Aluminum-clad windows and doors

Yes, all-aluminum windows and doors can outperform all-vinyl windows and doors when used in the appropriate climate. Aluminum is extremely heat resistant, making it a great material for warm climates. Vinyl is a thermally unstable material, especially lower-quality vinyl. This means vinyl is susceptible to expansion and contraction, a cycle that can eventually lead to seal failure and necessitate window replacement. 

If you’re asking this question, chances are you’re looking for a product with a price that’s comparable to an all-vinyl product. In that case, we recommend our 100 Series product line. Made of our exclusive Fibrex® material, which is twice as strong as vinyl and capable of withstanding temperatures up to 150°F, our 100 Series windows and doors offer Andersen quality at an accessible price.

Yes, you can still buy all-aluminum windows in select areas of the country. We offer this option through our Andersen Aluminum product line. While this option won’t be right for every climate, it’s a great one for warm climates where it creates a beautiful, contemporary look at an affordable price.  

Aluminum is a highly conductive material, meaning it transfers energy more easily than other materials. To make energy-efficient aluminum windows, we combine materials and design in the right way, creating a system that can meet the performance needs of the areas where it’s sold.

One way we do this is through a thermally improved option in our Andersen Aluminum product line. Window and door frames with this option include thermal breaks and other design features that help to stop the transfer of energy so inside air is less impacted by outside air and vice versa. Additionally, we only sell our all-aluminum products in warm climates. This is because aluminum is highly resistant to heat, so it performs well in the Southwest region of the United States. 

This is also the reason that many modern manufacturers use aluminum as a cladding material. In this application, wood’s insulating abilities stop aluminum from undermining energy-efficient product performance. The best aluminum-clad products leverage aluminum’s strength and flexibility to create the right aesthetic with interesting shapes, an array of colors and finishes, and large sizes.

Our all-aluminum and aluminum-clad products are built to last for decades. The exteriors of our E-Series products are warrantied 10 years against chalking and color fade and 20 years against cracking, checking, peeling, flaking, blistering, and loss of adhesion.* 

^{*Visit andersenwindows.com/warranty for details.}