The most widespread option for glazing residential, public, office, and commercial buildings today is plastic windows. However, in recent years, demand for them has gradually declined. Double-glazed windows with wooden frames began to form significant competition. Both options have pros and cons. Therefore, before ordering glazing, you need to figure out which windows are better – plastic or wooden.
Plastic Windows vs Wooden Windows: Comparison
Windows must provide a high degree of tightness, and thermal insulation, and protect interior spaces from noise, drafts, and dust. Also, increased demands are placed on their aesthetic parameters and ergonomics. All these characteristics directly depend on the design of the window unit. Therefore, to answer the question of which windows are better, it is necessary to evaluate their characteristics.
Wood Frame Construction
The frames of modern wooden windows are profile structures with a complex cross-sectional shape, which allows them to compete with PVC window blocks. Their profile allows for an airtight seal, which prevents heat loss and drafts, and also provides high-quality sound insulation. The same double-glazed windows are installed in wooden frames as in plastic windows.
The main problem with natural wood in the manufacture of windows and doors is the dependence of its shape and size on external physical parameters. When the humidity level changes and the temperature fluctuates, the wood can become deformed. As a result, significant gaps may appear in the window unit or, conversely, the surfaces may rub against each other.
This problem is solved by manufacturers of window structures by using laminated veneer lumber instead of solid wood. The timber is assembled from thin lamellas made from natural pine, larch, or oak wood. The slats are reliably connected to each other under pressure using a special adhesive. As a result, it is possible to obtain an almost monolithic profile, the rigidity of which is comparable to that of reinforced PVC.
The timber is not subject to temperature deformation. It is impregnated with special compounds that increase moisture resistance and protect the wood from rotting fungus and ultraviolet radiation. The prepared timber is treated with a special primer and varnished. Varnish provides additional protection to the wood and serves as a decorative finishing coat.
A wooden window block consists of the following elements:
- frame and doors made of profiled laminated veneer lumber;
- glass unit;
- wooden bead securing the glass unit in the frame;
- casement profile;
- drainage profile;
- sealing elements.
The design of the block is focused on a high degree of heat and noise insulation, ensuring hermetically sealed window closure.
Plastic Frame Construction
Plastic windows are the most popular glazing option today. Their design is formed from the following elements:
- frame and sash profile;
- glass unit;
- plastic bead;
- reinforcing liners for the frame (square) and sash (L-shaped);
- seals.
The profile is made of polyvinyl chloride. This is a durable polymer material that is highly resistant to natural influences. The internal space of the plastic window profile is divided into several chambers, the number of which can be from 3 to 8. Due to this, heat and sound insulation is improved. The rigidity of the profile is increased by installing a reinforcing liner inside the central chamber. This prevents the deformation of the window structure during operation.
Plastic windows are cheaper than wooden ones, which significantly expands the scope of their application. They are undemanding in care (they do not need to be painted or varnished, you just need to wash them periodically).
Thermal Insulation
The thermal insulation capacity of a window profile is assessed by its thermal conductivity coefficient. The lower its value, the less heat loss.
For PVC windows, the thermal conductivity coefficient of the profile depends on the number of internal chambers and is 0.15–0.2 W/m*K. Glued laminated timber used in wooden windows has a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.1 W/m*K.
Thus, wooden frames are warmer than plastic ones. However, it must be considered that about 90% of the heat loss in a window unit occurs in the double-glazed window. Therefore, its parameters are of key importance, and the difference between the thermal insulation characteristics of a wooden and plastic profile remains almost invisible.
Noise Insulation
Hollow inside, the plastic profile conducts sound better than the dense wood of laminated veneer lumber. However, with noise insulation the situation is the same as with thermal insulation ability: the main area of the window is occupied by a double-glazed window, so attention should be paid to its characteristics. The quality of the seals and the precision of manufacturing the window structure, ensuring maximum tightness of the sash, also play a significant role. The characteristics of the profile part do not have a significant impact on the level of sound insulation of the entire structure.
Strength And Wear Resistance
Plastic windows with reinforcement have increased reliability. Reinforcing liners provide rigidity to the frame, thereby preventing its deformation as a result of mechanical loads and thermal expansion. Plastic is not afraid of exposure to moisture and aggressive substances and is easy to clean. Thanks to the use of special additives, PVC window frames can withstand direct sunlight and do not change color. Small scratches are not visible on the plastic surface.
Wooden frames made from laminated veneer lumber are also quite rigid and durable. They are designed for long-lasting use. Treating wood with special compounds improves its resistance to all types of adverse external influences. However, over time, this protection may weaken. As a result, the wood may darken in the sun and gradually absorb moisture. Over the years, a wooden window may begin to rot. To avoid this, wooden window frames must be periodically treated with special compounds.
You can find out about the cost of replacement or installation of windows, depending on the manufacturer, material, and window shape at MyHomeQuote, a reliable contractor-matching service.
Service Time
The durability of plastic windows depends on the quality of the PVC used and operating conditions. On average, window structures are designed to last from 25-30 years to 50 years.
The service life of wooden windows is determined by the type of wood:
- larch – up to 50 years;
- pine – up to 55–60 years;
- oak – up to 90 years.
Conclusion
Each type of window has its own pros and cons, so it is impossible to determine a clear winner in this comparison. Wood is considered a more prestigious, environmentally friendly material. However, you will have to pay much more for it and its installation. You can find responsible contractors to replace or install any windows on the MyHomeQuote website. For those who want to make a preliminary estimate of the cost of work, MyHomeQuote offers a calculator.