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While wood windows conservatives are not really going to be impressed by them, clad wood replacement windows are probably the best choice if you’re looking for replacement windows that offer you the best of both worlds: that includes minimal exterior maintenance and the look of wooden windows.
400 SERIES TILT-WASH DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOW by Andersen
While it’s true that these windows are indeed made of wood, they also have a layer of aluminum or sometimes vinyl that’s bonded to the exterior, so this means that you don’t need to worry about sealing or painting them. On the other hand, if you want, you can go ahead and stain or paint the interior which is made of wood in order to match your decor.
Price wise, clad wood windows are going to run you approximately two hundred dollars per window, but compared to real wood windows, maintenance time and cost are going to be a lot lower. Basically, the majority of window manufacturers out there offer clad wood windows and a lot of contractors recommend them as the best alternative to 100% wood windows.
Pros and Cons
Since there are different types of clad wood replacement windows out there, you should know that all of them have their own pros and cons. First of all, these windows can be purchased in a wide range of styles and colors and their insulating properties are certainly amazing (the same as wood). Because of that, they’re a great choice if you live in areas with hot summers and cold winters or both.
While vinyl isn’t immune to scratches (since the color runs through the material) they are less likely to show. In time, vinyl is also going to lose its color, but the good news is that it can be easily repainted should that happen.
Although aluminum is not really a great insulator, for those who live in areas with a milder climate, aluminum clad wood windows are a good choice to consider and on top of that, they’re also a lot stronger compared to the vinyl variety. Therefore, if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes and generally severe weather, then these types of windows are certainly a wonderful choice.
Due to its nature, aluminum is indeed prone to scratching, yet if it’s necessary aluminum clad windows can be easily repainted. At the end of the day, based on your location and priorities, aluminum clad-wood or vinyl windows can make for a durable and overall amazing choice.
External cladding material
400 SERIES TILT-WASH DOUBLE-HUNG aluminum clad wood window by Anderson
When looking for clad-wood replacement windows, not only will you need to consider the exterior cladding material, but you should also know that these windows are built using a wide range of woods, from exotic species to basic pine. To make sure you get the right ones, you need to take a closer look at your home decor. As for the rest of the options you can consider, they include hardware finishes, a wide range of pane inserts and styles and energy efficient glass.
Keep in mind that one of the most important features and pros of clad wood replacement windows is their great energy efficiency. Compared to all vinyl replacement windows, these are a lot better at minimizing air leakage. On top of that, they’re also a lot better at retaining their shape compared to vinyl windows in case they are exposed to extreme temperatures.
Initially, clad wood windows were a lot more expensive than vinyl, but if you sell your home, the difference in cost is going to be recouped. In a Value versus Cost survey conducted by Remodeling magazine in 2014, it was discovered that clad wood window has a minor advantage in terms of recouped project costs (seventy nine point three percent versus seventy eight point seven percent for vinyl windows). However, depending on the region, the return and the spread can be larger.
For instance, if you live in the Pacific region, then the projected return for clad wood windows is slightly over 100% of its cost, compared to 100% for vinyl replacement windows. Contact Window Contractors Chicago for clad, vinyl, wood, aluminum or combination? Give us a call and we’ll help you choose the best option for you property and budget.
