Considering replacement windows is a big task. There are many choices to make and factors to consider. Like anything else wood replacement windows have their good points and bad points. You have to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
Wood replacement windows are available in a wide variety of types including dark woods like mahogany or cherry to the lighter woods like pine. The interior frame, which is exposed in your home, can either be stained to a shade of your choice or left natural. If you choose, you can even paint the wood. Although if you don’t wish to have the look of wood, another material choice might be better for you. But wood windows have a very high aesthetic appeal to both homeowners and potential homebuyers. If you want a fantastic way to increase your home’s resale value, consider putting in some wood replacement windows.
Wood windows do often carry a high price tag. The price will vary a lot depending on the type of wood or stain that’s being used, but it will be a lot more expensive than vinyl or aluminum windows. If you plan on being in your home for a very long time, it will definitely be worth the price to have such a distinctive and beautiful look in your home. But if you are planning on moving in a year and have no desire to increase the value of your home, you would probably be better spending that money elsewhere.
Also keep in mind that wood windows will require a lot more maintenance than most other window types. Not only will the windows have to be sealed or painted at the time of installation, but throughout the life of the window. This is only the inside of the window since the outside has cladding to protect them. But painting wood is a very precise and difficult task, as is sealing it. So it can mean a lot of work. If you live in a very humid or warm climate, wood windows will become even more expensive in repairs. The humidity or extremes in temperature can cause the interior wood to warp or become misaligned. This can mean anything from a costly repair to reposition it or an even costlier complete replacement if the warping is especially bad.
But if you live in a mild climate with no drastic extremes in temperature, then wood could be the perfect choice for you. Wood is naturally very insulating. If it’s cold outside, feel the frame of a wood door or window. You will find that it is warm compared to the outdoor temperature. Wood windows are the best at insulating against heat and cold. Naturally this will save you money on your heating and cooling cost and ultimately the windows will likely end up paying for themselves over a few years.
Pros and Cons of Wood Replacement Windows
Today, many homeowners are choosing vinyl replacement windows when it comes time to make updates to the home and while vinyl is a great material, easy to clean, and durable, some people prefer to stick with wood replacement windows. In fact, thanks to improved technology and more wood species being used, wood replacement windows are quickly regaining popularity. In this article we wanted to provide insight into some of the pros and cons for replacement windows of this type.
Pros
One of the first advantages in choosing wood replacement windows is that wood has a naturally rich and sophisticated look. Even if a more rustic type of wood was used to coordinate with a casual or country home, wood creates a warm, homey look and feel that you cannot get with any other material. Of course, for a formal look, mahogany, oak, and cherry are ideal choices. However, no matter the wood or the style of home, wood replacement windows simply look gorgeous.
Another benefit to wood replacement windows is that they can be painted or stained. Although most homeowners leave the wood natural, if sometime down the road they wanted a different look, the window frame could be sanded and then painted or stained according to personal preference. For a shabby chic or even contemporary style home, white painted frames are clean and fresh. However, if the original wood was light but now the homeowner wanted something richer and more elegant, the frames could be sanded and stained mahogany or cherry or the reverse could be accomplished.
Next, wood replacement windows never go out of style. Regardless of the type of window design, double hung, casement, etc, as well as size or shape, wood is a timeless material that when cared for would provide enjoyment for as long as you live in the home. Typically, maintenance for wood replacement windows involves dusting and occasional cleaning, using a product such as Murphy’s Oil or whatever the manufacturer recommends. When maintained, your new wood windows would never go out of style.
We also wanted to mention that wood replacement windows produce a higher R-value. This value is an industry standard used to determine quality, with the higher the rating the better the product. The reason wood replacement windows have a higher rating is because unlike other replacement window materials, wood is not affected by temperature extremes and is naturally less prone to condensation build up.
Cons
The primary disadvantage in choosing wood replacement windows is that over time, the exterior exposed wood frames would be at risk for developing problems such as wood rot, mold, termites, cracking from heat, etc. The best option would be to choose the right wood species geographically, choose high quality wood, and make sure the wood replacement windows are properly sealed and stained. To ensure you are getting the best windows for the money, it would be worth the investment of buying from one of the top manufacturers in the industry.
Finally, most quality wood replacement windows cost more than you would spend on vinyl, aluminum, or some other material. Of course, if you were to choose a rare type of wood or something exotic, the price would increase even more. However, many homeowners believe the financial investment is worth it for the beauty and benefits that come from replacement windows of this type.
