All About Wood Windows
Wood windows are traditional, durable, and provide excellent insulation. Wood windows are constructed by a craftsman or factory. Sections of wood are precisely cut to come together in a miter shaped like the box frame. The muntins and sashes are all constructed from wood and milled and routed to have the precise shapes that are desired for your windows. They are generally nailed, screwed and glued together. Caulk is also used to help seal the sections of wood used to construct the frame.
Pros of Wooden Windows
Wooden windows are a good option for homeowners looking for replacements that add value to their home. Wooden windows have a traditional charm which looks great in older homes as well as modern ones. There are many different types of wood to choose from, and they can be painted or stained different colors to work with just about any design that you have in mind.
Wood is an excellent insulator and wooden windows can be highly efficient when paired with quality insulating glass.
Wooden windows aren’t susceptible to the expansion and contraction that vinyl and aluminum windows suffer from during temperature changes. While wood expands and contracts from moisture exposure, properly painting the frame reduces this risk. Wood is durable and known for standing up to hard use. Hardwoods are particularly resilient and will hold up over time when well cared for. Additionally, wooden windows are less likely to lose their seal than vinyl or aluminum.
Wood frames are environmentally friendly since they can be reused, recycled, and sustainably sourced. Many can even be composted once the paint is removed. Wooden windows add value to a home for their quality, charming aesthetics, and durability.
Cons of Wooden Windows
Wooden windows are one of the most expensive options on the market today, though the price depends on the type of wood used. Hardwoods tend to be more expensive but they are also the most durable. Due to the higher cost, buying wooden window frames should be considered a long term investment for the home.
Wooden windows will last decades with proper maintenance, including scraping off old paint and applying a new coat regularly over the lifetime of the frame.
Consider the Type of Wood
When shopping for a wood window frame consider the type of wood that you want. For example, Pine is one of the most affordable types of wooden windows, while mahogany is one of the most expensive because it suffers less from expansion and contraction than other wood varieties.
Look for Primed Windows
If you plan on painting your wooden windows you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble by getting wooden windows that come primed already. They generally aren’t any more expensive than bare wood windows and will save you time during the installation process.
Getting Replacement or New Windows
When buying wooden windows you’ll have to decide between windows designed for new construction versus replacement windows. Most of the time the replacement windows will save you time and money, unless you are having windows put into a brand-new house that doesn’t have windows yet.
Replacement windows are windows without the nailing flange so they are designed to fit into an existing window frame. These windows are smaller, more affordable and they can be installed in less time. New construction windows are only desirable when windows are being put in for the first time or when the old frame rotted out or needs to be replaced entirely.
Consider Aluminum or Fiberglass Exterior Cladding
Wooden windows are one of the most reliable options available and one of the most traditional looking, but they are known for rotting and suffering from weathering over time. This issue can be solved by aluminum or fiberglass cladding. An aluminum or fiberglass exterior is used on the windows to help protect the wood from harsh weather conditions. This helps keep the windows in good condition for longer, and still preserves the charm of wooden windows on the inside of the home.
Work with Quality Manufacturers
Wooden windows are generally high quality products, but it’s still a good idea to work with proven suppliers who are known for offering a top-quality product. Suppliers like Anderson and Pella offer some of the best windows in the business and can be relied upon to deliver a quality product.
Wood isn’t always the right option, but there’s something particularly pleasing about a high quality wooden window that’s intricately constructed. Consider updating old windows in your home with wooden frames to help preserve the charm of your home and to enjoy durability and strength for years to come.