Windows Made of Wood
Wood-frame windows may not have the market dominance like vinyl-frame windows have, but they are still considered the “best” by many professional contractors and homeowners. The main reason is that wood is a strong, beautiful material that is unlike any other material available on the market today.
Advantages of Wood Replacement Windows
- Warm Appearance -- The natural look of wood gives any home a warm feeling. With so many decorative options available, wood windows enhance the overall decor of any home.
- Energy Efficient -- Wood is a natural insulator as opposed to metals that are natural heat conductors. In fact, wood is 1800 more effective as an insulator than aluminum. Wood windows produce higher R-values, are unaffected by temperature extremes, and are less prone to condensation. Another advantage of wood is that it is a renewable resource. The processing of wood requires less energy and results in far less pollutants.
Good Looks Require Maintenance
Wood windows may cost significantly more than vinyl but you get what you pay for--an aesthetically pleasing, strong, and relatively energy efficient window that you can paint any color you choose.
In order to keep the paint looking fresh requires a lifetime of maintenance. Maintenance costs, such as painting, cleaning and routine repairs, correspond to a key portion of the total cost of owning windows.
Over the life of the window, these costs surpass the original installed cost of the window, by a factor of two or more on average. Wood windows require painting on a regular interval, typically every five to seven years. If wood frames are not properly protected from moisture, they can warp, crack, and stick.
Manufacturers Offer Solutions To Lessen Maintenance
Most manufacturers offer preprimed wood windows to cut down on the painting time. Others offer the option of cladding the wood with vinyl or aluminum as a way to eliminate the usual upkeep of a solid-wood window. The end product is a durable, maintenance-free exterior and a natural-wood interior that you can paint or stain. These advantages mean clad-wood windows usually cost more than ordinary wood. See more about Clad-wood windows here.
Other manufacturers suggest installing storm windows instead of replacement windows to help preserve your wood windows. Storm windows can improve the energy efficiency and acoustics of your wood windows. The air space between your old window and a storm window creates better weather insulation than the argon or krypton in a double-paned new window. What’s more, you can buy any thickness of glass in a storm window that you might purchase for a new window to reduce noise.
Protect your Investment by Hiring A Professional to Install Your Wood Windows
Installing wood windows can be more challenging than other types of windows. It usually requires someone with good carpentry skills. A knowledgeable carpenter will know what type of wood window will fit the best and operate the easiest. They will make sure that the exposed wood is free of blemishes and that finger joints aren't visible. It is worth having someone with this level of experience install your windows.