Glass Failure Analysis Expert Discusses Metal Clad Wood Windows

Glass failure expert re-visits the window reliability of metal clad wood windows. Recently, numerous entities are suing various window manufacturers because of premature window failure (i.e. poor window reliability) of various brands of metal clad wood windows. These window failures are not manufacturer dependant; they are a result of the fact that these are metal clad wood windows. At issue is the fact that water can breach the caulk seal of the metal cladding and saturate the wood. This inturn causes the wood to expand and compromise these seals further. The trapped water cannot escape and as the window heats in the sun, the wood rot occurs (the wood composts), and the window structural integity is compromised (see the photographs above). A degraded window cannot prevent water intrusion. This window damage can happen rapidly (less than 3 to 5 years), and it is hidden from view by the metal cladding. Window reliability is poor and the chance for significant storm damage to a home is very high