Windows are one of the necessities of a home. Not only are wooden window frames essential in enhancing a house’s interior and exterior appearance, but they also brighten the rooms, keep out the rain, and let in fresh air.
Many people deal with low-performance windows which let in the chill during winter. Not only is dealing with a cold home extremely uncomfortable, but the heat bill is also not a pretty sight.
Wooden window frames have become vastly popular because of it’s light, durable, and attractive material. It provides excellent insulation, is moderately priced, and you can adapt it into unlimited shapes and profiles. Plus, with a bit of regular care, it can last indefinitely.
Considering wooden window frames? Here’s everything a homeowner needs to know.
Classic Wooden Window Frames
Real wood has a look and a feel to it that no other material can match. Wood is classic. Almost all other window frame materials attempt to mimic the look and feel of wood. So why settle for a cheap imitation when you can get the real thing?
As modern technology has advanced, even more options have come out on the market that beautifully blends the classic look of genuine wood with practical efficiencies of new material.
For example, the Milgard wood product line (discontinued) takes wooden window frames one step further by combining a wood frame interior with a long-lasting fiberglass exterior. A new engineering system securely connects multiple units and creates a tight seal. The tight seal protects against any air and water infiltration.
The fiberglass exterior resists damage from a variety of natural environments. Water, cold weather, hot temperatures, salty air, and harmful ultraviolet rays are just a few examples. The powder coated exterior will not peel, bend, crack, or warp, even during extreme temperature changes.
Especially when it comes to older or more traditional homes, no other option looks as good as real genuine wood windows.
Excellent Insulation
Genuine wooden window frames help to insulate a home far better than any other kind of window frame. Real wood provides almost 400 times more insulation than steel window frames and nearly 1,800 times as much as aluminum-frames.
These other materials tend to change in size and volume depending on temperature changes. Wood, because of its high R-values, is a bad conductor of heat and does not change when it gets hot or cold. It almost makes it less prone to condensation as well. That makes it one of the best insulators available on the market today.
The insulation that real wood provides can help keep a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Thus, it saves the homeowner big bucks on utility bills all year round. To increase insulating properties further, homeowners can also choose energy efficient double-paned glass, which comes in a variety of styles and finishes as well.
Wooden window frames deliver exceptional energy savings and are an economically smart long-term choice for any homeowner.
Versatile
Wood can be altered through painting and staining to fit in with the decor of the home. These alterations not only gives the homeowner the versatility to customize windows to match their style and taste, but it also gives them the flexibility to change the window frames as trends change.
While some other types of frames may accept paint, wooden window frames embrace paint color unlike any other. Wood not only welcomes paint, it almost demands it. This versatility can lead to a stunning curbside appeal for any home.
Many different exteriors and interior cladding options are available that make wood windows very versatile to the homeowner’s wishes. Wooden frames come in an almost endless variety of custom shapes and sizes.
From carvings, moldings, or just simple panels, there is a wood window out there that can be created to match the look of a home exactly. Tired of the color after a few years? Just sand them down, prime, and repaint! No other material comes close when it comes to flexibility and versatility.
Resale Value
Wood also enhances the value of most houses. The majority of homeowners prefer the look and feel of wood. That is why there are so many other window frame materials out there that try to mimic wood. Genuine wood window frames almost always demand a higher price whenever you sell a home.
Maintaining an aesthetically pleasing home is very important when it comes time to resell. When replacing windows, making sure that the wood matches and looks good is a top priority. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, it shows that homeowners get back almost 73% of window replacement costs when they eventually sell.
Wood windows increase the resale value of your home more than any other type of window or door. Wood windows are the architectural standard for high-end quality, and buyers are often looking at details such as windows when considering their offer.
Eco-friendly Wooden Window Frames
Going “green” is a popular trend in home building and is important on the homeowner’s part to help protect the environment. Manufacturers create wood window frames from natural, renewable resources that do not produce harmful elements to the environment.
Wood is the very definition of eco-friendly. Trees are a renewable resource, and wooden window frames never end up in a landfill. Even if they do, they will eventually naturally break down into compounds that are beneficial to the soil.
Environmentally driven homeowners can also look for frames made from locally harvested, certifiably sustainable sources. Some smaller companies even make frames from reclaimed wood.
In a study published by Heriot-Watt University, wooden windows are shown to be the most environmentally friendly choice when it comes to framing options. Using wooden window frames from sustainable sources makes this window framing option the most environmentally friendly option by far.
Longevity
Wooden window frames can potentially last for many years to come. With the proper maintenance and care, wooden windows can efficiently resist wear and tear and last for a lifetime.
Wood mandates less maintenance then many other frame materials and tends to have a long life especially if you use a good quality wood. Additionally, wood does not rust, which is especially important to those locations with high humidity levels. Wood does not chip or crack easily. It also is not prone to denting, which often happens to steel frames.
Research has shown again and again that quality wooden window frames last longer and have a lower long-term cost. A well-built wood window will stand the test of time. Many original wood windows in old homes are still in fantastic shape thanks to the high quality and species of wood used at the time of installation. All of these characteristics make wooden window frames the best option when it comes to longevity.
Structural Integrity
Wood uses strong fibers and cellulose to withstand years of weathering. These fibers and cellulose also naturally withstand temperature changes and weather conditions, helping the frames retain their shape through any kind of inclement weather.
The natural composite of cellulose fibers in wood is strong in tension and resistant to compression. People have used wood for centuries for a reason. Wood is a natural and reliable material and is superior in all weathers.
When compared to vinyl window frames, wood frames are much more resilient to heat. When faced with heat, vinyl windows can develop leaks, become difficult to open and close or develop structural issues.
The form stability and reduced swelling of wooden windows also removes the stress on paint finishes. Removing the stress makes wooden frames low maintenance, and the homeowner can enjoy their new windows with peace of mind, knowing that the structural integrity of the material is solid.
Efficient Against Sound
Wooden window frames are excellent at stopping outdoor sounds, being again much more effective than all other materials.
Compared to the many other materials on the market that are used to make window frames, wood is very effective in absorbing sounds, therefore making it the best material to stop outdoor sounds from seeping into a home.
The natural qualities of wood efficiently absorb and dissipate sound waves. Wood materials are better at absorbing lower frequencies of sound than other materials.
One of the many concerns of homeowners is how to effectively block out outdoor noise so that the home can be comfortable and private. This is especially true in bedrooms, where sleep and rest occur.
In this instance, wooden interior framed windows are the best choice among the options to effectively stop outdoor sounds from seeping in.
Ready to Change Up those Old Frames?
There are many reasons to replace old window frames. From aesthetics to functional purposes, wooden window frames are the way to go.
Wood replacement windows are an excellent choice for an existing home or a home undergoing new construction. Something to consider for the homeowner interested in changing out old windows: new high performance insulating wooden windows can cut energy costs by up to 25 percent.
Click here for more information about wooden window frame installations and projects.
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