Yes, clear anodized is actual aluminum. Used commercially everyday. If you need to see it in person most any commercial building that has sliver looking windows and doors would be clear anodized aluminum.

It is aluminum with an anodized finish. From what I know, it only has a five year warranty unlike some of the kynar finishes that have a twenty year warranty. That speaks volumes.

Thanks. I guess the colored anodized finishes would make me nervous with that type of warranty but the clear aluminum look...what could go wrong? If you scratch it, doesn't it look pretty much the same? (I have 60 year old aluminum windows now and they look pretty good still, just like, well, aluminum.)

If it's clear anodized aluminum and you scratch it, it will look the same minus the scratch. If it's a bronze or any color in it, you pretty much can't repair the scratch unlike a paint finish. Most every brand has a 5 year warranty for anodizing because of the color loss that can occur. Oxidation could happen eventually as well but maybe not for 20 years depending on your climate?

With clear anodized you just need to make certain the any deck cleaner or mildew cleaner does not come in contact with the aluminum as it will ruin the finish almost instantly.

Thanks for the info!