Which material is best for windows: wood, plastic, or metal?
Wooden windows don’t last as long and usually need to be repainted more often. I have personal experience with plastic windows. They don’t seem to be the best quality, but they are more affordable.
Is there a “perfect” window material? What have you installed?
Wooden windows don’t last as long and usually need to be repainted more often. I have personal experience with plastic windows. They don’t seem to be the best quality, but they are more affordable.
Is there a “perfect” window material? What have you installed?
M
MODERATOR20 Mar 2013 11:16Every material is "good" when it is assembled into a quality product.
Modern plastic windows are of good quality; there is no longer a need to worry about profiles sagging over time or frames yellowing.
Wooden windows, if properly coated, last a very long time; however, certain guidelines regarding the type and color of the coating in relation to the building’s orientation must be followed. For example, dark-colored frames on a south-facing facade will generally require more frequent repainting than lighter frames.
A good alternative, although more expensive, are wood-aluminum windows. These have an exterior protected by low-maintenance, durable aluminum profiles, while the interior side shows the wood.
Modern plastic windows are of good quality; there is no longer a need to worry about profiles sagging over time or frames yellowing.
Wooden windows, if properly coated, last a very long time; however, certain guidelines regarding the type and color of the coating in relation to the building’s orientation must be followed. For example, dark-colored frames on a south-facing facade will generally require more frequent repainting than lighter frames.
A good alternative, although more expensive, are wood-aluminum windows. These have an exterior protected by low-maintenance, durable aluminum profiles, while the interior side shows the wood.
Technically, that may be true, but wooden windows are still the most sustainable option. It is often criticized that you "have to" repaint wood from time to time. The truth is, you "can" repaint wood, unlike windows made of plastic or metal.
Wooden windows can be treated with environmentally friendly and water-based paint and stain systems, and you can choose any color you like.
My choice is wooden windows.
Wooden windows can be treated with environmentally friendly and water-based paint and stain systems, and you can choose any color you like.
My choice is wooden windows.
H
Hubertus-121 Mar 2013 23:56Regarding sustainability, plastic windows have caught up considerably. The recycling of white, single-type PVC profiles has been practiced for some time. The resulting granulate is used to manufacture new plastic windows, so this is not downcycling.
The durability is stated as 30 years, but wooden windows easily last twice as long. I would always choose wooden windows, as the feel and appearance are simply nicer.
The durability is stated as 30 years, but wooden windows easily last twice as long. I would always choose wooden windows, as the feel and appearance are simply nicer.
C
Casimir61-129 Jan 2014 21:21There is certainly the option to combine appearance and durability. Wood on the inside and plastic on the outside. This way, you avoid repainting every 2 years and still have a wonderful, romantic look indoors. :o
Wooden windows are usually my choice. Of course, the type of wood matters as well; oak wood windows are more expensive but also have a long lifespan. I find the appearance of plastic windows to be dreadful, especially when they use the excuse of only needing to be painted once a year.
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