When it comes to choosing the best and right material for windows and doors, there is one concern that most homeowners typically face. They are always lost about which material to choose. Wood and PVC have been the most widely used material options for all practical purposes.
Among these two, wood has been the go-to material that most homeowners finalize on. In fact, wood has been the best material for several centuries, and there is a good reason for this.
Having said that, it is equally important to understand the details about the advantages and disadvantages of using wood for your windows and doors. In this blog, we will explore the best benefits that wood can bring to your home. We will also analyze a few challenges that it may present.
Is wood a good option for windows and doors?
Well, wooden windows and doors have always had their timeless elegance that has been associated with them since time immemorial. If you look around you, it is not uncommon to see that wood has stood the test of time for over hundreds of years.
The strength of wood lies in its natural beauty and warmth. In fact, wood adds a unique character to your windows and doors. That is something synthetic materials cannot match.
But then, as with any material, wood has both benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these helps you make the right choice for your home.
Advantages of Wooden windows and doors
Wood is known for its natural elegance and appearance. We will now list out and learn about the advantages that you stand to gain with wood for windows and doors.
Aesthetics
Wood offers you an unmatched natural beauty for your home. Each wooden piece is unique in its own right. If you notice closely, no two wooden doors and windows have the same look. The different grain patterns and designs will help you add a unique character to your home.
Wood adds rich tones and a special character to your doors and windows. The wood brings a traditional look to your home, and that is something homeowners love. They believe that it brings their home a true homeliness.
Another factor that homeowners love about the wooden windows and doors is that they add a better curb appeal. Add to it the unique craftsmanship that each of the experts brings, which should add to the overall appeal of your home.
Insulation
Wood is known to be a natural insulator. It has a lower thermal conductivity and provides you with the best energy efficiency when compared to the other materials. With wooden windows and doors, your home will remain cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The Energy Saving Trust reports that double-glazed windows can save up to £115 per year. Apart from the heat, wood is also known to be a great sound insulator. It can effectively block sound far better than hollow materials like aluminium or plastic.
Longevity
If you maintain it properly, wood can provide you with years of trouble-free service. In fact, it is known that that wooden windows and doors can stay fit for over 60 to 80 years.
Choosing high-quality timber from reputable manufacturers like Hill Wood ensures they can even last for centuries. Many old sash windows in historic buildings are still in excellent condition after 100-150 years.
Solid wood doors have an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years. However, if you take a proper care, you can be assured that they can last at least 50 years. Unlike PVC windows that have a lifespan of around 20 years, wooden doors can last much longer.
Customisation
Wood offers excellent versatility. You can customise it to meet your home and your aesthetic preferences. When you compare the designs, you will find that wood provides plenty of design options as opposed to uPVC, fibreglass, or metal alternatives.
You have plenty of options – light wood or dark wood, natural surfaces or painted finishes, tight grain or wide grain, you can think of anything, and you can get it.
The craftsmen can have a field day with wood. You can have intricate designs with ease when you compare them to the other materials. You can customise the size, style, and finishing touches to suit your exact requirements.
Eco-friendly
Wood is a highly eco-friendly material for obvious reasons. If you choose it from a sustainably managed forest source, it should be highly environmentally friendly.
Production of wood timbers produces less lower carbon footprint as opposed to other materials like uPVC. Processing the wood consumes less energy as it emits fewer greenhouse gases. That apart from that, the wooden doors and windows can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their lifespan. This should go a long way in reducing wastage.
Disadvantages of Wooden Doors and Windows
Well, even when we have several advantages associated with wood and wooden doors or windows, they also come with a few disadvantages as well.
Treatment
Wooden doors and windows need a regular maintenance. You will need to repaint or restain them one every three to five years. Of course, the frequency of treatment and the type of maintenance will depend upon the type of the timber and the conditions of exposure.
Hardwood windows and doors would require less frequent upkeep. However, softwood may develop issues as soon as the paintwork deteriorates. You would need to adopt regular inspection to rule out any issues. It may be ideal to check for damage at least twice a year.
Without proper treatment, wooden windows and doors become vulnerable to moisture damage, rot, and decay.
Insects
Wooden doors and windows are susceptible to insects and damage caused by them. Termites can quietly damage the wood, leaving behind holes and structural weaknesses. They’re particularly attracted to damp or moisture-exposed wood.
Interior doors and windows may face the issues of drywood termites. The exterior ones may face problems due to subterranean termites. The risk would increase further if the wood touches the soil.
Prevention is crucial. You need to apply termite repellents or wood preservatives regularly. Borate treatments and bug-repellent sprays help turn wood into a no-go zone for termites.
Initial Cost
The initial cost can be a huge deterrent when choosing the wood doors and windows. They have a higher price tag as opposed to the doors and windows made from other materials. It’s no surprise that wooden doors and windows are often considered a luxury.
The main reason is the premium quality and aesthetic appeal of natural wood. However, you do not need to replace the hardwood as often. That would make them an investment in the long run. Windows and doors made from other materials would need to be replaced quite often.
Why to choose wooden doors and windows?
Well, the discussion above should have given a good idea of why wood is a preferred option for windows and doors. The unmatched versatility and a timeless appeal are a few factors that make the wood a preferred choice.
In fact, you would find that they are suitable for both internal and external applications. The wooden doors and windows create a consistent and integrated appearance across your entire home. Even when they have a few cons, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Wooden doors provide excellent security. They’re incredibly strong, and developments in their design mean they can outlast many of their counterparts. The natural insulation properties and an enhanced curb appeal are a few other factors that make it a prime option for almost all your needs.
Conclusion
Wooden doors and windows bring a timeless appeal to your home. Their natural aesthetic appeal, superior insulation, and impressive longevity make them an excellent choice.
Of course, they require a regular maintenance and have a more upfront cost. Even then, the long term benefits would make them stand out as the prime choice for your home improvement needs.
With renewed focus on quality, efficiency, and environmental care, wooden doors and windows tick many boxes.
FAQs
How long do wooden doors and windows last?
Wooden windows and doors would last at least 25 to 30 years. However, if you take a proper care and provide regular maintenance, they can stay in good condition for at least 50 years.
Can wooden doors and windows be repaired if damaged?
Yes, wooden doors and windows can be repaired if damaged. Wood is malleable and easy to work with. This makes it one of the few door materials that can be successfully restored.
Why do we paint wooden doors and windows?
Painting protects the wood from moisture and insects. It can act as a barrier to insects, preventing any damage to the wood. Paint can also act as a UV protection, which can damage the wood fibres. A good coat of paint increases the durability of the wood surface. It helps prevent warping, cracking, and general deterioration over time.
Do wooden windows add value?
Yes, wooden windows add significant value to a property. Estate agents report that installing double glazing can add an additional 10% value to a home.