Advantages and Disadvantages of Wooden Windows Compared With Aluminium and Vinyl Windows
Okay, so it might be a bit hard to decide which window is best. Which should you choose? Should you go with glass windows or plastic windows? Polyvinyl Chloride (pvc) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)? Aluminum or wooden frames? There are so many details that one must focus on, and there are many sources on the internet that will discuss these things, but now let us focus on what we call the wooden windows. Let us explore its features its components.
Disadvantages of Wooden Windows
Wooden windows can insulate a room very well as compared to glass or plastic windows. However, windows with wooden frames will contract and expand, depending on the current weather condition. Wooden frames are also generally thicker and heavier than most other window frames, which make it really hard to keep, and allow less opportunity to get a large view out of the window. Having wooden frames also reduces how much natural light can come into the room, thus, lessening the opportunity for daylighting.
Another disadvantage of wooden windows is that wooden frames require the most maintenance. However, wooden frames, when combined with other types like aluminum or vinyl may lessen this (but increase the cost!).
Advantages of Wooden Windows
Wooden windows and frames are not all that bad though. The good thing about wooden frames is that it gives a more elegant and natural feel to your place Wooden windows tend to be more old fashioned and traditional, thus, giving it the more aged and antique look if that is what you want to achieve.
So why buy wooden frames?
Because it is elegant! Wooden frames will look really great in your home especially if you are aiming for a very homey and natural atmosphere.
Taking Care of Your Wooden Windows
Wooden windows tend to become quite brittle and easier to break especially if weathered constantly. However, sometimes, the cause of this is merely improper window parts alignment. That is why it is still very essential to have your windows properly installed.
Also when replacing your wooden window parts, make sure that the windows are properly reinstalled. Though hiring window experts may be quite costly, it is still better to be sure than live with the long term consequences of what might happen. It might make you spend even more than you should have in the first place.
It is also simply best to always have a regular exterior examination of your wooden windows for maintenance. One must be able to remove and replace old (loose or cracked) putty on your window and then later on repaint them. Make sure that you have sealed all parts of the jambs that are unsealed or unpainted with oil. Also wipe any condensation that forms on the bottom rail of your sash (this happens most of the time during winter season). Ensure that the bottom faces of your sash are covered with primer and finish paint, too, to ensure smooth movement and elegance.
The prime things to remember with wooden windows and frames is to never paint the movable parts of the window as well as those touched by the moving part, and do not touch fresh glaze or putty since it is very soft (this will stay like this for months so be very careful in closing and opening your wooden window).
Posted in Windows
on March 4th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I m a student of Colombo School of Architecture, Sri Lanka. I m really impressed with these information which is very clearly understandable. Cheers….!!!