Wooden Windows In A New House
Windows are an important component of any building. Not only are they required to bring freshness inside rooms but also have aesthetic properties.
Home owners are often faced with the daunting task of choosing between vinyl and wooden windows as they seek to replace them. Different people will prefer either of the two materials depending on the advantages that each has over the other.
Price is, of course, an important factor to consider in making this decision. Buying and fixing wooden designs is more expensive than the cost for vinyl. The price for wood also depends on whether it is hardwood or softwood.
A 36 by 54 inch double hung with insulated glass costs USD 270 if made of pine and USD if made of a hardwood such as mahogany. If the same is made of vinyl, it is much cheaper.
Better insulation is achieved with wood compared to vinyl. This is most significant in an area that is prone to adverse weather conditions. During extreme winter conditions, there is need to ensure that as little heat as possible is lost form the house. During summer, there is need to ensure that room temperature does not rise to extremes. In both cases wood is an ideal material especially if it is weather stripped.
When making a replacement, the theme of the house is an important consideration. Wood provides a wide range of options to the home owner. The window can be painted into different colours to fit into the pre-existing theme. Vinyl is restricted to only three colours that include white, bronze and tan thus the options are a bit limited here.
Other than the high cost, there are a few other disadvantages that may discourage buyers. One of these disadvantages is the fact that these windows are a bit difficult to clean. They need to be handled carefully during repairs and cleaning using cotton gloves. This helps avoid grease, oil and dirt that may spoil the window. Unlike vinyl, wood needs regular cleaning to prolong its life.
As long as they are well-maintained, these windows last for a long time. Some of the maintenance required includes guarding against staining through continuous treatments. Failure to properly maintain may lead to rotting and weathering. Once in a while, the window may swell up after imbibing moisture something that makes it difficult to either open or shut.
The low price of vinyl is probably the greatest reason as to why it is greatly preferred. Other possible explanations include the fact that a vinyl window is easier to fix.
Even if one has not made up their minds on which direction to take, it is still possible to have a window made of both wood and vinyl.
It is a good idea to seek professional advice when making changes involving wooden windows particularly if these changes include replacements. Sometimes there is no need to replace and just a few repairs are adequate. This is especially common in case of old houses where the great look of the house may be lost by making changes.
In addition, new wood may not last as long as the original one that was used.
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