Which windows are better: plastic or wooden

Disputes on this topic do not stop from the moment windows with a metal-plastic profile appeared. On this basis, many myths and misconceptions appeared. As part of this article, we will try to understand the issue and carefully weigh the pros and cons. ”

Windows cost

Here, plastic definitely wins, because the price of high-quality double-glazed windows in a wooden frame is very high. At the same time, wooden double-glazed windows serve less than plastic, and require care. The cheapest wooden windows of a domestic manufacturer will cost the buyer at least twice as much as European plastic windows.

Production time

Plastic also wins here, since it takes no less than a month to make wooden windows on order. For plastic products, as a rule, the production time does not exceed one week.

Window care

One of the main arguments of fans of natural materials is that wooden windows "breathe". Let’s see how such a “breath” threatens the windows.

Together with air, moisture penetrates into the tree, which causes the growth of mold and fungi. At minus temperatures, moisture begins to “tear” the wood fibers. As a result, the frame begins to "lead", the glass may crack, the paintwork is destroyed. No matter how intensively the tree "breathes", it does not provide the flow of air in the required quantity, therefore this argument sounds, at least, unconvincing.

On plastic, the fungus and mold cannot multiply, and the flow of air is ensured by installing a special valve that lets fresh air in, without releasing heat.

PVC burns very poorly and emits a few toxins, unlike wood soaked with chemicals. Plastic is not afraid of frost and heat, it does not twist and does not lead.

Environmental friendliness

Another common argument for wood windows. It is alleged that plastic windows smell like chemicals. Anyone who has ever dealt with plastic windows will treat such statements with bewilderment. Firstly, there is a difference between environmental friendliness and naturalness. And in this regard, plastic is better, because it is not a hotbed of fungus and mold. Secondly, normal plastic windows do not smell. At all. Does your TV, toothbrush, hairbrush smell? Not. Then why should the window emit some kind of smell?

Once the plastic profile contained lead, that’s true. Today it has been replaced by cheaper and safer counterparts.

Conclusion

Plastic windows are cheaper, practical, durable, reliable, and at the same time safe. For the average consumer, this is the best option. Of course, nothing can replace natural material, and this is perhaps the only serious advantage of wooden windows. However, in the article we considered only double-glazed windows. If we talk about simple glazed wooden frames, then, of course, they can not oppose anything to PVC windows.