--- title: "Clad-Wood vs Steel vs Aluminum Window Frames Compared" description: "Compare clad-wood, thermally broken steel and aluminum window frames: look, heat flow, finish, upkeep, sightlines and weight, with sourced maker facts." url: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/clad-wood-vs-steel-vs-aluminum-frames publisher: Honey Rock Window and Door phone: +1-214-484-9982 quote: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us --- # Clad-wood, steel or aluminum: which window frame fits your home? Clad wood gives a warm wood interior with a low-upkeep aluminum exterior. Thermally broken steel gives the narrowest, most architectural look. Aluminum offers slim frames in many systems. All three work in Texas if the frame has a thermal break and the glass is chosen for the sun. Updated November 5, 20267 min read ![A wood window frame looking out over a green valley](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/nordic-wood-window-valley-01.DV5vdeJ2_Z1yLafJ.avif) ## Clad wood Wood inside, extruded aluminum outside. Sun states its clad-wood line uses a pine interior that can be stained, painted or clear-coated. ## Thermally broken steel Jada builds steel profiles with a polyurethane thermal barrier and narrow sightlines, then zinc coats them after fabrication. ## Aluminum ENERGY STAR says aluminum frames are durable and typically include thermal breaks. Bertrand publishes slim aluminum systems with exact visible widths. ## Metal needs a break The Department of Energy says a mostly metal frame needs carefully integrated thermal breaks. ## Which frame material should I choose? Choose by look, upkeep and opening size. Clad wood suits homes that want a warm wood interior. Thermally broken steel suits the slimmest, most architectural look. Aluminum suits slim frames and many system choices. All three need good glass and, for metal, a thermal break. Honey Rock Window and Door works with three makers. Sun makes clad-wood windows and doors. Jada makes thermally broken steel windows and doors. Bertrand makes wood, aluminum and wood-aluminum systems. Each material here maps to a maker’s published product, so you can compare facts, not slogans. The table gives the short version. Sections below add detail. Factor Clad wood Thermally broken steel Aluminum Interior look Wood: stain, paint or clear coat Steel profile; patina or paint Metal; color by finish Exterior Extruded aluminum cladding Zinc coated steel with patina and clear coat, or paint Aluminum with a finish Thermal path Wood is a poor conductor Needs a thermal break; Jada uses a polyurethane barrier Needs a thermal break; ENERGY STAR says designs typically include one Sightline Wider, unless the system is slim Narrow; Jada states narrow sightlines Slim systems exist; Bertrand publishes exact widths Upkeep Cladding cuts exterior upkeep Protected by zinc and coatings; ask about the finish warranty Durable and low maintenance per ENERGY STAR Honey Rock works with [Sun Windows](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/sun-windows) [Jada](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/jada) [Bertrand](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/bertrand) ## What is a clad-wood window? A [clad-wood window](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/wood-clad-window) has a wood interior and an outer skin of metal. The aluminum cladding shields the wood from weather. The wood stays on the inside, where you see it. ENERGY STAR explains that “the exterior surfaces of many wood windows are clad (or covered) with aluminum or vinyl to reduce maintenance.” It also notes that wood frames “are strong, provide good insulation, and are generally favored in historical neighborhoods.” Sun states that its “clad-wood windows and doors feature wood interiors with extruded aluminum-clad exteriors.” The interior “can be stained, painted, or even clear-coated.” That gives you control over how the room looks. See the [clad-wood windows page](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/windows/clad-wood-windows) for the product range. ## How do steel, aluminum and wood compare for heat? Wood slows heat on its own. Metal moves heat fast, so metal frames need a [thermal break](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/thermal-break). A thermal break is a low-conductivity barrier in the middle of the frame. The Department of Energy says a mostly metal frame “needs to have carefully integrated thermal breaks.” Jada describes its steel path: profiles “are roll formed from quality metals and the two halves are joined with a pressure infused polyurethane thermal barrier.” Jada adds that “condensation is also inhibited when using profiles with a thermal break.” Our glossary defines thermally broken steel in one short entry. For aluminum, ENERGY STAR says “frame design typically includes thermal breaks to reduce conductive heat loss through the metal.” The Department of Energy lists nonconductive frame materials such as wood, vinyl and fiberglass as a way to lower U-factor. The frame is only part of the rating. Glass is a bigger share of most openings. Jada says it directly: along with the thermal performance of the steel frame, the glass performance has the most impact on efficiency. For the numbers, read our SHGC and U-factor guide and our NFRC label guide. Glass choices follow the frame. Sun states that “all Sun products use dual-glazed insulated glass as standard.” Whatever frame you choose, ask for the NFRC rating with the exact glass in your quote, because the same frame can rate differently with different glass. ## Which frame gives the slimmest sightline? Steel and slim aluminum give the narrowest visible frames. A [sightline](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/sightline) is the width of frame you see from inside. Narrow sightlines mean more glass and more view. Jada states that its swing products “are produced using narrow sightline Secco OS2 thermally broken steel profiles.” Jada publishes no sightline numbers, so this guide gives none for steel. Ask Jada’s team for drawings and section details. Bertrand publishes numbers for one slim aluminum system, the MB-79N CSF outward-opening window. It lists a minimum visible frame width of 1.39 in (35.2 mm) for fixed units and a minimum visible sash width of 2.38 in (60.5 mm) for operable units. Confirm US availability and ratings before you plan around it. Clad wood often shows a wider frame than metal systems. If you want a clad-wood look with a slim frame, ask Sun for sightline drawings of the product you have in mind. Sun publishes no max sizes on its pages. Our slim profile windows guide covers the design side. ## Which frame needs the most upkeep? Exposed finishes need the most care. Cladding on wood windows cuts exterior upkeep. Steel depends on its coatings. Aluminum is durable and low maintenance by ENERGY STAR’s description. Always ask for the finish warranty in writing. Jada coats steel in layers. “All of our components are fully zinc coated after final welding, drilling and machining are completed.” Then it applies a patina, followed by “a satin sheen clear coat to add durability for everyday use.” For solid color, it offers “Tnemec color matching in a durable polymer paint.” Jada publishes no product warranty on the pages we reviewed, so ask for one before you order. Sun’s clad-wood windows use a powder-coated aluminum exterior. Finish details and warranty terms vary by product line, so read the current warranty for the series you pick. Wood interiors also need care. A stained or painted interior needs the same attention as any trim in your home. ![A handle on a wood window frame](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/detail-window-handle-wood-01.CcruvhQh_ZtNgSp.avif) ## Which frame suits big glass walls and heavy doors? Large sashes need strong frames and good hardware. Metal frames are common for large openings. Weight depends on glass and system. Always ask for the maximum size and weight of the system you pick, and for the glass limits that apply. Bertrand lists a maximum sash weight of 176 lb (80 kg) for its MB-79N CSF window. Jada does not publish door or window maximum sizes on its product pages. It does state that its glass supplier can make tempered insulated glass up to 130 x 300, and that “most oversize glass is sold without warranty.” Our glass options guide covers panes in detail. Sliding and folding systems follow the same logic. For lift-and-slide and multi-slide doors, read our lift-and-slide guide. ## Which frame suits a historic home or district? Wood and clad wood match many older homes. Rules differ by district. Dallas conservation districts and Landmark districts have their own standards, and some limit metal frame finishes. Ask the city first, then pick the material. The M Streets ordinance, for example, says “metal window frames must have a finish that is indistinguishable from the finish on original wood windows.” See the [historic districts guide](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/windows-in-dallas-historic-districts). ![A sunlit living room with a lake view](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/project-06.6oQYvvRz_1IzcHi.avif) ## How should I decide between steel and aluminum? Decide on look, size, finish and rating. Steel gives a crafted, slim look and offers custom finishes. Aluminum offers many slim systems. Both are metal, so both need a thermal break. Our [steel vs aluminum guide](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/steel-vs-aluminum-windows) goes further. 1. Draw your openings and mark which ones are large. 2. Choose the look: wood warmth, steel patina or clean aluminum. 3. Ask each maker for sightline drawings and maximum sizes. 4. Request whole-window NFRC ratings with your glass. 5. Ask for finish samples and the written finish warranty. 6. Compare quotes for the same openings and glass. 7. Check historic or HOA rules before you finalize. ## What do the three makers publish about their frames? Each maker publishes different facts, so the comparison is not apples to apples. The table lists what each one states on its own site. Where a maker publishes no number, the table says so, and you should ask for it. Maker Frame material What the maker states Sun Windows Clad wood Wood interior with extruded aluminum-clad exterior; dual-glazed insulated glass as standard; no sizes or U-factors published on the pages we read Jada Thermally broken steel Narrow sightline profiles with a polyurethane thermal barrier; zinc coating after fabrication; no sightline numbers or product warranty published Bertrand Wood, aluminum, wood-aluminum, PVC Part of the NFRC Product Certification Program; slim aluminum system with a 1.39 in (35.2 mm) minimum visible fixed frame Bertrand says it is “part of the NFRC Product Certification Program.” That statement covers the company, so still ask for the rating of your exact product. Request current literature from Sun and Jada for finish and glass details. The frame you like most may not come from the maker with the most published data. Use the data to ask better questions. Then compare drawings, samples and written quotes. ## What should I ask before I order? Ask the same questions of every maker, whatever the material. Their written answers will tell you more than a brochure, and they let you compare quotes fairly. - What is the visible frame width at the mullion and at the sash? - What are the maximum sizes and weights for each opening type? - Which glass package is used in the published NFRC rating? - What is the finish, and what does the warranty say? - What is the lead time for my configuration? (Do not assume. Ask.) - Who services the product after install? ## Next step Bring your plans and a list of the looks you like. Honey Rock Window and Door can help you match a frame to each opening. Start with the [clad-wood windows page](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/windows/clad-wood-windows), then use [Start your project](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us) or call (214) 484-9982. ## Questions people ask ### What is a clad-wood window? A clad-wood window has a wood interior and an outer skin of aluminum or vinyl. The cladding protects the wood and cuts upkeep. Sun states that its clad-wood windows and doors have wood interiors with extruded aluminum-clad exteriors, and that the interior can be stained, painted or clear-coated. ### Are steel windows energy efficient? They can be if the steel frame has a thermal break and the glass is chosen well. The Department of Energy says a mostly metal frame needs carefully integrated thermal breaks. Jada joins its profile halves with a polyurethane thermal barrier. Ask for the NFRC rating of the whole product. ### Do steel windows rust? Steel can rust if it is not protected. Jada says all of its steel components are fully zinc coated after welding, drilling and machining are done, then given a patina and clear coat or an opaque paint. Ask the maker for its finish warranty in writing, since Jada publishes no product warranty on its site. ### What is better, steel or aluminum windows? Neither wins on every point. Steel gives the narrowest sightlines and a crafted look. Aluminum comes in many slim systems. Both need a thermal break in Texas. Compare sightline, weight, finish and the NFRC rating for your exact openings. ### Which frame suits a historic home in Dallas? Wood and clad wood match many old homes. ENERGY STAR says wood frames are generally favored in historical neighborhoods. But rules vary by district, and some set limits on metal frame finishes. Check with the City of Dallas before you choose. ### Can I get a lower price by choosing one material? Honey Rock Window and Door does not publish prices, so we cannot name one. Ask for quotes on the same openings in each material, with the same glass. Compare the full price, including finish, glass and any special sizes. ## Terms on this page - [SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient)](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/shgc) - [Thermally broken steel](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/thermally-broken-steel) - [Aluminum-clad](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/aluminum-clad) - [Thermal break](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/thermal-break) - [NFRC label](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/nfrc-label) - [Sightline](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/sightline) - [U-factor](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/u-factor) - [Mullion](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/mullion) - [Sash](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/sash) ## Sources 1. [ENERGY STAR: What makes it ENERGY STAR? (wood)](https://www.energystar.gov/products/res_windows_doors_skylights/key-product-criteria) 2. [ENERGY STAR: What makes it ENERGY STAR? (clad)](https://www.energystar.gov/products/res_windows_doors_skylights/key-product-criteria) 3. [ENERGY STAR: What makes it ENERGY STAR? (aluminum)](https://www.energystar.gov/products/res_windows_doors_skylights/key-product-criteria) 4. [ENERGY STAR: What makes it ENERGY STAR? (aluminum thermal breaks)](https://www.energystar.gov/products/res_windows_doors_skylights/key-product-criteria) 5. [U.S. Department of Energy FEMP: Purchasing Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights (metal frames)](https://www.energy.gov/cmei/femp/purchasing-energy-efficient-residential-windows-doors-and-skylights) 6. [U.S. Department of Energy FEMP: Purchasing Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights (frame materials)](https://www.energy.gov/cmei/femp/purchasing-energy-efficient-residential-windows-doors-and-skylights) 7. [Jada Windows: Thermal Design](https://jada.com/features/thermal-design) 8. [Jada Windows: Thermal Design (condensation)](https://jada.com/features/thermal-design) 9. [Jada Windows: Finish Options](https://jada.com/features/finish) 10. [Jada Windows: Finish Options (clear coat)](https://jada.com/features/finish) 11. [Jada Windows: Finish Options (opaque color)](https://jada.com/features/finish) 12. [Jada Windows: Swing](https://jada.com/products/swing) 13. [Jada Windows: Energy-Values (frame type)](https://jada.com/features/energy-values) 14. [Jada Windows: Glazing (glass impact)](https://jada.com/features/glazing) 15. [Jada Windows: Glazing (oversize glass)](https://jada.com/features/glazing) 16. [Jada Windows: Glazing (oversize warranty)](https://jada.com/features/glazing) 17. [City of Dallas: M Street Conservation District ordinance (metal frames)](https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/historicpreservation/DCH%20documents/pdf/MStreet_GreenlandHills.pdf) 18. [Sun Windows: Clad Wood Windows and Doors](https://www.sunwindows.com/cladwood.html) 19. [Sun Windows: Clad Wood Windows and Doors (interior finish)](https://www.sunwindows.com/cladwood.html) 20. [Sun Windows: Insulated Glass and Glass Options](https://www.sunwindows.com/insulated-glass.html) 21. [Bertrand: About us (NFRC program)](https://windowsbertrand.com/bertrand-about-us) 22. [Bertrand: About us](https://windowsbertrand.com/bertrand-about-us) 23. [Bertrand: MB-79N CSF slim aluminum window system (frame width)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-79n-csf) 24. [Bertrand: MB-79N CSF slim aluminum window system (sash width)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-79n-csf) 25. [Bertrand: MB-79N CSF slim aluminum window system (weight)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-79n-csf) Written by Honey Rock Window and Door and checked against the sources above on November 5, 2026. Product specifications and city rules change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Steel vs aluminum windows: how to choose for a Dallas homeChoose steel when you want the slimmest metal look and a patina or painted finish, and choose aluminum when you want a wide range of systems and powder-coated or anodized color. Both need a thermal break to perform well in Texas heat. Compare NFRC labels, sightline numbers, sash weight limits and written quotes before you decide.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/steel-vs-aluminum-windows) - [Slim profile windows: how thin can the frame go?A slim profile window has a narrow visible frame, called the sightline, so more of the opening is glass. Bertrand publishes 1.39 in for a fixed frame and 2.38 in for an operable sash on its MB-79N CSF. Jada says its steel profiles are narrow sightline but publishes no width.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/slim-profile-windows) - [Steel windows and doors for Dallas homesSteel windows and doors use a thin steel frame to hold large panes of glass. Jada builds them from narrow Secco OS2 thermally broken steel profiles in four families: swing, slide, fold and pivot. A built-in thermal break keeps heat from crossing the frame. Honey Rock Window and Door works with Jada for Dallas projects.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/steel-windows-and-doors) - [Window replacement in Dallas luxury and historic homesBefore you replace windows in Dallas, confirm three things with the city: whether your work needs a permit, whether your home sits in a Landmark or conservation district, and what that district allows. As of November 2026, historic districts need approval before exterior work. Never assume a swap is exempt.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/window-replacement-dallas) - [Replacing windows and doors in a Dallas historic districtIn a Dallas Landmark district, exterior work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness before it starts. Minor work may need only staff approval. Bigger changes go to the Landmark Commission. Conservation districts like the M Streets use a Work Review Form instead. Confirm your address and the rules with the city first.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/windows-in-dallas-historic-districts) - [Folding and bi-fold doors for Dallas homesA folding door is a row of hinged glass panels that fold flat and stack to one side, opening nearly a whole wall. Jada makes outswing steel folding doors and windows. Bertrand makes aluminum folding systems. Sun makes clad-wood bi-fold doors and windows with Centor hardware. Honey Rock works with all three makers.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/folding-doors) ![A modern home with wide glass doors lit warm at dusk beside a pool](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/dusk-modern-home-pool-01.CeePxgPr_Z2giQin.webp) ## Let’s frame your view. Send your plans or a few photos of the openings. We will help you choose the system, the brand and the glass. [Start your project](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us)[or call (214) 484-9982](tel:+1-214-484-9982)