Wood windows from the 1800s and 1900s have been known to last a very long time and are in many cases still intact. However, when looking for a replacement window for your home or business, if you’re considering wood windows as an option, it’s important to consider some of the challenges associated with this choice.
Aside from the often prohibitive cost of labor for installation, wood windows offer many other benefits that may not be worth the hassle if you don’t need them.
The most obvious issue is the way in which natural decay of wood happens. This type of decay is a part of nature and happens no matter what you do, but it does happen all the time. Even if a piece of wood remains completely dry all the time, a fungus, bacteria or other type of organism will eventually grow on it and then start to eat away at its outer surface. The outer surface can be eaten so thoroughly that there is little or no remaining organic material left.
Another challenge faced when selecting wood windows is that they typically do not include a locking mechanism to keep them closed during inclement weather (blowing snow, cold temperatures, etc.). This is especially important if you have small children or pets who will be using the windows. It’s nice to think that a one-year old won’t be able to open a window that was left open before, but what about next year?
Another common problem with wood windows is that they can get damaged by the weather, animals and insects, as well as dirt and debris from the outside (including rain). Once impacted or scratched by something such as a bird or chipmunk, some of them tend to become brittle and break apart in a very short period of time.
Wood windows may be able to be repaired, however, and in some cases, they can last as long or longer than their vinyl-clad counterparts. There are many different ways to deal with the common problems associated with wood windows. If a window needs repairs, you can take it to a professional for help or you can tackle it yourself. You will probably want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this purpose. In some cases, the damage may not be worth fixing and you will simply have to buy new windows.
So what about all of that longevity that we keep hearing about when talking about wood windows? It is true that if properly maintained, these types of windows have been shown to last a very long time. Just like any other type of window, it is important to keep them clean and free of debris. If the wood does become damaged, you may be able to replace the entire piece of wood rather than replace just the windows.
Wood windows should last anywhere from 20-50 years if not more, depending on the type of wood material and how well kept it is. They can continue to reduce energy costs over time by being able to insulate as they age. They are also more likely to have a lower overall cost when compared with other types of windows because they are typically less expensive to purchase in the first place.
Bottom line
If you are considering wood windows, be sure to keep in mind how they truly operate and the challenges associated with this type of material. You may want to think about whether or not the advantages outweigh the problems. If you decide that a wood window is for you, make sure to look into their possible replacements and repairs as well, so that you are able to maintain them as needed without any issues.
