Shield your wooden windows with this protective armor
Window capping helps protect wooden windows from moisture and elemental damage.
Window caps come in aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass materials.
Incorrect installation can increase hidden moisture problems.
Work with a window installer to install your window caps.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Window capping comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages worth considering as you weigh your options.
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 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.
Grigor and Armen have taken us through the entire project and we’re professional in there job, I recommend them both on customer service.
Artizmo Builders IncThe owner, Moses, was always professional and polite - during my initial phone inquiry, when I called back to schedule, and day of the job. He arrived around 10 mins early which was great versus being late. He was honest when I asked if I should continue my old routine of clearing out my...
Smart FinishGreat. Aaron came as scheduled and installed the new garbage disposal without any problems.
Benjamin Franklin PlumbingThank you Brian and team. They were very professional and done a great job with the tinting. The film edge are done properly that I could not tell the film is on the window. They also do a great job on cleaning the windows prior of applying the film.
Atlas Graphics and Window TintingAmerican Home Center provided new windows as a subcontractor to a home remodel project. After that project completed, we were so pleased with the quality of the windows that we contacted Gus (the owner) for consultation on replacement windows for the rest of the house. Gus understands his...
The windows were very, very low cost so the quality is probably not the best but they were low cost and they fit our budget. They are low quality windows but they are double pane and low heat, they are just fine. Everything was according to what they told us. They didn't try and trick us....
When my husband and I where looking into doing a remodel of our kitchen and bathroom, we met with two different contracting companies. We chose Regal because Sean, the designer and owner, was very down to earth and saw the vision we had for our 1920's Spanish style home. We wanted to keep as...
Regal Construction & Remodeling IncI called to have Bruce come out to replace and create new screens for 3 windows. I was able to just leave the information for what I needed replaced at the house since I couldn't be there the day Bruce came out. Bruce gave me a call when he was at the house and noticed that there was a...
SCREEN BEEIt was awesome. First of all, when I spoke to Mike on the phone I told him I needed one of the windows installed in the kitchen within 3 1/2 weeks before the commencement of my kitchen remodel. He immediately called his installer, Tom, to check on whether it could be done by the required date...
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