Wooden Frame Windows: Everything You Need to Know
 

Wooden frame windows are being used for centuries and for a good reason. Wood has been one of the most important construction materials since humans started to build houses, furniture, and buildings. Although many of its alternatives have come into the market, it is still a preferable component in house construction. Its design flexibility and long-lasting ability make it a popular material in house construction. This material can bear the climate changes like sea air and extreme climate variations and can last centuries. It can absorb and release moisture and bear many chemicals such as slats, dilute acids, and industrial stack gasses.
 

In this guide, we will discuss wooden frame windows in detail. We will also compare wooden frame windows with other material frames for your better understanding of why wooden frames are still valuable.
 

Wooden Frame Windows
 

Wood frame windows have been used for a long time. Today, you have many options to use material frames other than wood, but wooden frames are still very popular, and people still prefer them in their houses. When we talk about the durability and strength of wooden frames, any material cannot beat them in performance.

Besides, wooden frames are good in strength; they are long-lasting and rigid, and they can make one of the most energy efficient windows making it hard for any material to beat wood in durability.
 

Wooden Frame Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages
 

Some advantages and disadvantages of installing wooden frame windows are listed below. By reading this, you may evaluate whether wooden frame windows are worthwhile for you or not.
 

Advantages
Following are some advantages of wooden frame windows.
 

Durable:
Although wood's surface is not as hard as iron or aluminum is, wood has incredible longevity of decades if it is treated properly. It can bear extreme weather like heavy rain and sea air where iron or aluminum rust and begin to deteriorate.

Easy to Install:
Installing or replacement windows is not such a big deal. If you are a creative person, then you can do it by yourself. You require some basic knowledge and some basic tools to install. But in case you hire a professional, he can very easily install new window frames in a very short time and without any problem. If you want to install a new window frame or want a window upgrade, a skilled contractor will install your window without any hassle.
 

A Good Insulator:
Wood is one of the best insulators compared to other construction materials such as vinyl and aluminum. Quality wood frames provide 1800 times more insulation than aluminum frame windows. It will help to maintain the inner temperature in both hot and cold weather, which will help reduce the heating and cooling bills.
In addition to insulating and regulating the indoor temperature, they also help to stop any errant sound. Wood windows will block the unwanted noise from the outside and would be helpful to live and sleep inside peacefully.
 

Aesthetic Look:
Wooden frames are more flexible in aesthetic look as compared to aluminum frames. Wood is a customizable material that can provide a classic and elegant look. A layer of paint can be applied to it or can create some elegant designs on it by using a machine. For this reason, wooden frames are preferable for homeowners.
 

Disadvantages: Following are some disadvantages of wood frame windows.
 

More Maintenance:
Wooden frames require more maintenance as compared to aluminum frames. Wooden frames require paint and additional care because they can be affected by pests and termites. An inspection is often required to prevent these issues.

Expensive:
Wooden frames are more expensive than aluminum or vinyl frames. The house owner will also have to bear the additional maintenance cost of these frames. If you want budget windows, Wood is not suitable material for you.
 

Wood Frames vs. Aluminum Frames
Aluminum is a lightweight and flexible material. It can easily be bent and fitted even into unusual shapes easily. Aluminum frames require less maintenance, and they last for many years. Here is the additional comparison between wood and aluminum frames.
Not good Insulators: Aluminum frames are not good insulators and cannot hold the heat and cold, which will cause higher heating and cooling cost to the owner. This is practically very problematic, especially in extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, wood frames are good insulators and hold heat and cold to maintain the inner temperature.
 

Fewer Aesthetics:

There is not much flexibility in aluminum frames to give them a more aesthetic look. They don't perfectly fit in the residential setting due to their ordinary appearance. But on the other hand, wooden frames have much flexibility to look aesthetics and can be designed according to the home decor.
 

Wood Frames vs. Vinyl Frames
Vinyl is a sturdy type of plastic, a popular material for window frames. It is lightweight, easy to install, and easy to maintain because they never need to be repainted and re-stained. Vinyl windows are long-lasting as moisture or rainwater cannot affect them. If you want an affordable windows material, vinyl is your best option. Moreover, they cannot be affected by termites or woodworm. But as we compare the performance of the vinyl with wood frames, here are some drawbacks of the vinyl.
Same Color: You cannot change the color of vinyl window frames once installed in a particular color. But we can change the color of wood frames whenever we like.
 

Durability:

Although vinyl wood frames are also very durable and long-lasting, when we compare their durability to wood frames, they have been more durable and long-lasting for decades.
 

Wood Frames vs. Fiberglass Frames
Fiberglass is one of the strongest window materials and can bear any extreme weather.
Fiberglass Frame Windows will not stick, swell, or swap. Besides, fiberglass is also a good insulator and requires minimal maintenance. When we compare this material to wood, fiberglass windows may not be as nice as wood windows.
But there are some drawbacks of fiberglass frames.
 

High Pricing:

Fiberglass material is new in the market. They are very high in price as compared to all the window materials.
 

Not Much Variety:

As they are new in the market, there is not much variety in this material.
 

Color Fades:

This material has color fading complaints, affecting its longevity.
 

The Energy Efficiency of Wood Windows
Wood windows offer so many benefits, including energy efficiency for your home. They are very good insulators and protect your internal environment from extreme weather. With this insulating material, your heating and cooling setup will run less and decrease your bills.
Besides, the woodwork in your house will increase its grace, giving it a classy and elegant look. It will surely increase your home's resale value. There is so much flexibility in woodwork in terms of design, shapes, and styles that you will not get this versatility in any other material.
 

Wooden Frame Windows Styles
Many different types of wood windows are made in different styles. So, let’s discuss some of them.
 

Bay Windows:
A bay window is a long window with three openings. It projects outward from the main wall and makes the structure of a bay in the room.
 

Bow Windows:
A bow window is designed to enhance the exterior of the building and provide a wider view of the outside. It has a curved structure giving a round appearance outside the house.
 

Picture Windows:
A picture window is a large window specially designed for a large and unobstructed view. This window is not made for ventilation purposes; that's why it does not open up.
 

Awning Windows:
These windows are made in the washroom and basement for ventilation purposes. They are hinged on the top and can be open outward from the bottom.
 

Casement Windows:
These classic windows are attached to their frames from one side with hinges. These windows are attached to the main frame. The upper window is used as an awning window, opened up for ventilation purposes, and the lower windows are called hoppers.
 

Sliding Windows:
Sliding windows are traditional windows that include panels of wood frame with pieces of glass. These panels can slide side to side. These windows are designed for different purposes, such as ventilation, enjoying the outside view, and glorifying the exterior look.
 

Single Hung Windows:
A single-hung window is a window with two sashes, the upper sash is fixed, and the lower sash can be slid up and down.
 

Double Hung Windows:
A double-hung window is a window with two sashes; both can be slid up and down.
 

Wooden Frame Windows: Summary
Wooden frame windows are one of the most popular types of windows in the US. They are easy to install and offer a high level of security, but they are expensive compared with other types of windows. These windows are easy to install and maintain, as well as being extremely durable. They offer many benefits, such as energy efficiency and strength. What’s more, they can be custom-made to suit any home or commercial property.