Modern wooden windows with double-glazed windows: selection rules

Glazing of openings in residential premises does not always allow the use of plastic structures, which have already become traditional. Country houses, log cabins, as well as some design solutions look more harmonious if the translucent openings in them are filled with wooden windows.

We are not talking about Soviet-made products familiar to many, which are still found today in some high-rise buildings. Modern wooden windows are complex, high-quality and environmentally friendly structures, and their presence, as a rule, indicates the wealth and serious approach of the owner to the arrangement of his home.

Construction of wooden euro windows

The design of modern wooden windows includes the following elements:

Frame. The basic component, which is directly mounted into the opening. It is made of massive laminated veneer lumber to give the product maximum rigidity.
Doors. They are installed in a frame, can be opened or closed. The profile of the valves is less massive than that of the supporting structure, as it is not subject to significant loads. In addition, excess weight negatively affects the fittings, contributing to their premature failure.
Double-glazed window. Occupies the main area of the window. It is mounted either in the sash or directly in the frame (in blind elements). In wooden structures, as a rule, high-quality double-glazed windows are used, providing a high level of heat and sound insulation.
Accessories. A set of mechanisms designed to ensure the opening and closing of structural elements in the appropriate positions. These mechanisms include canopies, handles, shut-off valves, etc.
Seals. To ensure a tight fit of the frame to the sashes, the windows are equipped with elastic seals, which are mounted in special grooves of the wooden profile, in most cases on both sides (from the street and the room). This element is the first to fail, as the rubber loses its elasticity, so the seals are made removable for ease of subsequent replacement.
Additional elements. After installation, a drainage strip made of a metal or plastic profile is installed on the outside of the window. A window sill is mounted on the inside of the room, which is also made of wood. To protect the wood from the harmful effects of the environment, an aluminum profile can be installed outside the structure on the frame and sash.

As mentioned above, the frame and sashes of wooden Euro windows are made of laminated veneer lumber. This is done in order to eliminate deformations to which solid bars of large cross-section are subject. Deformations occur as a result of seasonal changes in ambient temperature and humidity. Since it is quite difficult to dry wood to zero, it dries out a little already in the product. As a result, the beam warps, and if it is a single piece, the deformations will be significant, which will cause problems with closing and sealing the structure. Parts made from several elements do not have these disadvantages.

As a rule, 3-4 blanks (lamellas) are re-glued, and it is necessary to ensure that the direction of the fibers in two contacting lamellas does not coincide.

Requirements for production premises

Basic requirements for premises for the production of environmentally friendly wooden Euro-windows:

each room of the enterprise must have the same microclimate;
humidity in workshops from 55 to 65%;
regular air circulation must be ensured;
the air temperature remains from 18 to 24 degrees all year round;
the height of the premises is not less than 3.5 meters;
The workshop area is about 400 square meters.

Wiring must be installed in metal pipes and all electrical equipment must be grounded.

Types of double-glazed windows

Euro-windows of German type. A variety of window structures is as close in design as possible to plastic products. Its main components are a massive frame with a cross-section of approximately 70x80 mm, equipped in opening models with less massive doors (profile 60x70 mm). The cross-section of the timber used allows the use of up to three sealing contours and a double-glazed window with a depth of over 40 mm. If opening is not provided, the glazing is installed directly into the frame. German Euro-windows are most often equipped with tilt-and-turn fittings.
Wood-aluminium. In essence, these are modernized German-type windows. Since wood does not withstand exposure to the external environment relatively well, manufacturers have improved the design by protecting it from the outside with aluminum profile linings. There are also options in which, instead of overlays, a full-fledged external glazing contour (aluminum frame and lightweight sash) is used.
Aluminum-wood. If in the previous version wooden windows were protected with aluminum, then in these products the situation is the opposite. The German-type structure is made entirely of aluminum profiles and is sheathed on the inside with linings made of wood, usually valuable species.
Finnish. Quite large and massive products, the depth of the frame sometimes exceeds 20 cm. The sashes in Finnish windows are arranged in two circuits and are connected to each other by a special mechanism to ensure synchronous opening. There is a gap between them (5-7 cm), which is often used to install built-in blinds. The outer sash in some cases is made of aluminum (or wood with an overlay).
Swedish. Structurally similar to Finnish counterparts, but have more compact dimensions and less weight. The doors in them are located much closer, which allows the use of tilt-and-turn fittings.

Which plastic windows are better?

You can compare plastic windows from different profile systems only if they are equipped with the same double-glazed windows and fittings. In this case, the characteristics of the sashes and frames are considered. Subsequently, this analysis and consultation with managers will help figure out which plastic windows are best installed in different situations. The quality of polyvinyl chloride, from which profiles are made by reputable manufacturers, is approximately the same today. As a result, products must be evaluated according to the following criteria:

thickness of the outer walls (2.2-3mm
) - ideally you should strive for a larger value;
number of internal chambers (from 3 to 9)
- in our climatic conditions, to equip heated residential premises, it is recommended to use systems with at least 5 chambers;
installation depth (58-150 mm)
– the larger this parameter, the better;
rebate depth for double-glazed windows
- it is desirable that this size be at least 20 mm, but the optimal value is considered to be 23-25 mm;
the maximum possible thickness of the installed double-glazed windows (30-56 mm)
- thick double-glazed windows retain heat better and dampen sound waves, so in this case you should strive for the maximum value.

You can learn about the types of plastic windows available on OknaTrade from reviews of different types of PVC profiles from leading European and domestic manufacturers. When considering parameters, it is necessary to take into account what functions the structures will need to perform. For example, 3-chamber systems are suitable for glazing unheated balconies or dachas, while windows from warmer profiles are needed for apartments, cottages and offices.

Accessories for wooden euro-windows

Unlike plastic products, wooden structures have a noticeably greater mass, which forces the use of more durable and wear-resistant mechanisms. Otherwise, fittings for wooden windows are similar to those for other translucent structures and are classified depending on the following factors:

Sash opening direction;
The method of opening the sash;
Material used for production.

By opening method

Rotary. Applicable for models that provide only one-sided swing opening of the sashes, for example, in Finnish windows. It can also be installed in any other structures (except sliding ones) depending on the customer’s wishes.
Tilt-and-turn. This type of fittings, in addition to the traditional (hinged) opening option, allows you to set the sash in ventilation mode by tilting it in a given direction.
Sliding. Installed on a certain type of structure (English windows), it includes a set of components and mechanisms for moving the sashes in the horizontal or vertical direction.

Material for making fittings for wooden Euro windows

Wood structures use mechanisms made of metal, plastic and combined materials. There are also wooden elements, such as decorative trims or handles for locking systems.

Naturally, the most loaded components of the structure are equipped with durable metal devices; plastic or combined parts are used mostly for decoration or in areas that are not subject to serious mechanical stress.

Wood species used in production

Wood species (from left to right): oak, larch, pine.
The following wood is most often used as a material:

Pine. A common inexpensive coniferous species, it is widely used in construction and has all the necessary qualities for use in the manufacture of window structures. Pine is resistant to moisture, quite durable with appropriate processing, and is also the most accessible and easy to process. Considering the price of wooden windows, only the highest quality materials are used in their production. That is, there are no knots, resin pockets and natural defects in it, in addition, only fine-grained wood that does not contain a core is suitable for the manufacture of Euro-windows.
Oak. Strong, hard and very durable material (100 years or more), with beautiful texture and color. The main disadvantage is the high cost due to its rarity, labor-intensive preparation and processing difficulties. The high specific weight of oak imposes a number of restrictions on the size of the opening doors, since not every fitting is able to withstand the loads that will arise later. Exposure to direct sunlight can also negatively affect oak (discoloration, cracking). Therefore, in window structures, it is either covered from the street with aluminum overlays, or in the process of gluing the timber, external slats from a different species (pine, larch) are used, which also has a positive effect on the price.
Larch. Perhaps the most popular breed at the moment, as it combines a number of advantages of the options mentioned above. It is resistant to atmospheric influences, not as strong as oak, but still significantly stronger than pine, durable, resistant to putrefactive formations and fungus. All possible defects (deformations, delaminations) on larch appear at the preparation stage, which allows you to select a better quality material. Of the minuses, it is worth mentioning its significant mass, comparable to oak.

How to choose?

When choosing a wooden Euro window, you should pay attention to the following points:

The type of wood, the quality of its processing and paintwork. The most affordable products are made from pine. If you follow the production technology and subsequent proper care, pine windows will last no less than plastic ones. However, if funds allow, it is better to install at least larch . The performance qualities and appearance of this material are noticeably better than those of pine. In addition, hardwoods require less attention; they require re-varnishing much less often, especially on the inside. To minimize the impact of atmospheric factors from the street, you should pay attention to models with aluminum overlays or an additional contour.
Characteristics of the installed double-glazed window. The translucent part of the window is the largest in area in the entire structure. Therefore, the level of heat and sound insulation largely depends on it. For residents of apartments located near busy highways, active construction sites, or other sources of noise, it is advisable to select double-glazed windows with different chambers and glass thicknesses.

Also important is the internal filling of the chambers, for which it is optimal to use an inert gas, such as argon.
Quality of fittings. If a window manufacturer claims to use branded fittings, it is worth checking for the presence of marked factory inscriptions on it. The color of the fittings must be uniform (except for specific design solutions). The presence of unnatural pigmentation, darkening or corrosion indicates the use of low-quality materials by the manufacturer. It’s definitely worth testing the doors – there shouldn’t be any play or sagging when opening.

No. 8. Design Features

A wooden window in any case has a chic, expensive appearance, but in addition to the standard design, today you can also find numerous interesting solutions:

painting and varnishing. Using varnish, you can preserve the natural color and texture of wood, if necessary. If you want to give the wood some special shade, then you can use translucent and opaque paints, which allow you to achieve the desired color while maintaining the texture and fit the window into the interior;
brushing and patination allow you to get an aged surface of the frame, which will be very useful in a Provence-style interior, for example;
The carving on the sash will give the window a completely exclusive appearance. You can cut out both floral patterns and some symbols, words, etc.;
decorative layout allows you to divide the window into several parts with thin partitions. This creates an interesting decorative effect and strengthens the entire structure;
stained glass.

In addition, some manufacturers offer custom-shaped windows: round, arched, polygonal, with wavy partitions. The scope for imagination is enormous.

Approximate prices

Frame made of laminated veneer lumber with double-glazed windows (fixed window, without sash):

Pine – from 6,000 rubles per m²;
Larch - from 8,000 rubles per m²;
Oak - 11,000 rubles per m².

Double-leaf German type (one leaf opens):

Pine - from 10,000 rubles per m²;
Larch – 13,000 rubles per m²;
Oak – 18,000 rubles per m².

Wood-aluminum windows:

Double doors, oak trim on the inside - from 40,000 rubles per m²;
Solid, without doors, oak finishing - from 15,000 rubles per m²;

Finnish windows, made of oak with an external aluminum sash - from 35,000 rubles to 45,000 rubles.

Pros and cons in contrast to plastic windows

Advantages:

Wood is a natural, environmentally friendly material that does not evaporate toxic substances harmful to health.
Wooden windows look much more aesthetically pleasing, even in comparison with products made from expensive textured PVC profiles.
The high thermal insulation characteristics of wood are combined with good absorption of external noise.
With a relatively small weight, the wood has sufficient strength, which ensures the preservation of external attractiveness over a long service life.

Flaws:

High price. Even the most budget designs, manufactured using the latest technology, are quite expensive compared to their plastic counterparts.
Violation of the production regime, in particular the preparation (drying) of the material, often leads to subsequent deformations of the product, which is quite difficult to eliminate.
Less practicality compared to plastic products, especially when it comes to soft wood (pine).

Care and operation

Modern wooden windows do not cause significant maintenance difficulties, as was the case with their counterparts made in Soviet times. However, some points require some attention. The paintwork on the frame and doors must be renewed periodically. The update frequency depends on the type of materials used and the type of wood. Soft woods, such as pine, require repainting more often than hard woods (oak or larch).

Also, when using soft wood, you should remember the possibility of dents, even with minor mechanical impact. If you leave a massive flower pot on a pine windowsill, a dent will most likely appear within a week. It is worth noting that this only happens with soft wood (pine, spruce); to leave a dent on oak or larch requires impacts that happen quite rarely in everyday life.

Otherwise, caring for wooden Euro-windows is the same as for plastic products. They can be washed (preferably without fanaticism) with warm water or chemically neutral detergents. You will also have to replace the seals over time (7-10 years).

TOP best manufacturers

Based on the analysis of each of the presented manufacturers, as well as on reviews of real buyers of products in the category under consideration, we can distinguish 3 best companies :

"Window Factory" .
A large enterprise has industrial equipment to carry out a full production cycle. The company selects only the best materials for profiles, subjecting the wood to multi-stage processing and sorting.
The company's own design department annually introduces new developments to improve product quality.
A large staff of employees guarantees a responsible approach to order execution at every stage with multiple controls.
The cost of a regular wooden double-glazed window made of pine starts from only 10 thousand rubles. per 1 m2, which is the lowest price among competitors.
Krauts. The company's products have repeatedly been nominated for the most prestigious awards based on consumer surveys.
Our own production facilities, combined with advanced technologies and high-quality wood, allow the company to guarantee the durability of each product supplied.
Multifunctional German-made equipment allows us to produce not only classic windows, but also exclusive products with arched, polygonal and other arbitrary configurations. This allows the company to fulfill any individual customer order.
The cost of products starts from 19 thousand rubles. per 1 m2 when ordering pine windows, but the high price is justified by reliability, which leads to savings on repairs later.
Vinchelli. About 20 years ago, the Russian enterprise was bought by an Italian company, which is why the production began to control the quality of each product produced. Vinchelli wooden windows have been produced for over 10 years. During this time, the company eliminated all errors and possible defects during production.
The machines make it possible to produce windows with any geometric characteristics, and the 7-layer painting of each profile prevents it from wearing out over time, regardless of the degree of aggressiveness of the environment.
The company's products cost from 14 thousand rubles. per 1 m2 when ordering a fixed window made of pine profile.

When choosing a manufacturer of wooden windows, you should pay special attention to 2 parameters. The main thing is the quality of the products produced and reliability during further operation after delivery and installation.

The second important factor is the attitude towards the client and the possibility of providing after-sales service.

Considering that wooden windows are installed with the expectation of many years of use, the presence of a long warranty period from the manufacturer will avoid significant material costs in the future.