Plastic or timber windows?

Modern windows should be not only an ornament of a house but also functional equipment. Until recently plastic windows were chosen most often, mainly because of their low price. Today customers value security and appearance most, which is why so many people decide to buy timber windows. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of both materials makes it easier to decide which will work better.

Timber windows for years

For many people timber windows bring to mind a bygone era and manor houses. Even then the advantages of timber were known – its strength and durability allowed window frames to survive for decades in very good condition. At present this material is regarded as luxurious. Timber windows stand out in appearance at first glance and are associated with elegant interiors with a welcoming atmosphere. If a house has timber elements on its facade, it should be complemented with timber windows too, so that the scheme is coherent. By choosing natural materials we care for the environment.

These are not the only advantages of timber windows, however. Looking at their technical performance, the low coefficient of linear expansion deserves attention (9 x 10 – 6/K), testifying to high resistance to distortion, which in the case of plastic windows is almost ten times higher (70 x 10 – 6/K). Moreover, it is precisely timber windows that are most readily chosen for passive houses, in which the greatest possible energy efficiency counts. Windows of timber are characterised by high airtightness and a low thermal transmittance Uw, which is equivalent to very good thermal insulation.

What is worth knowing about plastic windows?

The lower price argues in favour of buying plastic windows, but it has an influence on the poorer quality of the products. It is worth knowing that windows of PVC are not resistant to high temperatures and quickly deform under the action of thermal factors, including sunlight. Although plastic frames do not yellow and do not have to be protected in any way, if they are damaged their repair is practically impossible and the user is forced to buy a new window.

Which windows to decide on?

Plastic windows belong to the standard fittings of interiors, and their frames do not require regular cleaning and protection against the action of external factors. Although time must be devoted to maintaining timber windows, it has a favourable effect on the service life of the material, so that windows of timber serve their users far longer. What is more, it is possible to change the colour of the timber using a stain.

If there is a need to glaze large areas, timber windows will work considerably better for this purpose. Moreover, windows of timber are also made in non-standard shapes — circular, triangular and arched, and the customer can submit their own design to be made. Meanwhile PVC windows are mass-produced and usually have classic dimensions and shapes.