The Timeless Beauty of Wood

Wood is the traditional choice for window frames, a natural insulator and attractive material. Perhaps the only downside to wood frames is their vulnerability to the elements and need for constant care. In recognition of this challenge, window manufacturers have developed 'cladding,' an aluminum or vinyl protective covering.

Wood windows are a perennial favorite, thanks to their warm appearance and natural beauty. The only downside is the lifelong maintenance required to keep wood windows looking their best. Homeowners can expect to paint, clean, and perform routine repairs on wood windows.

Wood clad windows address the maintenance issue by applying a weather-resistant PVC (poly vinyl chloride) and/or aluminum coating. The cladding shields the wood from the weather on the outside, and reveals the attractive surface inside the home only. Homeowners get to enjoy the best of both worlds: a beautiful natural interior view and a durable outer material.

The energy efficiency of wood clad windows more or less compares to the untreated wood window. The vinyl or aluminum coating protects the wood, but does not improve its energy performance. In fact, the metal cladding may even diminish energy efficiency if it extends inside, underneath the sash. The heat conductivity of aluminum can bring down the U-factor, which evaluates the overall heat transfer of a window.

Both wood and wood clad windows feature an attractive interior surface, and are therefore popular choices in the living room and other focal points throughout the house. Wood clad windows are available in an array of home window styles: casement, awning, and double-hung are the most popular.

Wood and wood clad are among the most expensive window materials, but for many homeowners, the natural beauty justifies the cost.