Standard Wood Replacement Windows - Top Reasons to Install Them
Do your windows show signs of wear and tear caused by aging or adverse weather? Are any of the frames bent, warped, splintered, or dented? Do the panes look hazy or foggy? If your answer is yes to any of these questions it may be time to replace your windows. Standard wood replacement windows are a popular choice among consumers for many reasons. Let’s explore some of them.
So you’re thinking about replacing those worn-out windows with standard wood replacement windows? Let’s take a closer look at the advantages they have to offer. We’ll look at styles, sizes, quality, cost, warranties, and energy efficiency. Let’s look at the most common types of wood used in window frames. But first here’s a brief introduction that provides a little more information about them.
Homeowners Love Standard Wood Replacement Windows
Wood Window Frames
Wood window frames are an excellent choice for Victorian, modern, and traditional-style homes. The various wood grains offer natural beauty. Wood is already strong and durable, but gets harder as time goes by. You can paint or stain them to match any type of decor. Wood resists condensation better than other window frame materials. To help your home stay cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter you need the right kind of insulation. Standard wood replacement windows offer this type of insulation. Wood window frames enhance the appearance of traditional homes. And that’s why homeowners prefer them. Wood is also sound resistant and helps reduce outside noises.
Types of Wooden Windows
- Awnings & Hopper Windows
- Casement Windows
- Double-Hung Windows
- Fixed Windows
- Picture Windows
- Single-Hung Windows
- Sliding Windows or Slider Windows
Awning & Hopper Windows
Awning Windows
An awning window is a window with several top-hinged sections arranged side-by-side. One or more control mechanisms swing the bottom section of each window outward. This design allows the greatest amount of airflow while keeping out rain and snow. A compression seal keeps out wind and moisture when the window is not opened. Hopper-style windows use weather stripping to keep out water and drafty winds. Compression seals are more energy efficient than weather stripping found on Hopper-Style windows.
Hopper Windows
Hopper-style windows and awning windows work in different ways. Hopper-style windows tilt inward to a 45 or 90-degree angle and take up less space. You see them on small windows in narrow openings. Hopper window manufacturers use a compression seal to guard against moisture and wind. Hopper windows can also use weather stripping. Compression seals are more energy efficient than weather stripping.
Casement Windows
A casement window Awning and hopper-style windows use a casement window. One or more hinges attach this window to the side of a frame. A frame can contain a single window or a pair of windows. When there are pairs of windows in the frame the hinges attach on the outside. One or more casement stays to keep a single or pair of windows open.
Double Hung Windows
A double-hung window contains two sashes, one at the top and one at the bottom of the window. Both sashes are movable and open one at a time or together. This increases the amount of airflow that enters and exits through the openings. Cool air enters through the bottom sash and warm air exits through the top sash. This maximizes the ventilation and air circulation that cycles through the building. Cleaning windows is a breeze with the tilt sash feature. The top and bottom sash tilt inward so you can clean the inside and outside of the window and never have to go outside. The key advantage of this is the ability to clean windows that are on the 2nd and 3rd floors and not have to use a ladder.
Fixed Windows
A fixed window contains fixed glass and is a window that does not open or has moving parts. Fixed windows are the largest type of window you’ll find in a residential building. They’re also called picture windows. Beautiful gardens, gorgeous landscapes, and other beautiful scenery are more enjoyable through them.
Picture Windows
Picture windows and fixed windows have the shape of a rectangle and are stationary. Because they’re stationary they’re more energy efficient. The large size allows more natural light to enter the room. Picture windows enhance the view of your outdoor landscape and bring nature to you. They are more energy efficient than windows that use weather stripping. They are also more energy efficient than windows that use compression seals. Compression seals are ideal for keeping out moisture and drafty winds.
Single-Hung Windows
A single-hung window has a top sash that does not move with a bottom sash when it opens. Double-hung windows tilt inward and are easier to clean. You go outside to clean a single-hung window. You would need a ladder or a lift to clean single-hung windows found on the 2nd, 3rd, or higher floors. This is why they’re ideal for the ground floor. Cold and warm air enters through one opening and this can reduce energy efficiency.
Sliding Windows or Slider Windows
A sash uses a top and bottom track to slide a sliding window or slider window open in a horizontal direction. It is similar in appearance to a double-hung window, but with a sideways orientation. One unique feature is the way the window sash glides left or right in a single frame by using a push or pull motion.
The Best Wood for Timber Frame Windows
- Treated Softwood
- Mahogany Hardwood
- Western Red Cedar
- Douglas Fir Softwood
- Redwood
- White Oak
- Pine Softwood
Treated Softwood
Some softwoods go through a chemical treatment process that makes them more durable. After this process is complete they can resist insect attacks and are toxin-free. This makes them perfect for standard wood replacement windows.
Mahogany Hardwood
There are 3 types of Mahogany hardwood. Swietenia humilis comes in at 3rd place, but other types of Mahogany wood are more popular. West Indian comes in at 2nd place, and the most preferred of the 3 is Honduran Mahogany. Peru exports the largest amount of Mahogany which is a tropical hardwood. Tropical hardwood thrives in coastal regions that have nutrient-rich organic or living soil. Living soil contains plant and animal residues at various levels of decomposition. This type of soil is ideal for growing beautiful Mahogany trees due to the compounds that make up the soil. Compounds like trees, moss, leaves, lichens, and other vegetative plants.
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is an eye-pleasing softwood with rich mocha color. You can sand it down to a glossy finish that looks great when painted or stained. It has strong resistance to termites and other wood-destroying insects. It is also slow to rot or decay which makes it ideal for exterior window frames.
Douglas Fir Softwood
Douglas Fir is another popular softwood that is durable considering its lightweight composition. It’s more than durable enough to withstand the harsh elements of nature. It’s excellent at holding nails and screws in place even though it’s a softer wood. These features make it an ideal choice for timber frame windows. Although you can stain the wood it does not take it as well as Pine lumber.
Redwood
Window manufacturers can create traditional-style wood window frames with Redwood. After they build the frames they apply a modern finish that beautifies the Redwood. There is so much of this wood available that there is no danger to the environment when using it to make windows. You can buy this wood at a lower price point than other hardwoods because of the surplus supply. Redwood has a smooth grain pattern that flows throughout the wood. This grain pattern makes it water-resistant and impervious to pesky insects.
White Oak
Note that White Oak is a high-quality timber and is very popular among high-end homeowners. Homeowners are happy to pay a premium price for window frames made out of oak wood. It’s very durable, hard to warp, and less likely to expand or contract like lower-quality wood. Standard wood replacement windows and other structures have used this type of wood since Medieval times.
Pine Softwood
US manufacturers use Pine softwood as the standard wood to make standard wood replacement windows. These frames come in many different varieties. Some of these include Ponderosa, White, Sugar, and Yellow Pine. It’s popular due to how it looks when you apply stain to it. It’s easy to mold it into different furniture pieces, including windows.
Builder-Grade Windows Vs High-Quality Windows
Builder-Grade Windows
When you get ready to install or replace windows you have two choices. Builder-grade windows or high-quality windows. Builder-grade windows tend to last around 10 years. High-quality windows tend to last around 25 years. Builder-grade windows or low-quality windows are available in huge quantities. These types of windows are often used in large construction jobs. Builders prefer these windows since one-size-fits-all. Because they are cheap you can use them to remodel your house for a quick sale. Manufacturers make builder-grade windows in large quantities. To increase the final sale price of your home it is better to use high-quality windows.
High-Quality Windows
High-quality windows use premium-quality wood like Oak or Mahogany for window frames. Higher-quality wood does not need much maintenance and is hard to warp and is difficult to rot. It has a long lifespan and is very resilient. The window installation cost is more expensive but that pays for itself in the length of time that it last. White Oak window frames can last up to 25 years. These types of windows are custom-made to fit each unique opening of your home or business. You can stain or paint them to match the color scheme of the decor of your building.
Energy Efficient Windows
The window panes and the wood in standard wood replacement windows keep cold and hot air from escaping your home. Energy-efficient windows use double panes of insulated glass to reduce energy expenditure. And the natural characteristics of wood make it energy efficient. Energy Star windows can save consumers $125-$465 per year. Energy-efficient windows are the perfect upgrade when you want to save money. Consider how much money you’ll save over time when you install energy-efficient windows. Keep these savings in mind when you get estimates. Manufacturers make insulated glass with Low-E or low-emissivity technology. This technology reduces the loss of heat during winter and curbs heat spikes in summer. On average homeowners save around 30% on their monthly energy bills. Energy-efficient windows are well worth the investment.
Common Window Frame Measurements and Locations
Single Hung Windows
- Min Width: 24″
- Max Width: 48″
- Min Height: 36″
- Max Height: 72″
Locations: Hallways, Bedrooms, and Kitchens
Double Hung Windows
- Min Width: 24″
- Max Width: 48″
- Min Height: 36″
- Max Height: 72″
Locations: Hallways, Bedrooms, and Kitchens
Casement Windows
- Min Width: 18″
- Max Width: 36″
- Min Height: 18″
- Max Height: 72″
Locations: Bathrooms, Kitchens, Living Rooms, and Bedrooms
Picture Windows
- Min Width: 24″
- Max Width: 96″
- Min Height: 24″
- Max Height: 96″
Locations: Above Your Garden, Kitchens, Viewpoints, and Living Rooms
FAQ
Q: What is the cost Cost to Install or Replace Wood Windows?
A: The cost to install energy-efficient wood windows ranges from $325 to $1,000 per window. The cost to install non-energy efficient windows ranges from $650 to $1,300 per window. The size of the window and the quality of materials determine the final cost per window.
Q: What's the Average Time to Install Standard Wood Replacement Windows?
A: Widow installers with experience can install around 10-15 windows per day. The average install time is around 30 minutes. The installation time will vary based on the size of the window.
Q: What kind of warranty is available for builder-grade (low-quality) windows?
A: Most builder-grade windows come with a limited lifetime warranty of 3-5 years.
Q: What kind of warranty is available for high-quality windows?
A: It’s not uncommon for high-quality windows to come with a warranty that lasts for decades. Factors that influence warranty duration include wood timber materials and glass energy efficiency. Double-pane windows use 2 glass panes for each window or pair of windows installed in a series. This doubles energy efficiency.
Q: What does Wyben Roofing charge to inspect my home to see what kind of standard wood replacement windows I need?
A: Wyben Roofing offers free window inspections. To schedule your free inspection fill out the FREE quote form below.
Works Cited
2022 Wood Window Cost | Wood Window Replacement Cost. (2022, September 16). Fixr.com. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.fixr.com/costs/wood-window-installation
Banerjee, P. (2021, August 11). Best Wood for Window Frames. Woodworking Trade. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.woodworkingtrade.com/best-wood-for-window-frames/
Texas, C. C. O. (2019, June 24). Difference Between Cheap Windows and High Quality Windows. Conservation Construction of Texas. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://conservationctx.com/2017/09/06/difference-between-cheap-windows-and-high-quality-windows/