Like the warm, natural look of wood windows for your interior, but prefer a lower-maintenance window casing for the exterior? Let Skywalker help you explore the best clad window options!
Many people like the look of wood and want to choose wood windows, but they’re nervous about the amount of upkeep wood windows require on the exterior. If you fall into this camp, it would be worth your while to explore the option of choosing clad windows.
Traditional wood windows require ongoing maintenance to keep their exterior face intact and functional. A clad window combines the look of wood on the interior with the reliable performance of vinyl, aluminum, or copper on the exterior.
Since modern windows and replacement windows come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and designs, we thought we’d briefly explain and summarize some of the major window types that are available to you.
Double-hung windows are the most common type of windows found in U.S. homes. These are traditional, top-and-bottom rectangular windows featuring a grid of smaller rectangular panes. Both the top and bottom windows can be raised to open, lowered to close, and come in a wide variety of frame materials, including vinyl, wood, and aluminum.
Single-hung windows look basically identical to double hung windows, with the main difference being that only the bottom window moves. The top sash is fixed, one advantage of which being the fact that it provides a firm seal against the elements.
Casement windows are contemporary-looking and convenient. The window is mounted on hinges, and the window can be cranked or pushed open or shut manually or with an automated mechanism. They are more energy efficient than some other window styles, and they can come in single frame or double casement window arrangements.
Awning windows have a similar design to casement windows, but are mounted differently. An awning window’s hinges are mounted at the top, rather than on the sides like a typical casement window.
Bay windows offer many attractive features, including panoramic views, plenty of natural light, cross breeze ventilation, and they add a little more square footage to your home’s interior. They also add some interesting dimension to the exterior of your home. Bay windows come in both casement and double-hung designs.
Bow windows have a similar design and function to bay windows, with the main difference being that bow windows project out in a curved arc, where traditional bay windows have more of an angular geometry.
Slider windows work exactly the way they sound – they open and close by sliding horizontally along their frame. Unlike double-hung windows with their grid of smaller panes, slider windows offer larger, more unbroken views. Single-slider windows have only one sliding sash, while with a double-slider window both ends can be opened and shut independently.
Architectural shape windows are a type of specialty window that highlight your home’s design with attractive geometric patterns, including octagon, trapezoid, triangle, elliptical, colonial arch, full circle, etc. Most architectural shape windows are fixed, meaning they don’t open and close, but they can be arranged around and alongside other movable windows, like sliders.
A picture window is typically a large, fixed window with large panes that allow for grand, unobstructed views. Picture windows do come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but are most common in homes with high ceilings or vaulted ceilings. While picture windows don’t offer any ventilation, they do provide rooms with an abundance of natural light.
A clad window is the best of both worlds! Here are some particular features to consider about clad windows:
Skywalker Windows and Siding is proud to partner with Pella, a top manufacturer of quality solid wood and wood clad windows. One feature that sets Pella windows apart is Pella’s patented EnduraGuard technology. The wood is immersion treated with a formula containing three active ingredients that help protect your wood frames against moisture, stains, decay, mold & mildew, and termite threats. Pella’s 450 Series offers beautiful wood windows and patio doors with low-maintenance, aluminum-clad exteriors. Skywalker can also help to consider some attractive vinyl-clad wood window options!
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