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Wood Windows Embrace the Past and the Future
Learn how wood offers both timeless beauty and innovative durability from Jeld-Wen
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Wood, known for its richness and natural beauty, has been used to craft window frames since the dawn of architecture. It graces the windows of historic palaces and holds steady the glass of Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces. Even as engineered alternatives flood the market, investing in wood remains popular. “Wood windows not only provide versatile and timeless design, they also are durable and energy-efficient,” says Jennifer Matson, director of the wood windows product line at Jeld-Wen. Keep reading to learn about their many benefits.
Natural Qualities
If you’ve ever felt a sense of calm sweep over you in a wood-filled home like the one seen here, you’re not alone. Biophilic design — design that brings us closer to nature and positively affects our psyche — is gaining ground. Choose natural-toned wood to fully enjoy its soothing qualities. The custom wood windows in this contemporary dining room blend with the ceiling planks and beams to create a forest-like effect.
Protecting our future. Using wood windows in your home doesn’t just lower stress levels, it’s also easier on the planet. “Among building materials, wood is one of the few renewable resources that can be sustainably sourced,” Matson says. Look for wood windows certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable forest management. Even better, try to find styles that incorporate reclaimed components.
A poor conductor of heat, wood can enhance your home’s insulation when properly maintained. And although they’re more of an investment upfront, wood windows can help lower your energy consumption and electric bills, keeping rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
If you’ve ever felt a sense of calm sweep over you in a wood-filled home like the one seen here, you’re not alone. Biophilic design — design that brings us closer to nature and positively affects our psyche — is gaining ground. Choose natural-toned wood to fully enjoy its soothing qualities. The custom wood windows in this contemporary dining room blend with the ceiling planks and beams to create a forest-like effect.
Protecting our future. Using wood windows in your home doesn’t just lower stress levels, it’s also easier on the planet. “Among building materials, wood is one of the few renewable resources that can be sustainably sourced,” Matson says. Look for wood windows certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable forest management. Even better, try to find styles that incorporate reclaimed components.
A poor conductor of heat, wood can enhance your home’s insulation when properly maintained. And although they’re more of an investment upfront, wood windows can help lower your energy consumption and electric bills, keeping rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Unexpected Strength
Wood is known for its durability until it faces its archenemy: moisture. Today’s technology, however, can safeguard wood windows from rotting, swelling and cracking when they inevitably do get wet. There’s no need to shy away from wood windows if you live in an area affected by heavy rainfall or high humidity — or, as with the home above, if you have a pool nearby.
It’s the inside that counts. Choose a frame that’s been treated with a protective product all the way to its core. Surface-only treatments can scratch or nick, rendering them less effective. Treatment also keeps your wood windows safe from termites and other wood-boring insects. Stay eco-friendly by using a water-based product. “A water-based treatment releases up to 96 percent fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the manufacturing process than traditional solvent-based methods,” Matson says. You also can install extruded aluminum over your exterior frames for added strength.
“With proper care and maintenance, wood windows can last many years,” Matson says. They need to be finished or painted soon after installation to preserve their looks and simplify cleaning. Depending on your climate, Matson recommends washing the exterior of your windows at least once a year. You can repaint or refinish your windows’ interior as needed, depending on wear and tear or decor changes.
Wood is known for its durability until it faces its archenemy: moisture. Today’s technology, however, can safeguard wood windows from rotting, swelling and cracking when they inevitably do get wet. There’s no need to shy away from wood windows if you live in an area affected by heavy rainfall or high humidity — or, as with the home above, if you have a pool nearby.
It’s the inside that counts. Choose a frame that’s been treated with a protective product all the way to its core. Surface-only treatments can scratch or nick, rendering them less effective. Treatment also keeps your wood windows safe from termites and other wood-boring insects. Stay eco-friendly by using a water-based product. “A water-based treatment releases up to 96 percent fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the manufacturing process than traditional solvent-based methods,” Matson says. You also can install extruded aluminum over your exterior frames for added strength.
“With proper care and maintenance, wood windows can last many years,” Matson says. They need to be finished or painted soon after installation to preserve their looks and simplify cleaning. Depending on your climate, Matson recommends washing the exterior of your windows at least once a year. You can repaint or refinish your windows’ interior as needed, depending on wear and tear or decor changes.
Timeless Style and Versatility
“Wood windows can provide the full spectrum of architectural styling, from a historically accurate restoration to contemporary new construction,” Matson says. It all comes down to the color, shape, size, hardware and grilles you choose. Each window style has its own history and place. Contemporary homes, for instance, are known for expansive, paneless windows, such as the ones seen here.
Craftsman-style homes, on the other hand, are known for smaller wood windows with prairie grilles, decorative glass and warm metal hardware. Ask your architect to help you match your windows to your home’s style and pick frames within your budget. If you’re not picky about the color and grilles, plenty of lower-priced options are available.
“Wood windows can provide the full spectrum of architectural styling, from a historically accurate restoration to contemporary new construction,” Matson says. It all comes down to the color, shape, size, hardware and grilles you choose. Each window style has its own history and place. Contemporary homes, for instance, are known for expansive, paneless windows, such as the ones seen here.
Craftsman-style homes, on the other hand, are known for smaller wood windows with prairie grilles, decorative glass and warm metal hardware. Ask your architect to help you match your windows to your home’s style and pick frames within your budget. If you’re not picky about the color and grilles, plenty of lower-priced options are available.
Historically accurate. Ascertaining the proper window style is especially important if you’re renovating a historical home, such as a Cape Cod or a Victorian. Many cities require that any new windows installed in historic buildings follow the original home’s design. “Fortified wood windows can be used on the exterior without cladding, so they meet historic building codes,” Matson says.
If you need a specific look or size, custom wood windows may be the way to go. However, be sure to explore standard options, such as the windows in this traditional-style kitchen, before making the leap. Whichever wood windows you choose, you’ll be getting a classic material that keeps pace with the times.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
If you need a specific look or size, custom wood windows may be the way to go. However, be sure to explore standard options, such as the windows in this traditional-style kitchen, before making the leap. Whichever wood windows you choose, you’ll be getting a classic material that keeps pace with the times.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
A leading global manufacturer of windows, doors, and treated composite trim and panels.
Founded in 1960,... Read More
A leading global manufacturer of windows, doors, and treated composite trim and panels.
Founded in 1960,... Read More
While nothing beats the beauty of wood windows, ours began to show rot because of inside moisture. I suppose they weren't treated with the right protective agent. We replaced them with vinyl wood-look, and the warmth really isn't the same. However, I didn't want to do the maintenance and replacement again. If I had all the money in the world, I would definitely do wood again, though.
We have replaced some of our hundred year old wood French casements that had deteriorated with Jeldwin wood windows. We have found them to be extremely well made, beautiful and attractive. We highly recommend them.
Just got new windows throughout and I love them. My old windows had seen better days and I absolutely love looking out at our beautiful views of the mountains and river.