Changing the windows in your home is not a small undertaking. New windows are expensive and it is important that you make the right choices. Windows will affect how your home looks, how warm it is and how much your property is worth if you come to sell it.
A lot of people go for PVC windows by default, because they are talked about often and sold as the best option. In actual fact, wooden windows can be a much better option. This is particularly true if you have a period property.
With care, wooden windows will last longer than PVC
There is a misconception that wooden windows will eventually rot, whereas PVC windows will stand the test of time. This is not actually true.
Plastic windows can become discolored very quickly with exposure to the sun and pollutants like traffic fumes. They can also become brittle over time and they cannot be repaired. Wooden windows are not only incredibly durable, but they have the added bonus that they can be repaired and refinished. This means that once you get wooden windows installed, they can actually last forever! PVC windows on the other hand will eventually have to be replaced.
Regular maintenance of your windows will keep them looking great, and it is something you can easily do yourself. All you need to do each time they start to look a little worn is clean them with a mild detergent, remove any mold and mildew, fill in any chips or cracks with wood filler, and then repaint or stain the wood as needed.
It is also a good idea to inspect your frames periodically, so that you can pre-empt any issues.
Wooden windows can add value to your home
This is particularly true if you have a period property. Wooden frames are much more in keeping with the aesthetic of a period property and having them installed can make the home much more attractive to potential buyers.
According to thisismoney.co.uk there have been cases when replacing plastic windows with wooden ones has added £40,000 to the value of a property!
It is also worth noting that if you live in a conservation area, you might not be allowed to install plastic windows.
You can still have double glazing with a wood window
The idea that you cannot have double glazed wooden windows is absolutely not correct! Wooden windows can be fitted with double glazed glass, safety glass or even acoustic glass if you are concerned about noise prevention.
If you work with an experienced wood window installer like Parsons Joinery, you can have your windows tailor-made to suit your property and your needs. An experienced joiner will also be able to help you to make repairs and alterations to existing wooden windows.
Wood is a great insulator
Another myth about wooden windows is that they are not as well insulated as plastic ones. This is actually the opposite of the truth – wood is a fantastic insulator. Besides this, how much heat your windows retain is actually more about the glass than it is the frame, provided that you don’t have any gaps that allow in a draft.