Since their appearance on the market, plastic windows have become the undisputed leader in sales, and consumers have not puzzled themselves for a long time with the question of choice. They ordered this modification without hesitation. This dominance of PVC profile structures continued until wooden window production technologies made it possible to significantly improve their performance characteristics and reduce costs. From that moment on, many buyers began to doubt which windows are better - wooden or plastic? Surprisingly, there are no clear criteria for selection in this matter. Both options are good in their own way. Products made from wooden profiles are superior in some ways to PVC windows, but according to some criteria they are inferior. The final decision is made based on the allocated budget, operating features and personal preferences.
Structural differences between plastic and wooden windows
Wooden and plastic windows differ not only in the material used to make the frame. When assembling them, different technologies and opening mechanisms are used.
| Options | Plastic | Tree |
| Method of connecting parts | Continuous weld | Joinery joints "tenon and groove" and "dovetail" |
| Internal structure of profiles for assembling the structure | A hollow profile, which is internally divided into several isolated air chambers | Solid timber |
| Material structure | Homogeneous | Recently, it has been practiced to manufacture euro-beams - gluing individual plots (small boards) into a solid beam in a press, however, it is still possible to manufacture windows from solid wood |
| Number of sealing circuits | 2 or 3 | 1 or 2 |
| Fixing beads | Snaps into special slots | Nailed with nails |
| Sealing of double-glazed windows | Pressed tightly using sealing contours integrated into the profile and glazing beads | Insulated using transparent silicone, which is applied from the outside and inside |
| Hinges for hanging active sashes | Standard kit | Screw-in hinges can be used |
| Accessories | Standard | It is allowed to use handles with a wrap, a slider and a vertical bolt |
| Availability of universal auxiliary profiles for assembling structures of complex shapes | Eat | No |
| Availability of a drainage system | Eat | No |
| Internal reinforcement with galvanized steel profiles | Eat | No |
Comparing design features will not help to clearly determine which windows are best to install, since these differences do not have a fundamental impact on performance characteristics. For example, timber profiles do not need air chambers, since wood itself is a very warm material. It also does not require reinforcement, because properly formed and processed timber has high dimensional stability.
When considering these parameters, plastic windows are superior to wooden ones only in the matter of fixation, as well as sealing of double-glazed windows and glazing beads. This difference is felt not during operation, but when dismantling these elements. It is much more difficult and longer to remove glazing beads and double-glazed windows from wooden models than from plastic ones. This nuance must be taken into account when ordering windows, since double-glazed windows have to be replaced for various reasons. In addition to the problems with removing stuck glass units and removing old silicone, you need to keep in mind the need to restore glazing beads, the surface of which can be damaged during the work.
Plastic and wooden windows – which is better?
To find out which is better, wooden or plastic windows, you need to compare the performance characteristics. A comprehensive study of the main parameters will help you make a choice in favor of one or another material.
| Options | Wooden windows | Plastic windows |
| Maximum energy efficiency of the entire structure | 1.35 W/m²×°C | 1.13 W/m²×°C |
| Achievable sound absorption level | 48 dB | 44 dB |
| Durability of structures | 50-100 years | 40-60 years |
| Number of ways to open the doors | 7 | 7 |
| Durability of the external side of the structure | 5-25 years | 20-60 years* |
| Compatibility with auxiliary elements: blinds, supply ventilation devices and electric drives | Compatible | Compatible |
| Minimum price for 1 m² of construction** | 4000-5000 rubles | 2000-2500 rubles |
| Frost resistance | Up to -60 °C | Withstands temperatures below – 60 °C*** |
| Frame thermal conductivity | 0.15-0.2 W/m×°C | 0.1 W/m×°C |
*Plastic windows without decorative coating retain their aesthetic characteristics practically unchanged throughout their service life - 40-60 years.
But for painted and laminated profiles this time is reduced to 20-40 years. **As an example, the minimum cost of pine windows is given. If larch, oak, ash or mahogany are used to make structures, the price difference will increase.
***Since Euro-timber is mainly used in the manufacture of windows, it is necessary to take into account the frost resistance not of the material itself, but of the adhesive joints. Typically this indicator varies from -40 to -50 °C, and is sufficient for our climatic conditions.
As can be seen from the table, wooden windows are superior to plastic ones in some parameters and inferior in others. Wood structures are more durable, retain heat better and absorb noise. But plastic windows are more resistant to weather conditions and have an affordable price. When comparing the thermal and sound insulation of structures, it should be taken into account that the maximum indicators are observed in Finnish double-leaf windows, about which you can read more in a detailed review on OknaTrade.
Some sellers of wooden windows still claim that their products, unlike plastic ones, breathe. This is not true, because after treating the wood surface with primers and paints, the pores become clogged. In terms of airtightness, timber models are no different from PVC windows.
Price issue
You will have to spend significant money to install new windows. Saving on the quality of fittings, the thickness of a double-glazed window or profile will ultimately result in coldness in the apartment, icing or condensation on the glass. But you can save on frame material: plastic windows are cheaper than wooden ones.
Conclusion: in the long term, due to the longer service life of wood structures, the price partially pays off, but still the cost of their use is 30% higher.
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.
How to retain heat with double glazed windows
Warm windows in their design must contain special glass with an energy-saving coating. Typically, this is a silver coating that allows short-wave radiation from the sun to pass through and does not let out long-wave infrared radiation from the heating device. The use of this technology allows you to save up to 70% of home warm air, reflecting up to 90% of thermal radiation.
At this stage, it makes sense to introduce the concept of emissivity - this is the ability of a surface to absorb or lose heat. For ordinary glass its value is e=0.83, while for glass with a low-emissivity optical coating it is e=0.04. The optical parameters of glass do not suffer due to the coating; for regular glass, the neutrality rating is 99 (on a scale from 0 to 100), for modified glass it is 98. It is impossible to determine the presence of coating visually.
Let's look at an example. If the temperature outside reaches -26 degrees, and from the inside we heat the apartment to +25 degrees, on the surface of a single-chamber package from the inside of the room it will be +5 degrees, on the surface of a two-chamber package +11, on the surface of a single-chamber coated package +14, on the surface of a two-chamber package with a thickness of 42 mm + 17. The coating can reduce heating costs by 60% and cooling costs by 30% (in summer).
Windows with I-glass have the following advantages:
- there is no “draft effect” next to the glass due to convection of cold air, so space near the window openings is not lost, spending time near them is comfortable even in winter;
- thanks to the coating, you can use single-chamber packages and save weight, which allows you to make more massive window structures;
- Wallpaper and curtains do not fade from UV rays in the summer, even without curtains.
How can you check whether your glass has a warm coating if it is not visible to the naked eye? Bring a burning match to the glass, you will see how the light is reflected 3 times on the glass - the third reflection should be reddish, it indicates the presence of I-glass in your double-glazed window.
Pros and cons of plastic windows
To evaluate the attractiveness of this type of product, all technical characteristics need to be translated into a language understandable to the buyer. The best way to do this is by listing their advantages:
- Durability
- thanks to special plasticizers and additives, PVC profiles, when properly cared for, do not change their shape, color and size for the period stated by the manufacturers. - Minimal maintenance
- plastic windows are easy to maintain in working and aesthetically attractive condition. It is enough to clean and lubricate fittings with sealing contours on time, as well as periodically wash the surface of profiles and double-glazed windows. - Tightness
- structures made of PVC profiles do not allow air, water, dust and noise to pass in both directions. - Energy efficiency
- with the correct selection of the type of profile and double-glazed windows, plastic windows prevent the slopes from freezing and retain heat well in the interior. - Versatility
- these models can be adapted to any interior design. The exception is luxury furnishings in a classic style.
The disadvantages of plastic windows include the monotonous appearance of the structures and the inability to use them in respectable interiors. Also, during the operation of these products, one has to solve the problem of absolute tightness, which can be both a plus and a minus. A special material on OknaTrade will help you understand this issue in detail.
Since PVC profiles have significantly more advantages than disadvantages, they are readily purchased for installation in residential, municipal, commercial, sports and industrial facilities. These unpretentious structures can be used anywhere where they are in harmony with the facades and interior.
Which wooden windows are better?
Although approximately the same techniques are used today for the manufacture of wooden windows, the operational and aesthetic characteristics of different modifications differ significantly. They depend on several factors:
- types of wood
- larch, pine, ash, oak, meranti and mahogany, which today are used to assemble sashes and frames, have different properties; - window type
- there are single- and double-leaf, vertical-sliding and sliding models, and their thermal characteristics largely depend on the design of the frame; - type of paint and varnish coating
– the quality of finishing of the wood surface determines the appearance of the windows and the durability of the protective and decorative coating; - type of timber
- parts for assembling windows can be made from solid or spliced solid wood.
The warmest and most resistant to deformation are double-glazed windows made from laminated veneer lumber. There are several modifications of such structures with different energy efficiency and methods of opening the doors. Such models are selected depending on the climate of the region, the level of street noise and the area of the openings.
Results
So, is it worth installing wooden windows instead of plastic ones? As you can see, wood has several undeniable advantages, but there are also very, very many disadvantages, so it’s up to everyone to decide for themselves - 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, then the main criterion will be the pricing policy. If funds allow, then it is better to opt for Euro-windows.
Advantages and disadvantages of wooden windows
Modern wooden windows have almost the same advantages as plastic ones - tightness, energy efficiency, durability and functionality. In addition, these products have individual advantages:
- Fire resistance
- a wooden beam impregnated with a special composition is charred when exposed to heat, and does not melt like a PVC profile. This gives more time to escape through windows during a fire. - Pleasant tactile sensations
- touching natural wood cannot be confused with anything else. - Wide choice of decors
- despite the limited number of species used for the production of wooden windows, surface finishing technologies have expanded the design capabilities of manufacturers. Thanks to the use of various techniques, stains and paint mixtures, any window texture can be created. - Respectable appearance
- even products made from inexpensive species improve the interior of the interior and make it more solid. In terms of aesthetics, neither plastic nor aluminum structures can compete with high-quality wooden models. - The possibility of manufacturing structures with large active sashes
- according to GOST, an increase in the base section of the timber allows the maximum permissible dimensions of products to be increased by 10%.
The main and perhaps the only disadvantage of wooden windows is the vulnerability of their outside to atmospheric phenomena. Impregnations against fungus and mold slow down the process of wood deterioration, but only temporarily. In addition, after a few years, the decorative coating gradually begins to fade and lose its aesthetic appeal. We have learned to effectively combat this drawback by installing protective aluminum linings on the outside of the sashes and frames. However, when installing wooden windows in a private house with a beautiful facade, this method is unlikely to work, so it has not yet been possible to completely solve the problem.
It is advisable to install wooden windows in cases where the use of plastic structures will negatively affect the interior interior or the appearance of the facade. In addition, such products should be used when necessary to minimize the heat exchange processes between the walls and the frame. However, in any case, it is desirable that there is free access to the outside of the structure. This will allow you to regularly care for the surface of the wood and maintain its aesthetic appeal longer.
Which windows are best to install in an apartment?
To figure out which windows are best to install in your apartment, it is recommended to consider the possibility of caring for their outside.
Wooden windows will sooner or later require restoration of the frame and sashes from the street side. On the upper floors, this procedure is quite difficult to perform even with the involvement of specialists for high-altitude work with special equipment. The paint layer must be applied in sealed chambers, and it is impossible to create such conditions from the outside of a multi-story building. In addition, multi-storey buildings are usually located in the most polluted areas of the city. An unfavorable environment quickly destroys the paintwork and the wood itself. PVC is more resistant to such conditions. As a result, plastic windows for apartments are the best option. If the interior design requires the use of wooden frames and sashes, you can laminate the profile. It is possible to imitate the surface of natural wood only on one or both sides of frames and sashes.
When installing wooden windows, you must immediately take into account the problems that you will encounter during their restoration. To perform a high-quality replacement of the paint layer, it is often necessary to dismantle the structure, and on the upper floors this is almost impossible.
Features of care
Today's wooden windows do not require labor-intensive maintenance, as they did before, but from time to time the coating of the frames needs to be updated. With plastic, things are simpler: it does not require special procedures, everything is limited to removing dust with a damp cloth.
Conclusion: plastic windows are easier to care for and maintain compared to wooden ones.
Which windows are better for a wooden house?
For installation in houses made of logs or timber, it is better to give preference to wooden windows. There are several reasons for this:
- The laminated PVC profile retains its rich color for decades, while natural wood gradually fades. In a few years, plastic wood-look windows will stand out strongly against the background of the facade of a house made of timber or logs.
- The proximity of natural and artificial materials often harms the interior and negatively affects the overall environment.
- Wooden windows go much better with decorative trims, which are used to decorate openings.
Most often, laminated or paint-painted plastic windows are used for installation in houses that are lined with molded elements that imitate solid logs or beams. In all other cases, it is advisable to use the same material in construction and repair.
Regardless of the type of windows, they must be installed in wooden houses using a special technology that will prevent distortions. This technique ensures the frames are mobile relative to the walls, so that the frame structures do not deform even with significant subsidence.
Environmental Safety
Polyvinyl chloride, which serves as a material for window profiles, is a chemically inert substance under normal conditions. What cannot always be said about stabilizers, modifiers, pigments, and other additives in PVC profiles. But work in this direction is ongoing. For example, lead salts, previously used as a stabilizer, have given way to harmless zinc and calcium compounds.
USEFUL INFORMATION: What applies to the pre-finishing of an apartment in a new building?
Speaking about the environmental friendliness of wooden windows, do not forget that wood is treated with numerous impregnations: against insects and mold, unwanted exposure to moisture and ultraviolet rays. All such compounds are of chemical origin.
Conclusion: today, for both types of windows, produced with strict adherence to technology, the content of harmful substances does not exceed permissible standards.
Reviews about plastic and wooden windows
After studying all the characteristics and conducting a comparative analysis of different types of profile systems, many potential customers consider reviews as a final argument.
The opinions of other buyers help to obtain the missing information - how a certain window model will behave in real use. Vitalia Georgievna Menshova:
“We moved from a private house with old-style wooden windows, so when ordering new ones, opinions were divided.
Family members wanted it to be both practical and environmentally friendly. When deciding which windows to install in the apartment, reviews helped make the final choice. Preference was given to plastic models, since both consultants and other buyers convincingly convinced us that they are more practical and do not harm health.” Vadim Igorevich Razuev:
“We chose wooden windows with double-glazed windows for the country house, reviews of which stated that they are not inferior to plastic models in terms of tightness, functionality and thermal insulation characteristics.
When fulfilling our order, the manufacturer used 5-layer eurobeams made of spliced lamellas. The windows turned out to be not only warm and comfortable, but also stable in all respects. They do not swell with changes in temperature and humidity and retain their original shape.” It is incorrect to make a general comparison of rectangular wooden windows, standard plastic structures and other types of products for the manufacture of which PVC profiles or timber are used. Each of the models is designed for use in certain conditions and, if chosen correctly, will cope with the functions assigned to it. Our material explains in general terms which windows are best installed in typical situations. For non-standard cases, specialist consultations are required.
Resistance to external factors
Any window, whether it is made of wood or plastic, can suffer from the negative effects of external factors. In order not to regret the purchase in two or three years, when choosing a product it is necessary to take into account the strength and stability of the structure.
The profile's rigidity and ability to retain its shape for a long time is ensured by the reinforcing liner placed in the central compartment. If the product was produced by some “left” company and this part is missing, then the frame may be deformed. Temperature changes will cause the profile to bend, the doors will begin to close poorly, and cracks and gaps will appear. In addition, plastic may turn yellow when exposed to sunlight, making the window look untidy.
The wooden frame will not bend or sag, but it can also present the owner with a few surprises. For example, light-colored wood quickly darkens under the influence of ultraviolet rays; rain and snow gradually wear off the paint and varnish - the window must be tinted periodically.
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In terms of strength and resistance to external factors, both types of structures have the same indicators.
