Wood windows and doors for your home
If you are looking at giving your home an aesthetic ambience with windows that enhance its look, wood windows are your safest bet. However, these days people are considering wooden replacement windows instead of uPVC double glazing not just for its warm and inviting look, but because uPVC windows are not very environment-friendly. Moreover, you cannot certainly have uPVC windows for Victorian townhouses, 30's semis and country cottages. You got to opt for a wood window if you want to give the property its deserved look.


Why wood when uPVC is the most popular choice?
uPVC is a popular choice because of its low maintenance and price. However, they do not add to the aesthetics of the house in any way. Wood windows though, a little tiresome to maintain because they need regular painting and sealing, they are better for your homes because they act as natural insulators. Moreover, to home-buyers, wood windows appeal more than the regular uPVC windows. This clearly indicates that wood windows are far better appreciated and liked.

Wood offers great flexibility in detail and design


Timber-framed window
A good solution to the maintenance of the age-old wood windows is the modern timber-framed window. uPVC is any day more practical and affordable but modern timber windows can be an excellent alternative. They are factory treated with modern preservatives which greatly reduce the frequency with which they need to be repainted. In some cases they can be left up to 10 years without repainting. Double glazing can be supplied with timber frames.

How viable are wood windows?
There is no doubt that wood windows are a more expensive proposition than the one time cost of uPVC windows. However, if well assembled and fitted and given a reasonable amount of care, a wooden window can enhance a period property in a way that aluminium or PVC cannot hope to equal. Timber will require more maintenance than the newer materials, although modern paints and stains ensure that this is not the annual task it used to be.

Which timber should you choose?
Depending on the shade that goes well with your interiors, you must choose the right timber for your windows. In case you are looking at a lighter shade light oak or rosewood would be the right options for you. If however, you want to give that rugged look to your windows experiment with mahogany, dark oak or teak. Other timbers you can consider are cherry, teak and cedar.

Quality check
While purchasing wood windows, beware of low quality softwood windows. These could be an unnecessary burden because their life span is even lesser than the good quality wood windows that come highly recommended. The shades available in the market are enormous and match all kind of interiors. However, while buying, make sure you check with your supplier the jointing method used. The traditional 'mortise and tenon' joint is widely recognised, but other systems do exist. Also try and have all windows fitted with draught proofing strips to reduce heating costs.

Anatomy of wood windows
Wood windows are basically made of three basic elements

Sash
Sash is the most important part of a window. Its basic function is to hold the glass.

Case or Frame
The case or the frame determines the shape of the window. Its basic function is to hold the sashes

Casing
Casing is the trim around the windows, both inside and out. If the casing is aesthetic, the window looks beautiful.

Types of Wood Windows
Wood windows can be fitted in various styles that can add aesthetic beauty to not just your home interiors but also further beautify your exteriors. You can choose amongst the following types of wood windows to suit your home.

Fixed wood windows
Like the name suggests, fixed windows are fixed and do not open. They could have more than one sash, but the sash is permanently fixed into the case which makes the window immovable. Such windows are usually used in staircases and passages which are meant more to bring in light than breeze.

Double Hung wood windows
Double Hung wood windows can be opened from both up and down. They have two sashes such that the top sash slides down and the bottom sash slides up. These are usually used when windows are small and in areas where intensity of wind is a lot. This depending on the intensity of the wind, the window can be opened.

Single Hung wood windows
Single hung wood windows look same as double hung windows, the only difference being that the top sash is fixed and only the bottom sash opens.

Casement wood windows
These are typical country home windows with the sashes hinged on one side. You can swing them open by pushing the windows out or pulling them in depending on the adjustment of the frame. These windows are a lovely option for bedrooms and personal areas.

Awning
Awning wood windows are similar to casement windows the only difference being that these are hinged at the top. Awning windows were very commonly used traditionally for they look very aesthetic.

Transom
Transom wood windows are another traditional type of windows. They are the windows over a door that are hinged at the bottom and open from the top. Meant basically to enable circulation of air in the room, Transom windows are not very common now.

Sliders
Wood Sliders have two sashes, one is fixed and the other slides in the case to allow the window to open. Sliders too are not very common now.

Wood Window
Wood windows can be designed in various shapes and sizes. While French windows cover the entire length of the wall, commonly seen are windows that cover a little more than half the wall. These allow enough and light and wind to come in and at the same time ensure security. Other common windows are bay windows which look beautiful not only from inside but add beauty to the exteriors of the home. Windows with a round top give a definition and an interesting identity to the window.