From the moment of their appearance on the market, plastic windows have become the undisputed leader in sales, and consumers have not puzzled themselves with the question of choice for a long time. They ordered this modification without hesitation. This dominance of PVC profile structures continued until the technology for the production of wooden windows made it possible to significantly improve their performance and reduce costs. From that moment on, many buyers began to doubt which windows are better — wooden or plastic? We’ll talk about the problems of vinyl windows in another article.

Surprisingly, but in this matter, there are no unambiguous criteria for selection. Both options are good in their own way. Wooden profile products outperform PVC windows in some ways, but they are inferior according to some criteria. The main criterion is that both types of windows are not harmful to health. In this review, we will compare wooden and plastic windows so that you can choose the most suitable for you.

Plastic and Wooden Windows — Which Is Better?

To find out which is better wooden or plastic windows, you need to compare performance characteristics. A comprehensive study of the main parameters will help to choose in favour of one or another material.

Wooden Window Parameters:

• The maximum energy efficiency of the entire structure — 1.35 W/m²×°C;
• Achievable level of sound absorption — 48 dB;
• The durability of structures — 50–100 years;
• The durability of the outer side of the structure — 5-25 years;
• Frost resistance — up to -60 °C;
• The thermal conductivity of the frame is 0.15-0.2 W/m×°C.

Plastic Window Parameters:

• The maximum energy efficiency of the entire structure—1.13 W/m²×°C;
• Achievable level of sound absorption — 44 dB;
• The durability of structures — 40-60 years;
• The durability of the outer side of the structure — 20-60 years;
• Frost resistance — withstand temperatures below -60 °C;
• The thermal conductivity of the frame is 0.1 W/m×°C.

As can be seen from the comparison list, wooden windows are superior to plastic ones in some respects and inferior in others. Wood structures are more durable, retain heat better and absorb noise. But plastic windows are more resistant to atmospheric phenomena and have an affordable cost.

What Plastic Windows Are Better?

You can compare plastic windows from different profile systems according to the following criteria:

• The thickness of the outer walls (2.2-3 mm) — ideally, you should strive for a larger value; the number of internal cameras (from 3 to 9) — in our climatic conditions, it is recommended to use systems with at least 5 cameras to equip heated residential premises;
• Mounting depth (58-150 mm) — the larger this parameter, the better;
• Rebate depth for double-glazed windows — it is desirable that this size be at least 20 mm, but 23-25 ​​mm is considered the optimal value;
• The maximum possible thickness of the installed double-glazed windows (30-56 mm) — thick double-glazed windows retain heat better and dampen sound waves, therefore, in this case, you need to strive for the maximum value.

When considering the parameters, you need to consider what functions the structures will have to perform. For example, 3-chamber systems are suitable for glazing unheated balconies or cottages, while windows from warmer profiles are needed for apartments, cottages, and offices.

Which Wooden Windows Are Best?

Although approximately the same methods are used for the manufacture of wooden windows today, the operational and aesthetic characteristics of different modifications differ significantly. They depend on several factors:

• The types of wood — larch, pine, ash, oak, meranti, and mahogany, which are used today for the assembly of doors and frames, have different properties;
• Type of paint coating — the quality of the wood surface finish determines the appearance of the windows and the durability of the protective and decorative coating;
• Type of timber — parts for assembling windows can be made from solid or spliced ​​solid wood.

The warmest and most resistant to deformation are two-frame windows with double-glazed windows, which are made of glued euro bar.