What Is Window Capping? How You Can Protect Your Windows for Years to Come

Wood offers a natural and timeless appearance to your home’s windows. But its porous properties let rain and snow penetrate the frames, leading to wood rot and interior moisture damage. Before you resign yourself to upgrading your wooden windows with newer, more durable aluminum or vinyl windows, consider window capping as your next best option.

What Is Window Capping?

Window capping, also called window cladding, is a type of trim that enhances a wooden window’s water-resistant properties and durability while adding stylistic elements to the exterior of your home. The caps come in sheets that bend to fit over the window frame material and press against the wall frame to stay in place.

Types of Window Capping

There are three main types of window capping: aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each type has unique properties that could make it the right choice for your windows. Let’s break down the different materials and review their characteristics to help you get an idea of what to look for as you browse your options.

Aluminum

Aluminum wood caps have a reputation for being the strongest and most attractive capping choice. They’re low-maintenance, easy to clean, durable, and UV-resistant, so they won’t fade. Another added bonus is that you don’t need to paint or repaint aluminum window capping. The best type of aluminum capping is premium extruded aluminum, so be on the lookout for this option if you want to make your dollar go farther. 

Vinyl

Vinyl window caps are similar to aluminum in that they, too, promise a low-maintenance experience. Vinyl is simple to clean, and its insulating properties give it the upper hand over aluminum in terms of energy efficiency. However, vinyl is a plastic and, therefore, has a lower lifespan compared to other options—it’s susceptible to extreme temperature changes that can shorten its lifespan. It also might not be the most attractive capping material for windows.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass window caps provide the best of both worlds, offering good insulation, durability, and low maintenance for your windows. This material effectively locks out cold or hot air, which can cause your windows to contract or expand, depending on the season. The only downsides to fiberglass are that this window treatment costs more than the other materials, and some specialty windows are incompatible with fiberglass.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Window Capping

Window capping comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages worth considering as you weigh your options. 

Window Capping Pros

Unless you live in an arid region that sees little to no rainfall, window capping is a must if you want to increase the longevity of your wooden windows. Here are some reasons you should call a window company near you to discuss this home improvement project:

• Protection against the elements: Wooden window frames alone are no match for the elements. With window capping, however, water has a harder time seeping through the porous frames and causing wood rot. 

• Less maintenance: Let’s face it: wooden windows mean high maintenance. But capping windows helps remove the need to paint, stain, or reseal windows. 

• Improved insulation: Window capping adds insulation, making windows more energy efficient and making indoor air temperatures feel more comfortable, especially for older, single-pane windows. 

• Lower energy bills: Energy-efficient windows help lower your heating and cooling costs.

• Boosted curb appeal: Window capping comes in various styles and colors that can match or complement your home’s exterior.

• More affordable than replacement windows: If your windows are in good condition and only need new trim, then installing window capping can save on the cost of replacing windows, which can cost upwards of $11,800. 

Window Capping Cons

Window capping isn't for every home, so it's important to keep these downsides in mind:

• Not very DIY-friendly: An incorrect installation of window caps can actually worsen moisture issues or damage your window frames, leading to mold damage and costly repairs.

• High upfront costs: Though more budget-friendly than full-on replacing your windows, window capping can still be a big investment, depending on the number of windows, location, and accessibility. 

• May hide moisture problems: If you don’t routinely maintain your windows and inspect them for signs of degraded caulking, cracks, and insect damage, capping can hide moisture problems and hold onto moisture. You can circumvent this by inspecting your windows after storms and at least once a year.

• Incompatibility issues: Some fiberglass capping isn’t compatible with custom windows and may not be an option for certain homes.