Sunday, December 9, 2012

Roles Played By Wooden Windows

By Chris Caldwell


Windows play a very important role in buildings. They help in air circulation and regulation of warmth in the room as well as add an aesthetic value to the whole building. After houses have stayed for a while, there is a need to make some changes. Wooden windows may require repairs or replacements depending on the degree of damage. At times, home owners are faced with the task of choosing between the wooden and the vinyl windows.

One of the most important considerations in making the choice is, of course, the cost involved. Generally, wooden designs are more expensive than those made from vinyl. There is also a variation in price depending on the type of wood used. For instance, a 36 inch by 54 inch double hung made from pine and has insulated glass goes for about USD 270. If the frame is made of mahogany, the cost shoots to about USD 2, 100.

Wood is a very effective insulator. It is much more effective compared to vinyl. Insulation is an important consideration if a building is built in an area that experiences adverse weather conditions such as very cold winters and very hot summers. During winter it is necessary to prevent loss of heat form the building and during summer it is necessary to prevent excessive heat gain. Weather stripping makes most designs suitable for insulation.

Another important consideration is the theme of the house. A house that is made predominantly of wood would appear better with a wooden window whereas that which has vinyl components (the floor for example) may look better with a vinyl window. Wood can be painted to match the colour of the rest of the house something that is not possible with vinyl. Vinyl is designed in three main colours that include bronze, white and tan.

Other than the high cost, there are a few other disadvantages that may discourage buyers. One of these disadvantages is the fact that these windows are a bit difficult to clean. They need to be handled carefully during repairs and cleaning using cotton gloves. This helps avoid grease, oil and dirt that may spoil the window. Unlike vinyl, wood needs regular cleaning to prolong its life.

As long as they are well-maintained, these windows last for a long time. Some of the maintenance required includes guarding against staining through continuous treatments. Failure to properly maintain may lead to rotting and weathering. Once in a while, the window may swell up after imbibing moisture something that makes it difficult to either open or shut.

Vinyl windows have continued to be preferred for replacements due to a number of reasons. One of these reasons is of course the fact that they are cheaper. They are easy to fix such that one does not need to invest in an expert. Some people choose to combine wood and vinyl components. Such windows will have the elegance of wood and the functionality of vinyl which makes them a great choice.

Seeking professional advice on the best way to make replacements or repairs is advised. This is important as it gives one several options and helps them making mistakes that may prove very costly in the end. Old houses need to be evaluated more thoroughly than new ones when it comes to replacing wooden windows.




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1 comment:

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