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

Before aluminum and vinyl transformed the industry, wood was the material of choice for manufacturing window frames. But wood is porous, and over time, rain and snow can easily penetrate those frames, causing them to rot and allowing moisture to seep into the home. If replacing older wooden windows with newer, more durable aluminum or vinyl windows isn’t an option, then window capping is your next best bet.

Why Is Window Capping Important?

Wooden windows need protection from the elements. Otherwise, moisture will rot the frames. A window cap, sometimes called window cladding, covers the wooden frame of a window with a protective barrier that’s typically made from aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass. This barrier blocks moisture, wind, and other elements that would otherwise cause the wooden frame to deteriorate rapidly. 

Advantages of Window Capping

Unless you live in a very dry 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 that will pay off for you and your windows in the long run.

Protection Against the Elements

Wooden window frames are no match for the wind, rain, and snow that pummel them throughout the seasons. Window caps keep water from seeping through the porous wood frames and getting into your home. With a window cap, you’ll have peace of mind that those wooden frames won’t rot over time.

Less Maintenance

It can be quite a chore to maintain wooden windows over time. By capping windows, it removes the need to paint, stain, or reseal windows. In essence, you’re extending the life of your windows without having to do that work.

Improved Insulation

Windows themselves provide insulation for your house, but heat loss or gain can happen, particularly with older windows. Window capping adds insulation, increasing the windows’ energy efficiency and lowering your heating and cooling costs.

Boosted Curb Appeal

Window capping not only protects the exterior of a home but also enhances its look. Depending on the style and color of your home, you can choose to cap in a design that matches or complements the facade. For example, you can get capping designed to resemble wood if you have wood or faux wood siding or other wooden architectural elements. 

Types of Window Caps

While windows with wooden frames are still manufactured, they’re simply not as durable as those made from aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass. It’s not surprising, then, that capping windows often involves these very same window frame materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum wood caps are often touted as the strongest and most attractive capping choice. They’re also easy to care for; you just need a bit of warm water and soap to keep them clean. Extruded aluminum is particularly durable and finished with a resin-based finish that won’t fade when exposed to UV rays. There’s no need to repaint it over time, and the coating won’t get the chalky, powder-like finish that paint can develop as it weathers. 

Premium extruded aluminum window capping is relatively cost-effective and easy to install over most windows, though you could save money by choosing rolled aluminum instead. Rolled aluminum is thinner than extruded aluminum, so it’s not going to last forever. Additionally, because the finish isn’t as high quality as that used for extruded aluminum, rolled aluminum may chalk over time.

Vinyl

Like vinyl windows, vinyl window caps also promise a low-maintenance experience. It’s an easy surface to clean, plus it provides energy-efficient insulation for your windows that can last upwards of 20 years. However, not all vinyl is made equal. If you choose a less expensive option, you might see that it gets chalky over time, which will diminish the look of your windows.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass window caps provide good insulation for your windows, effectively locking out cold or hot air, which can cause your windows to contract or expand, depending on the season. It can be used to cap most windows, though some specialty windows won’t be compatible with fiberglass.

Even if you’re a seasoned DIYer, it’s better to hire a window pro for capping windows. An experienced contractor will not only help you choose the best window capping materials for your home, but they will install them correctly so that it protects your windows for years to come.