I've had aluminum-clad wood windows on my place for about 12 years now, and honestly, fading hasn't been an issue at all. They're south-facing too, so they get plenty of sun. Insulation-wise, they've held up pretty well—no noticeable drafts or anything. But I do wonder if the color choice makes a difference...maybe darker finishes fade more noticeably? Anyone here with darker aluminum cladding notice fading over time?
"maybe darker finishes fade more noticeably?"
Yeah, darker colors definitely absorb more UV rays, so fading can become noticeable quicker. Usually, premium finishes have UV-resistant coatings, but even then... after 10-15 years you might see slight discoloration if you're really looking for it.
We went with a dark bronze finish on our windows about 12 years ago, and honestly, they've held up pretty well. But yeah, if you look closely, especially on the south-facing side of the house, you can spot some subtle fading. Nothing major or ugly, just a bit lighter than when they were new. Still glad we chose them though—just something to keep in mind if you're picky about color consistency over the long haul.
Interesting point about the fading—I've seen that happen quite a bit, especially with darker finishes. But I'm curious, have you considered vinyl windows as an alternative? I know vinyl sometimes gets a bad rap for looking "cheap," but honestly, the quality has improved dramatically over the past decade or so. I've installed plenty of them, and some of the newer vinyl options hold their color surprisingly well, even on south-facing exposures.
One thing I've noticed is that darker aluminum or bronze finishes, while beautiful initially, tend to show fading or subtle discoloration more noticeably over time. Vinyl, on the other hand, is usually more resistant to UV fading, especially if you go with lighter or neutral colors. Of course, vinyl isn't perfect either—there can be issues with expansion and contraction in extreme climates—but from a purely color-consistency standpoint, it might be worth considering.
Also, have you thought about fiberglass windows? They're pricier than vinyl but still usually cheaper than high-end aluminum or wood-clad options. Fiberglass tends to hold up really well against fading and weathering, and I've seen installations that look practically new after 10+ years. Just something else to think about if you're weighing long-term aesthetics against initial cost.
I totally get why you'd still be happy with your choice though—dark bronze does have a timeless look that's hard to beat. Just figured I'd toss out some alternatives in case anyone else reading this thread is still on the fence.
Good points on vinyl and fiberglass. I installed vinyl windows for a client about 8 years ago, south-facing side of the house, and honestly they've held up better than I expected. The color's still pretty consistent, no noticeable fading yet. That said, I've also seen some cheaper vinyl brands warp a bit in extreme heat, so brand quality definitely matters.
Fiberglass is interesting too—I've only done a handful of installs with it, but the homeowners have been super happy. One lady even called me back after a few years just to say how impressed she was that they still looked new (which was nice to hear, since callbacks usually mean something went wrong, haha).
I get the appeal of dark bronze aluminum though; it really does have that classic look that's hard to replicate. Curious if anyone here's had experience with composite windows? I've heard good things about their durability and appearance, but haven't personally worked with them yet.
"Curious if anyone here's had experience with composite windows? I've heard good things about their durability and appearance, but haven't personally worked with them yet."
We put composite windows in our place about 5 years ago—mostly because we liked the look and heard they were pretty durable. So far, they've been great. No warping or fading, even on the side that gets blasted by afternoon sun. They weren't exactly cheap, but definitely less pricey than fiberglass or aluminum options we looked at.
One thing I noticed is they're really good at insulating sound too...our street can get noisy sometimes, and these windows made a noticeable difference. Installation seemed straightforward enough (at least from what I saw watching the crew), and maintenance has been minimal—just occasional cleaning.
Overall, I'd say composites are a solid middle-ground option if you're looking for something durable without totally breaking the bank.
Glad to hear composites worked out well for you. I've installed a few composite windows myself, and your experience matches mine pretty closely.
"No warping or fading, even on the side that gets blasted by afternoon sun."
This was a big plus for me too—especially since my old wooden frames warped badly after just a couple years. Installation was straightforward enough for DIY, and they've held up nicely through some rough winters. Sounds like you're on the right track...good luck with your project!
Composite windows definitely seem to be the sweet spot between cost and durability. I swapped mine out about three years ago after getting fed up with sanding and repainting wood frames every summer—talk about a chore. Installation wasn't exactly a breeze for me (let's just say measuring twice wasn't enough...), but once they were in, they've been rock solid. No more drafts or sticking windows, and my wallet didn't cry too much either.
Did you notice much difference in your energy bills after switching? I went composite about two years ago, mostly to cut down on heating costs. Installation was a bit of a headache here too—turns out my house isn't exactly square—but once they were in, the drafts disappeared. Curious if others saw similar savings or if it's just me being overly optimistic...
"Curious if others saw similar savings or if it's just me being overly optimistic..."
Honestly, I didn't see a huge drop in my bills after switching windows. Sure, the drafts were gone, and the house felt cozier overall... but the actual savings weren't as dramatic as I'd hoped. Makes me wonder if insulation or sealing up other leaks would've given me more bang for my buck. Maybe windows alone aren't the magic bullet some folks think they are?