Recently, the boom in the widespread installation of PVC windows has gradually subsided. In many construction forums, one can increasingly find the statement that wooden windows are better than plastic. In fact, this question is quite deep and requires study. That is why you should pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
Plastic windows
In recent years, plastic models have gained considerable popularity in the glazing of ordinary and commercial real estate.
Advantages
Plastic window frames are a convenient and practical design that quickly replaces the usual joinery. Separately, it is worth noting the double-glazed windows included in the design, which help to provide noise and heat insulation.
PVC windows also boast aesthetics, hygiene, ease of care and lack of need for preparation for the winter period. Modern fittings allow opening the window in vertical and horizontal planes, but most of the models are devoid of window panes.
As for the quality of plastic windows, it directly depends on the manufacturer, as well as the quality of installed double-glazed windows and fittings. PVC models impose certain requirements for installation: one of the urgent needs is the use of hydro- and heat-insulating tapes, because they help to overcome fogging and the appearance of fungus. Thus, it is not enough to choose the right windows - they also need to be installed correctly.
Disadvantages
Perhaps the main drawback of plastic windows is complete tightness. They will not miss the frost from the street in winter or dust in the summer, however, so that the air does not stagnate in the room, it will have to be ventilated regularly. The deteriorating microclimate will first affect the indoor plants, which will begin to wither. In addition to the deterioration of air circulation, the humidity in the room is significantly reduced. A humidifier can solve the problem, albeit partially.
Do not neglect the material itself from which such windows are made. Of course, manufacturers are constantly improving the composition of plastic to make it as harmless as possible, but under the influence of heat from sunlight, polymers can still stand out. This problem is not so significant if you intend to choose country windows when you are out of town only a few days a month, but you should not discard it.
Finally, the last, but also important problem is the inability to restore the window after damage: chips from bumps, abrasions, scratches, etc. In this case, a complete frame change will be required. And here again the homeowner will have to choose what to install: wooden or plastic windows.
Wooden windows
Analyzing the properties of wood, we will try to figure out which windows are better - plastic or wooden. Many prefer wooden models in pursuit of environmental friendliness. However, besides this, wooden windows have other advantages.
Advantages
Wood itself has been used for the production of household items for many centuries and has managed to establish itself as one of the best solutions - beautiful, aesthetic and in harmony with many other materials.
Today on the market there are two options for wooden windows: ordinary carpentry, familiar to everyone, and euro-windows. The first is cheaper and is, in fact, a modified version of the classic frames. The new fittings and the impost system make it possible to achieve excellent thermal insulation and protect against street noise, and a special sealing circuit helps to forget about the annual preparation for the winter season.
One of the features of wooden windows is that the frame itself “breathes”: even if the shutters are completely closed, this will not make them airtight - air from the street will penetrate through the structure of the tree. As a result, the problem of stale and excessively dry air disappears, therefore wooden windows are better than plastic ones, especially for people with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, allergies, small children.
Although the installation of wooden windows is fraught with a number of difficulties, in general it is somewhat easier to work with PVC windows.
Disadvantages
Perhaps the main argument in favor of preferring plastic windows to wooden is the inability to adjust the latter. It is not possible to set and lock the flaps in a certain position. In windy weather, open sashes will begin to slam, and the glass may break.
Modern windows are made of solid wood. As already mentioned, this guarantees environmental friendliness, which is good, but at the same time carries with it a certain threat. The quality of the windows will directly depend on how well the wood has been dried. A small mistake in production and the frame will crack or skew, which will turn into a whole heap of unpleasant consequences.
To wash windows made of wood is quite easy, but this process will take a lot of time. Attention must be paid to all glasses on both sides. Cleaning is very important as dust and dirt inevitably accumulate between the flaps.
Wooden eurowindows
If you still hesitate what to install: windows made of wood or plastic, perhaps the following option will suit you. Eurowindows made of wood are a kind of hybrid between plastic and woodwork. They combine the strengths of each other and level out the flaws.
Advantages
Consider the advantages of eurowindows. Unlike ordinary woodwork, the number of their disadvantages is much lower. Such models began to appear on the domestic market not so long ago, which did not stop them from rapidly gaining popularity among buyers. They have a completely natural material (unlike plastic models), high-quality double-glazed windows, and advanced fittings.
In the manufacture of such windows, the quality of the wood used is paramount. The main material for production is glued beams, ensuring compliance with the geometry and structural strength. You can not be afraid that the material will dry out over time or lose its quality due to exposure to humidity or temperature changes.
Comparison of plastic models and eurowindows demonstrates that the latter also have a system for fixing the sashes, which allows you to use the ventilation mode. Modern hardware allows you to open windows in two planes, so that there is no need for additional equipment with windows.
Unlike plastic, wooden double-glazed windows do not create stuffiness in the room, since air particles can penetrate the street and back through the smallest natural pores of the material.
Finally, eurowindows can boast a wide variety of colors and shades. Someone will like the monophonic option, while others will prefer a model with a coating that emphasizes the texture of wood. Skillful imitation will create the feeling that the frames are made of the most valuable types of wood.
Euro windows, unlike plastic, can be repaired if necessary. In this case, putty on wood comes to the rescue. It allows you to mask scratches and chips that will not appear again if applied over a varnish coating.
Disadvantages
Despite the impressive list of advantages, there is a wooden euro-window and a drawback. It consists in the need for periodic updating of the frame cover. You do not have to do this often - once every few years, so choosing them, you should be prepared for this. In this case, it is better to choose high-quality paints and varnishes from branded manufacturers that guarantee high stability of their products.
Summary
So, is it worth installing wooden windows instead of plastic? As you can see, a tree has several undeniable advantages, but there are also a lot of disadvantages, so it is up to everyone to decide here - it all depends on taste and needs. It is worth noting that if wooden windows or plastic double-glazed windows are installed and operated correctly, the main criterion will be pricing policy. If the funds allow, it is better to opt for Euro-windows.