Window Cladding: Is It Really Necessary?

If you are planning on getting window cladding for your windows, take a moment to consider whether or not you really need it. While it does have its advantages, you should know that it has its disadvantages and that there are better alternatives available. Read on as Kroll Construction takes an in-depth look at what window cladding can do for your windows.

What Does Window Cladding Do?

Window cladding is a layer of aluminum and vinyl that covers wooden window frames, primarily as a means of protection against the elements. The aluminum is used for its durability, while the vinyl coating is for water resistance. Window cladding is a widely available material that can be installed by professionals or on your own, with basic cutting, measuring and bending tools. The vinyl outer layer can also add a low-maintenance quality to otherwise high-maintenance windows.

Disadvantages

The quality of window cladding depends on how it’s installed. Unless it’s made of a single piece of fused material, there will be seams where water can easily make contact with the wood frames underneath. This can give you a false sense of security: while the windows look okay from the outside, the wood components can turn to mush underneath. Cladding also covers the textures of the wood frames. Instead of elegant-looking windows – one of the few redeeming qualities of wood frames – you get plastic-looking frames instead.

Better Alternative: Vinyl Replacement Windows

At Kroll Construction, we recommend choosing low-maintenance vinyl replacement windows instead. Quality vinyl has all the qualities of cladded windows, with its inherent impact, wind and water resistance. Vinyl windows also have insulated frames, which are on par with wood windows, and can help reduce your indoor heating and cooling costs when combined with insulated glass packages.

Vinyl replacement windows require little to no maintenance. All you need to keep it clean is water from a garden hose, a mild cleaning solution and a long-handled soft brush for those hard-to-reach areas. Nor will you need to scrape and repaint, as the colors are molded in. Vinyl windows are fused at the factory, so as long as it’s installed by a replacement window contractor, there will be no chance of water intrusion.

To learn more about vinyl replacement windows, call Kroll Construction today at (888) 338-6304. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free in-home consultation. We serve Detroit and surrounding areas in Michigan.