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Aluminum Clad Windows: A Compromise that Works

Aluminum clad windows offer homeowners the best of both worlds.  Traditional wood windows add warmth and character to a home but they also add hours of regular maintenance.  Aluminum windows offer a low maintenance option without the pleasing aesthetics of wood.

Together the two offer the dream combination of a warm wood interior coupled with a robust, weatherproof exterior.  This recipe of two parts wood to one part aluminum is considered by many to be a match made in heaven.  What happens is that the aluminum that is not highly thought of as an insulator benefits from the close association with the wood that is nature's best insulator with a very respectable R-value (resistance to heat flow).

Each element gets to do what it does best.  Aluminum coats the outside of the window making it virtually maintenance free.  This certainly beats having to consistently battle to preserve wood from the blistering effects of weather.

Aluminum on its own is not a good choice for climates with extreme temperatures.  It makes cold seem colder and heat hotter.  This rather unpleasant aspect of an otherwise strong and durable material is modified by its juxtaposition with the natural insulating effects of the wood.

Aluminum clad windows are the answer for homeowners who have fallen out of love with ongoing home maintenance but who are unwilling to sacrifice the aesthetic pleasure of a traditional wood finish.  Aluminum cladding is now available in a broader range of colors than was previously the case.  Homeowners can choose from shades like white, sandstone, brown and green.

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