Vinyl Vs Clad Windows

Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are cheaper than wood but of the two vinyl is the less expensive alternative.

Vinyl vs clad windows.

These frames are wooden inside and clad or wrapped in aluminum or vinyl. Vinyl windows are roughly 10 to 30 percent cheaper to buy and install. Wood windows with aluminum cladding never need painting. An aluminum clad wood extrusion has very little flexion and far out performs vinyl in its structural integrity.

Most window companies use aluminum cladding which is actually problematic because aluminum conducts heat or cold. Painting wood windows is an exacting task and must be done frequently. Cladding materials protect the wood from outdoor elements. Although composite materials are prevalent in decking molding and window frames and sills manufacturers predict it will be some time before composite clad windows are a mainstay.

A composite plastic mix like vinyl cladding is the best cladding because it doesn t conduct heat cold and is maintenance free. Vinyl clad window prices start at about 250 per window although adding impact resistant and laminated glass drives costs way up. Wood exterior windows need painting or sealing not just at the time of installation but throughout their lifetime. If you re scanning through the pros and cons thinking that you d like the low maintenance and weather resistant exterior that vinyl offers with the longevity of wood you should consider vinyl clad wood windows.

Find out more in the vinyl vs. What s more vinyl clad units are more affordable than aluminum clad in his area he comments. Aluminum clad wood windows vs. Vinyl clad windows are constructed of wood with a vinyl cladding that provides the finish and helps protect against the elements.

These windows are similar to all vinyl windows in their look and design but are more durable in the long run. In general when shopping for replacement windows it is a good idea to choose a color and finish that you can live with. However they still require a significant amount of upkeep compared to vinyl windows. Aluminum can be repainted or re coated.

Clad frames are enhanced versions of traditional wooden windows. Vinyl windows require extra structural reinforcement to help strengthen their extrusions and reduce flexion. Vinyl never requires repainting. This creates a stronger and easier to maintain frame that can last 30 years or more.

The cost of installing a single vinyl window 700 to 800 compared to 900 to 1 100 for one fiberglass window. This makes vinyl clad wood windows a more attractive option than wood windows because there s less maintenance on the outside of the window. The industry has a saying for this.