Seattle Clad-Wood Windows
Aluminum clad windows are a practical and durable choice for homeowners in Seattle, featuring a wood window core encased in aluminum cladding. This tough metal exterior effectively protects against Seattle’s varied weather conditions, combining style with resilience.
The increasing popularity of clad windows in Seattle stems from their ability to blend the traditional appearance of wooden windows with the resilience of modern materials like aluminum and vinyl. These windows are well-suited for the architectural diversity and climate challenges of the area, making them an ideal replacement windows option.
Opting for clad windows allows homeowners to enjoy the enduring beauty of painted or naturally finished wood, along with the low maintenance and energy efficiency provided by the aluminum exterior. This sleek combination keeps homes comfortable and visually appealing throughout the year, ensuring that clad windows are a smart and stylish choice for upgrading your home.
What Are Clad Windows?
Clad windows combine the warmth of wood interiors with the durable protection of an aluminum exterior, providing a traditional wood window look with weather-resistant benefits. The interior wood can be customized with various stains or paints to suit any decor, from classic to contemporary styles.
The aluminum exterior serves as a robust barrier against Seattle’s diverse weather conditions, offering resistance to fading, chipping, and staining. This makes clad windows less maintenance-intensive than traditional wood windows, protecting the wood from environmental elements such as rain and snow, and extending their lifespan.
Opting for clad windows means homeowners can enjoy the natural insulating qualities of wood with the added advantages of a durable, low-maintenance aluminum exterior. This combination makes clad windows an effective and appealing choice for home improvement projects.
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Material Comparison
| Performance | Maintenance | Aesthetics | Overall Value | |
| Clad Windows | Wood interior with aluminum exterior offers excellent insulation and durability. Resistant to weathering. | Low maintenance; aluminum exterior does not require painting or staining and resists weather-related damage. | Natural beauty of wood interior, customizable with paint or stain. Sleek, durable aluminum exterior available in various colors and finishes. | Durable and energy efficient; higher initial cost but offers long-term savings due to lower maintenance and energy costs. |
| Vinyl Windows | Made of PVC, provides good insulation, effective at reducing energy costs but can warp under extreme temperatures. | Low maintenance but can discolor over time, especially in sunlight. | Limited color and finish options, offers a clean look but lacks the warmth of wood. | Less expensive but lower durability and aesthetic quality; may require earlier replacement or repair, affecting long-term value. |
| Fiberglass Windows | Extremely strong and durable, slightly better insulation than aluminum, suitable for extreme climates. | Very low maintenance, resists warping, fading, and cracking. | Modern look, limited finishes and colors, but can be painted to match exteriors. Offers high design flexibility. | Similar benefits to clad in terms of durability and energy efficiency; often at a similar or higher price point without the natural wood interior. |
| Wood Windows | Offers excellent natural insulation and beauty but less resistant to environmental factors unless regularly treated. | Requires more maintenance to protect against weather and environmental factors. | Offers the unmatched natural beauty and warmth of wood, customizable with various stains and paints. | While beautiful, they are high-maintenance and less durable than other options; often not as cost-effective due to frequent upkeep needs. |
The Finest Clad-Wood Manufacturer Chosen For You
Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience, we’ve partnered with the best clad-wood manufacturers known for their unparalleled quality, pricing, and innovation. Andersen Windows is our chosen partner, renowned for their consistent quality, comprehensive warranty support, product longevity, and cutting-edge designs.
Featured Andersen E-Series Clad-Wood Windows
E-Series Casement Window
Casement windows feature a hinged side that allows the window to open outward to the left or right, providing maximum ventilation and a clear view.
E-Series Awning Window
Awning windows are designed to be used alone or alongside other windows, it is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom, allowing for ventilation even during light rain.
E-Series Double-Hung Window
The traditional double-hung window design allows both the upper and lower sash to slide up and down, enhancing air circulation, with easy cleaning from inside your home. There are some distinct differences between single and double-hung windows, make sure you’re picking the right option for you.
Benefits of Aluminum-Clad Windows
Durability
Aluminum-clad windows are known for their robustness and ability to withstand harsh weather without warping, cracking, or fading. The aluminum exterior provides a protective barrier, shielding the interior wood from moisture and UV rays, which significantly enhances the windows’ lifespan.
Low Maintenance
A clad window requires minimal upkeep due to their corrosion-resistant aluminum exterior, which doesn’t need frequent painting or staining. This makes them an appealing, low-maintenance option for busy homeowners.
Energy Efficiency
Aluminum-clad windows enhance your home’s energy efficiency with features like double or triple-pane glass, inert gases, and low-E coatings. These technologies help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round and reduce energy costs.
Design Versatility and Customization
With extensive design flexibility, aluminum-clad windows suit a variety of architectural styles, from contemporary to craftsman. They can be customized with a range of colors, finishes, and hardware, allowing for seamless integration into any design theme.
Energy Efficiency of Clad Windows
Clad windows are celebrated for their ability to enhance the energy efficiency of homes, a crucial factor for many homeowners looking to reduce energy costs and increase comfort. These windows integrate advanced technologies that significantly minimize heat transfer, keeping your home comfortable throughout the year while lessening the environmental impact.
Expected Lifespan of Clad Windows
Clad windows are designed for durability and long-term performance. The typical lifespan of these windows can range from 20 to 40 years, depending on factors such as the quality of installation, environmental conditions, and the level of maintenance they receive. The combination of a wood interior and a protective aluminum exterior ensures that clad windows can withstand the rigors of different climates while maintaining their structural integrity and appearance.
Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Savings
Clad windows are typically more expensive initially than standard vinyl or all-wood windows due to their dual-material construction, which combines a wood interior with a durable aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass exterior. The initial cost includes not only the materials but also the specialized manufacturing process.
Long-Term Savings
Despite the higher upfront cost, clad windows offer significant long-term savings that can make them a cost-effective choice over time. These savings are derived from several factors:
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Energy Efficiency: Clad windows provide excellent insulation, thanks to their wood cores and tight-sealing exteriors. This reduces energy costs by maintaining more stable indoor temperatures, cutting down on the need for heating and cooling.
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Durability: The protective exterior of clad windows significantly extends their lifespan compared to other types, reducing the frequency and costs associated with replacement.
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Low Maintenance: The need for less frequent repairs, painting, or staining due to their durable cladding means lower ongoing maintenance costs.
Are Clad Windows Worth the Extra Cost?
For many homeowners, clad windows are worth the investment due to their enhanced durability, aesthetic flexibility, and energy efficiency. The decision often comes down to evaluating the importance of these benefits over the long term:
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Property Value: Clad windows can increase the resale value of a home, offering aesthetic appeal that potential buyers recognize and value.
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Comfort and Aesthetics: Beyond energy savings, the comfort of living in a home with stable temperatures and the beauty of natural wood interiors can enhance daily life satisfaction.
Our Experience and Expertise
At Lake Washington Windows and Doors, we bring over three decades of industry experience to every project. Specializing in clad windows, we understand the nuances of integrating aesthetic appeal with functional durability. Our team of experts is trained in the latest installation techniques and product knowledge to ensure that every window installation meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
FAQ Section
Do Clad Windows Rot?
No, clad windows are designed to prevent rot thanks to their exterior barrier of aluminum, which protects the inner wood from insect damage and moisture. This makes them an excellent choice for areas exposed to rain and sun.
How Long Do Clad Windows Last?
Clad windows are built for longevity. With proper maintenance, they can last between 20 to 40 years. The exterior cladding plays a crucial role in protecting the window’s structure from the elements, prolonging its lifespan.
Are Clad Windows Better Than Vinyl?
Clad windows offer several benefits over vinyl, including enhanced durability, better insulation properties, and a wider range of aesthetic options. While vinyl windows are known for being cost-effective and low maintenance, clad windows provide a superior exterior barrier against cold, heat, and insect damage, making them a more robust option for many homeowners.
Can Clad Windows Save Money on Energy Bills?
Absolutely, clad windows can help you save money on energy bills. Their excellent insulation capabilities ensure that less heat escapes during the winter and less cool air escapes during the summer, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.
What Types of Cladding Are Available?
There are many different types of cladding available for windows, including aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each type offers unique advantages and can be selected based on your specific needs and the style of your home.
Why Consider Clad Windows for New Windows?
Clad windows are an excellent choice for new windows because they combine aesthetic flexibility with functional durability. They are particularly suited to homeowners looking for a long-term solution that offers both energy efficiency and a high degree of customization.
Top-Rated Window Replacement Services
At Lake Washington Windows and Doors, we offer the highest quality windows and unparalleled customer service, with over 800 5-star reviews. With each installation, our exclusive Leak Armor Installation provides superior protection around your window openings. When you choose us for your window installation project, you can be sure that you’re getting the best.
Financing Options with Convenient 10 Minute Approvals
In addition to special offers and promotions, ask our sales representative about our quick, digital financing application process. From low-interest traditional loans to no down-no payment-no interest deferred financing plans, we can help you fund your replacement window project so you can mobilize your cash for other investments. We are a proud partner of GreenSky, one of the largest lenders for the home improvement industry. See how much you can be pre-approved for.
Every Window Includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty
The beauty of working with the top window manufacturers in the industry is the support you can expect before, during, and after installation. Both Milgard and Andersen offer limited lifetime warranties. However, the likelihood that you’ll need to take advantage of these warranties is low.
Milgard Lifetime Warranty Guarantee
Milgard’s award-winning windows and doors are built to last. However, if you ever encounter an unexpected problem, you can rest assured that their lifetime warranties cover your purchase.
Andersen Limited Lifetime Warranty Guarantee
Andersen prides itself on crafting durable, long-lasting products. That resilience allows them to offer some of the best warranties in the industry. They're even transferable should you sell your home. With Andersen’s exclusive Owner-to-Owner® limited warranties, you get peace of mind plus real added value.
Receive Our Patented Leak Armor Protection with Every Installation
We include our patented Leak Armor protection with every window we install. Developed through thousands of customer installations and years of experience, we utilize layers of flashing, pans, and sealants in a specific manner to provide commercial-grade sealing to residential homes.
Clad-Wood Window FAQs
What does clad wood mean?
Cladding is a protective exterior that guards your wood windows against water damage, rot, and mold. Inside your home, you’ll see visible, exposed wood. However, outside, your windows will be covered with cladding that safeguards them from the elements. Ultimately, Clad-Wood windows offer timeless beauty, better insulation, and longevity without the risk of moisture damage from the elements. It is truly the best of both worlds!
How long do wood-clad windows last?
Clad-Wood windows are highly durable and resistant to harsh weather and decay over time, lasting anywhere between 20-40 years.
Are vinyl or aluminum-clad-wood windows better?
Vinyl-clad-wood windows provide higher levels of performance and more durability throughout their lifetime compared to aluminum-clad-wood windows. While vinyl does expand more than aluminum, this is offset by the reduced heat transference, which ultimately leads to higher energy efficiency in vinyl-clad-wood windows.
When are Clad-Wood windows the best option for me?
Clad-wood windows are for you if you desire all the benefits of vinyl windows and love the look of a natural interior wood finish without needing to deal with the added exterior maintenance of regular wood windows.
What are the main benefits of Clad-Wood windows?
Wood is a non-conductive material that helps keep the cold and heat out to help you maintain a consistent temperature within your home. Clad-Wood windows offer excellent thermal efficiency and interior aesthetic comfort. With Clad-Wood windows, you can reap these benefits without the copious maintenance that standard wood windows require to resist rot, mold, and harsh weather conditions.
Clad Wood Window Gallery
