Wooden windows: advantages and disadvantages

Wooden windows are back in fashion. However, modern models are in many ways different from previous copies. They are characterized by a more aesthetic and presentable appearance that can radically change the image of the home. Today we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of wooden windows.

Windows - the integral elements of any home. It is necessary to approach their choice as responsibly as possible, weighed, since these structures acquire not for one year. Fortunately, the choice of various windows today is very wide. Therefore, you can choose the best option for any wallet and style of home performance.

Contrary to popular belief, wooden windows do not look cheap or old-fashioned. With the help of them you can transform the home and make it much richer, which is possible due to the texture of the array.

The main feature of wooden windows is the fact that they can "breathe." Due to this quality of wood construction contribute to the preservation of a comfortable microclimate in the home. These parts have the ability to absorb moisture in its structure, giving it with an excess. At present, not all window designs can boast of such a feature.

The process of making wooden frames has some distinctive features. Frames and shutters are most often made of laminated veneer lumber. This material consists of 3 main parts, which are stronger and more reliable than solid elements.

The bona fide manufacturers in the production process cover wooden parts with special compounds that protect them from:

• the effects of high humidity;
• rotting;
• mold and mildew formations.

In addition, impregnation can prevent the occurrence of cracks on the natural material. The compositions can be applied in several ways. This type of treatment occurs under the action of pressure, immersion or dousing in a closed chamber. Also, protective equipment is applied by surface or vacuum processing. The second method is considered more reliable and effective, since it guarantees deep penetration of the impregnation into the material.

When the process of processing wood with a protective compound is completed, it is necessary to proceed to the priming of the bases. This stage is necessary so that paint and varnish mixtures that will be applied in the future, more reliably adhere to the material. For decorating wooden windows most often use eco-friendly water-based paints.

Wooden windows often complement a variety of decorative elements.(for example, bindings on glasses). These parts can be made of silicone, metal or wood. Fix them in the inner part of the glass or on the outside of the glass.

Most often in the manufacture of wooden windows using fasteners, mechanisms, accessories and decor imported. In one design, different styles that can transform the interior can effectively overlap with each other.

As for the glasses themselves, they are no different from those that are in plastic frames. Double-glazed windows are made with one or several cameras. At the end of production, wooden frames are always treated with fire-fighting agents that make them safer. Wooden windows are distinguished by reliable and thoughtful designs, in which there are different components:

• One of the main details is double glazing. It consists of several parallel and hermetically installed in the frame of glasses, responsible for the insulating properties. In this construction there is a profile consisting of 3 layers. This detail is also pre-processed.
• Wooden windows must be present high quality fittings - Another important component of such structures. These elements should be represented by turning mechanisms, opening / closing systems, as well as mounting parts.
• Aluminum profiles attached to the outer part of the valves, as well as in the lower part of the frame. These components are needed to divert water that falls on the window.
• To achieve a tight fit of the valves and frame, use special seals. These elements consist of elastic rubber bands, which are then inserted into the slots.

We must not forget about the additional components, such as slopes, ebb and sill. The biggest size has a double-glazed window. It occupies an impressive area of ​​the whole structure, therefore it is considered the main component. In wooden products use double-glazed windows, in which there is a different number of glasses. They can be from 2 to 4. It is directly dependent on this indicator how much weight the window construction will have in general.

If you choose designs for a city apartment, it is better to turn to options with a large number of glasses (double or triple). These copies will provide additional sound insulation of the home.

To reduce the degree of penetration of noise from the outside, you can use double-glazed windows, in which the glass has a different thickness.

For this, a more dense part is installed from the outside side of the street. As a rule, glass in wooden windows are characterized by significant heat loss.

If earlier wooden windows had simple and uncomplicated constructions, today on the market you can meet examples of a wide variety of modifications. Let's get acquainted with the most popular ones.

Russian are plain windows that have a separate wooden detail. In such designs there is one box, as well as two successively opening shutters with glass. Quality Russian windows are made of pine solid.In this case, the valves in them have a thickness of not more than 40 mm.

The main disadvantage of such structures is the fact that under conditions of high humidity and temperature extremes they can warp or be deformed. The profile of a small width does not allow for multi-profile milling. Therefore, in such windows it is not possible to install several sealing circuits. For this reason, the sash in a similar frame does not fit tightly to the frame.

The Finnish window of wood has a wide box (up to 180 mm), as well as 2 doors that open in sequence. At the same time, the outer sash is supplied with simple glass, and the inner one has a double-glazed window with a single chamber. At the same time, the shutter, located outside, can be made of wood and aluminum.

In Finnish windows, the doors are fastened together with a special mechanism, thanks to which they can be opened simultaneously or separately from each other. For the latter method, you need only a couple of movements to open the mechanism. Boxes and shutters of this design are most often produced from natural solid wood.

Variants of laminated veneer lumber are much less common.The cross section of the Finnish window is only 40x40 mm. Due to these parameters, these designs look neat and elegant, but do not have the standard advantages of glued laminated timber. Sash in such models are not pressed tightly around the perimeter due to the characteristics of accessories. For this reason, Finnish windows cannot be equipped with tilt-and-turn mechanisms.

Such designs are a combination of different types of windows. In their composition there are such elements:

• internal double-glazed window;
• external single glazed windows.

In this case, double-glazed windows are installed using a rubber gasket, rather than a sealing compound. Outside, these parts are fixed with screws and beadings.

Especially expensive and elegant look French panoramic windows. In such models there is a considerable number of bindings. Opening / closing of such windows occurs by folding, lifting or sliding. Most often, these sliding systems are made from practical and durable laminated veneer lumber.

Such designs are a solid frame, in which there is a neat binding.They open upwards, while being in an upright position. Most often in such windows there is only one glass.

Otherwise, such options are called eurowindows. They appeared on the market due to the installed high-quality accessories of European production. These components are mounted around the perimeter of the window sash. In these models there is the possibility of adjustment and tilt-and-turn opening. In addition, German windows are equipped with a large number of locking mechanisms. Eurowindows have a design of the main window box and sash.

At the same time, in the latter there is a double-glazed window (as a rule, two-chamber), which fits well with the conditions of the harsh Russian climate. Using such constructions is easy and simple: they open in one movement. In the manufacture of German wooden windows most often used timber, having a thickness of 68-88 mm.

Depending on this part, they make a special multi-circuit seal, as well as grooves for fittings and glass packs with a width of 44 mm. Modern German windows are enviable popular.They have several major advantages that should be characteristic of robust window designs. They are:

• warm;
• strong;
• durable;
• convenient to operate.

The service life of a quality German window is 70 years. In this case, the positive qualities of glued laminated timber, which made such constructions more practical and resistant to wear, played an important role. In the production of eurowindows use a bar glued from 3 lamels. In this case, these parts are glued so that the wood fibers are arranged in different directions. This design is not subject to detrimental desiccation and deformation.

Wooden windows are deaf. Such designs are static and have no functional details. They cannot be opened or closed. The cost of these options is significantly lower, because they do not have functional fittings. These windows are often equipped with multiple glazing, between which there is an impost.

Such window structures are made of wood, but they also have an external aluminum cladding.Such versions of windows are considered more reliable, durable and durable, so they are more expensive than simple instances.

Regardless of the similar name, such a window has nothing to do with the above option. In this case, the carrier base of the whole structure is made of aluminum. The inserts in it are wooden lamellae, which completely cover the entire window inside the living space. Wooden insert transforms such a window, making it more accurate and aesthetic.

Being present indoors, you will see a wooden structure made of noble tree species. The distinctive qualities of these models are their low weight, long service life and environmental friendliness. Unfortunately, in the Russian market, such types of window constructions could not be fixed due to their high prices. Therefore, to meet them is not so easy.

For single-pivot and tilt-and-turn options for window designs, the sash opens only horizontally. Most often, these windows open inside the room. However, there are also instances with an external mechanism.As for the tilt and turn, it can be opened horizontally and vertically.

Double-leaf deaf swing-out windows are most often made of laminated veneer lumber. They have 2 doors. One of them is deaf, and the second - tilt-and-turn, which opens and hinges on a suspension located at the bottom. Currently, these types of windows are very popular and are found in many homes.

Impost is a profile made of wood, with the help of which it is possible to combine several separate doors into a single structure. This part is used for the porch of the wings, as well as their hanging. Wooden window structures with impost are rightfully recognized as the most reliable, durable and resistant to wear. Of course, such models are much more expensive than dull windows, as they have fittings.

Such types of wooden windows open and close on the same principle as the above. In them there are dependent shutters which are reliably fixed by means of the tongue.In this case, the first of them is supplemented with tilt-and-turn fittings and a handle, and the second does not have a handle at all. In such a mechanism, the second flap opens only if the first one is open at this moment. If both doors are open, then the opening will be absolutely free, as in this design there is no such component as impost.

There are many modifications of wooden windows. If you wish, you can choose a suitable design for any wallet and taste of the owner. However, before going to the store for such constructions, it is necessary to consider in detail what advantages and disadvantages they have. To get started is to familiarize yourself with the advantages characteristic of windows made of wood.

First of all, the attractive appearance of such structures should be highlighted. With their help, you can transform not only the facade of the building, but also the interior. Wooden windows are environmentally friendly and safe for human health. These designs have good thermal insulation properties.

Modern types of wood are not afraid of temperature fluctuations and natural vagaries.Quality wood constructions do not accumulate static electricity, such as polyvinyl chloride constructions. For this reason, these windows will not attract dust. They do not have to be cleaned too often.

According to homeowners and professionals, wooden windows have good sound insulation properties. Even under conditions of high temperatures and under the action of ultraviolet rays, natural wood does not emit harmful and dangerous substances that damage the health of the household. Wooden windows fit easily into many interiors and blend harmoniously with most pieces of furniture. Wood windows are resistant to condensation. These designs provide excellent indoor ventilation.

These windows have a good tightness. They look stylish, can be a decoration of a certain interior composition, hinting at the well-being of the owners of the house. Of course, wooden windows have their drawbacks. Pay attention to them:

• Such designs are expensive, and the options in the production of which used elite rocks, and do have transcendental prices.

• Over time, the window of the tree will begin to pass moisture and deform. To avoid such problems is possible only with the help of protective equipment. On the care of such structures can not be forgotten.
• Wooden profiles will not only have to constantly be treated with special impregnations, but also to refresh their appearance, for example, to tint.
• Wooden structures are subject to fire. They are flammable and actively support the flame.

Wooden windows are made of various types of wood. Consider the most relevant of them:

• Larch. This material for many years retains a beautiful golden hue and natural pattern. According to its characteristics, larch tree is in many respects similar to African tree species, but it is much cheaper.
• Pine. This material is softer and more pliable. Pine windows look especially good in log houses. Such products are cheaper.However, we must bear in mind that pine does not tolerate high levels of humidity.

• Oak. Oak windows - the perfect solution for a classic interior. Such designs are considered elite and are expensive.
• The Red tree. This material is luxurious. If you want to give your home notes of chic and frills, you should turn to the windows of mahogany.

Often, windows are composed of combinations of different materials, such as wood and plastic, or wood and aluminum.

Eco-friendly and "breathing" windows made of natural wood can be installed:

• in the country;
• in the guest house;
• multi-storey country house;
• city ​​apartment;
• on the balcony;
• on the loggia.

Installation of wooden windows can be done by hand. However, for this you need to take into account some of the nuances associated with this work. First you need to get rid of the old window structures. When you remove them from the opening, you need to thoroughly clean it and carefully align the vacated blocks. After that, be sure to check the level of deviation of the opening.

• To fix the frame, use screws with an interval between them from small intervals (no more than 70 cm).
• Spacers should be installed between the frame and the wall.

• The gap between the wall and the window should be sealed with a special compression ribbon, as well as high-quality mounting foam.
• After that you need to adjust the sash. Learn that improper adjustment of these elements can cause cracks in the glass.
• After a day you can proceed to the installation of slopes.

Not every home master will be able to cope with this task; therefore, it is better to entrust this work to an experienced specialist. This will provide a perfect and professional result of work with high quality characteristics.

Slopes - elements of the wall, located on the sides of the window construction. The design of these parts should be attractive and aesthetic. Slopes can be different:

• Plastered. It is possible to proceed to the covering of slopes with plaster no earlier than one week after the installation of the window construction. As a rule, these elements easily fit into any ensembles and openings (standard, arched or figured).
• Plastic. Such options for slopes are inexpensive and common. They are often produced using sandwich panels.
• Gypsum. These slopes are also affordable. After installation, these parts can be painted or coated with plaster.

• MDF panels. Such materials are more reliable and durable. The slopes of the MFD are ideal for attractive oak or beech windows.
• Cork. These slopes can not be called cheap and affordable, but they look great. Cork elements can be matched to any shade.
• Wood. In the manufacture of wooden slopes also often used glued panel. Such details are most often used to complement the windows of wood.

In sturdy wooden buildings, the window structures are located on the same level as the floors. However, all draft details and inserts and insulation, which need a decorative adjustment, are noticeable. In addition, a rather serious question arises: how to insulate high-quality windows made of wood from the outside, as well as protect them from low temperature and wind. Standard casings usually have a simple execution.

They consist of boards of small thickness, which need to be nailed around the perimeter of the window from the street side. They are mounted so that the board closes the window frame and went to the wall. At the same time, the appeared joint between the overlap and the window should be securely hidden behind the casing. The last detail will also help protect the seam from negative environmental factors. From the very beginning, wood backplates were used to protect and conceal assembly seams.

In addition to its main function, these elements can assume the function of a spectacular decoration of the facade. Beautiful designs with overlays can effectively transform the building. They are able to give it a unique style and highlight the good taste of the owners.

Windows made of wood will last much longer and retain an attractive appearance, if you provide them with proper care. It consists in the following:

• Always clean the glass from the slightest dirt. Do not let it accumulate on the glasses in a thick layer.
• Remove dust from all surfaces of windows.
• Periodically clean seals from accumulated dirt and dust. If these parts are in poor condition, they should be replaced in time.
• Periodically lubricate the window fittings, otherwise it may not function properly, it may make unpleasant sounds (crunch, creak).

• Occasionally tint the wooden frame. For this, it is recommended to use high-quality and eco-friendly paint and varnish compositions.
• The glass unit is recommended to clean on both sides. To do this, use a glass cleaner.

Pay attention to the fact that the composition of the cleaning product was not abrasive elements: they can damage the material. Use a soft cloth to wipe. Always remove residual moisture from wooden windows.

For more information about the features and benefits of wooden windows, see the following video.