair possibilities. Replacing broken glass is also still possible by following a similar procedure as replacing glass in other types of windows.

Refinishing

• One repair that homeowners can perform on aluminum-clad windows is exterior refinishing. While the paint on aluminum-clad windows is meant to be highly durable and resistant to fading, damage from the sun, ice and pollutants can all eventually leave this type of window looking old and worn. Refinishing the aluminum surface requires first cleaning then sanding the metal to prepare a surface that new paint will adhere to. A primer may be necessary, depending on the type of paint. Painting with a brush or spray system will return an aluminum-clad window to its original look or give it a new color.

Professional Repair

• If an aluminum-clad window is severely damaged, professional repair or replacement is likely the only options. Many aluminum-clad window manufacturers offer custom window designs that can be reproduced to replace a window or a section of a window for a perfect match. The process for producing extruded aluminum and applying it to the wooden window core is different for each manufacturer and difficult to reproduce without specialty equipment.