Aluminum clad windows are wood windows that are protected by an aluminum cladding, or covering. This protective layer of aluminum can be found on window sashes, casement windows, and around the exterior of the frame. Aluminum cladding adds a layer of protection that can extend the life of a wood window because the wood is not exposed to the elements. 

Wood has been a traditional window material for years, however, for a home with a more modern aesthetic, these sleek windows fit well. For older homes, aluminum windows can mimic the look of wood windows to maintain a consistent style.

When aluminum is wrapped over a wood sash, it creates a durable window material that is also energy efficient and requires little maintenance other than periodic cleaning. Aluminum clad windows are dent resistant and the paint may last longer than stain on a traditional wood window, which means less maintenance over the life of the windows. 

If your aluminum clad windows become damaged, it’s important to talk with a contractor to discuss your options for repair or replacement. 

Let’s take a look at some parts of an aluminum window that can help you identify where the problem is.

Parts of an Aluminum Window

There are two main types of aluminum clad windows — casement and double-hung. Other types of windows include fixed picture windows and bay or bow windows, but we’ll be looking at the first two styles. 

Understanding the parts of your window will help you to identify the problem areas and speak knowledgeably to a contractor to determine the best course of action.

The following parts are common to both casement and double-hung windows:

• Window Frame: The exterior border of the window that frames the glass and holds it in the wall of the structure
• Head: The top piece of the window frame
• Sill: The lower part of the window frame that juts out from the interior side of the window
• Stool: The piece of trim that rests on top of the sill
• Apron: Decorative trim that is installed on the wall just below the stool
• Window Sash: The operable part of the window. In a casement window, the sash swings vertically or horizontally to open.
• Rail: The horizontal side of the sash frame
• Stile: The vertical side of the sash frame
• Decorative Grilles: The pieces of aluminum or wood that form the panes of glass. In older windows, these grilles may have held separate panes of glass in place. In modern windows, they are largely decorative.
• Window Glazing: The glass that is encased in the sash
• Glazing Channel: The groove in the sash frame that holds the glazing
• Casing: The trim that surrounds the window frame and ties it into the interior wall or exterior siding
• Cladding – The aluminum that covers the wood elements

A casement window opens either horizontally or vertically, aided by hinges and a crank-arm system. Casement windows have certain parts that are unique to their construction:

• Locking Handle: Attached to the mullion in the center of the window and allows the window to be locked for safety and security 
• Crank Operator: Allows the window to open and close. The crank is attached to an arm that is attached to the sash. When the crank is turned, the arm moves either inward or outward to open or close the window.
• Window Hinge: The hinge that allows the window to open and close. This can include the metal sill track, bushing, arm and sash mounting bracket.

A double-hung window has two operable sashes that move up and down independently of one another. A single-hung window has only one operable sash. Double-hung windows also have parts that are specific to their construction:

• Sash Lock: The locking mechanism used to secure the two sashes closed
• Lift: The piece attached to the sash that allows for easy opening and closing
• Jambliner: The plastic side tracks in a double-hung window in which the sashes slide up and down
• Balance: The spring mechanism located in the jambliner that holds the sash up when lifted
• Tilt-pin: The pin or metal piece located on the sash that fits into the terminal in the jambliner track that allows the sash to be lifted out of place and removed

Once you identify the issue with your aluminum clad window, you can begin to search for aluminum clad window replacement parts. While it is usually more affordable to repair an aluminum clad window rather than replace the entire window, it can be difficult to find the necessary parts, and time-consuming to correctly repair the window.
Whether you choose to repair or replace your aluminum clad window, always consult with a window repair expert beforehand to help you decide on the best direction.

Choose Fenster for Aluminum Clad Window Replacement Parts

If you have an aluminum clad window that needs to be repaired, it’s possible that the original manufacturer no longer makes the parts that you need. Don’t despair! That’s where we come in — even if the manufacturer has changed, updated, or discontinued your windows, our team can help! 

At Fenster, we make aluminum clad window replacement parts that fit your original windows, so they can be restored to their former glory. With our extensive catalog of window manufacturers and thousands of parts, the combinations can be infinite. We provide an Ordering Info Checklist that walks you through how to identify the window replacement parts you need and how to order them from Fenster.

Our Quiksash replacement replica sashes are made of solid, eastern white pine treated with Woodlife 111. The aluminum cladding is industry-standard .019 gauge roll formed aluminum that will match existing windows. Our window options that include lowE w/Argon, safety tempered glass, and the option of internal grills, surface applied grills, or wood grill inserts, mean that our replica aluminum clad window sashes will often upgrade the existing window’s quality and energy performance. 

Contact us today to discuss the replacement parts you need to restore your aluminum clad wood windows to ensure they work properly and look beautiful for years to come.