For many homeowners, especially those in older more traditional homes, installing wood windows when looking to replace and/or upgrade their home is the obvious choice. In this article, “Wood Windows Pros and Cons of Installing Wood Replacement Windows”, we highlight the pros and cons of installing discount wood windows and discuss the main factors to consider when making the decision to replace your windows.
For current reviews of the leading wood windows brands visit our replacement windows reviews page.
PROS: WOOD REPLACEMENT WINDOWS ARE THE MOST ATTRACTIVE
This is the most obvious pro when it comes to wood replacement windows. Wood windows are by far the most attractive windows period. So much so that other window types such as vinyl and fiberglass attempt to mimic the overall look of wood windows with their different finishes.
Real wood has a look and a feel to it that no other window material can match. Wood is classic; wood is solid; wood is the real deal. Virtually all other window frames attempt to mimic the look of wood. Why settle for cheap imitations when the real thing is available?
PROS: WOOD REPLACEMENT WINDOWS INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME
More so than any other window frame material, wood windows enhance the value of your home. This makes sense as nothing really compares to wood windows from a curb appeal aspect. Others may try but real wood is the truth.
The reason most other types of frames attempt to look like wood is that the majority of homeowners prefer wood, and genuine wood window frames almost always demand a premium whenever a home is sold.
PROS: WOOD REPLACEMENT WINDOWS ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT
Wood replacement windows are, to some surprise, some of the most efficient replacement windows on the market. The wooden frame provides insulation that is really unmatched by comparable aluminum or even vinyl replacement windows. The wood acts as such a good insulator that even in the middle of winter the inside of the frame remains warm to the touch.
Now that’s energy efficiency at its finest! Homeowners in areas with where winter and summer can bring extreme temperatures may find wood replacement windows to be the choice when it comes to efficiency.
PROS: WOOD REPLACEMENT WINDOWS ARE THE MOST ECO-FRIENDLY
Wood is a natural renewable resource, the very definition of eco-friendly. For environmentally responsible homeowner looking to “go green” there really is no other choice. Trees are a renewable resource, and wood window frames need never end up in a landfill, but even if they do, they naturally break down into compounds that are beneficial to the soil.
Wood, if given care, can last a lifetime. The same cannot be said of really any other type of popular window frames. Also, unlike most metal frames, wooden frames are not prone to rust – a decided pro when it comes to wood windows pros and cons.
CONS: WOOD REPLACEMENT WINDOWS ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE
Windows that look as good as wood windows and that tend to significantly increase your home’s property value when properly installed, come at a price. Wood windows, on average, are much more expensive than other replacement window types. While you may be able to find some lower end wood replacement windows in the $400-$500 plus the cost of installation, you should expect to pay more. We’ve seen mahogany wood windows go for as much as $2,000 per window on the high end.
The actual amount homeowners ultimately pay for wood windows really depends on various factors, including the quality of the wood, the size and style of the wood windows, the experience of the professional installing the windows and the part of the country the homeowner lives.
CONS: WOOD WINDOWS REQUIRE ONGOING MAINTENANCE
As a natural resource, wood-based windows tend to more susceptible to weather conditions causing deterioration and other issues as they age. Moisture is one of the main culprits in the deterioration of wood windows, so for those that live in areas with high levels of rain or snow, wood windows may not be a great fit.
In addition, homeowners must keep wood replacement windows sealed by painting or staining them regularly. Because of this, ongoing maintenance costs are generally higher for wood windows than for other comparable windows.
CONS: WOOD WINDOWS ARE VULNERABLE TO INSECT DAMAGE
Wood is vulnerable to insects, especially (but not limited to) termites. Of course, if the home is sided with wood then the tiny extra amount of wood in a wood-framed window makes little difference. But in houses where the siding is not wood based homeowners need to keep this in mind when evaluating wood windows pros and cons. One way to ward off the effects of insects is to keep the window frame properly painted and maintained at all times.
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