Are All Wood Windows Right for Wisconsin Homeowners?

Today, homeowners have a range of choices when it comes to new or replacement windows. Windows are available that are made out of aluminum, vinyl, steel, composite, and wood and offer homeowners various levels of efficiency at a wide range of price points. So how you choose the best material for new or replacement windows for your Madison, Wisconsin home?

Here at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel, we love the look and feel of wood windows. They offer homeowners a natural material that has been the standard for windows for decades. Other window materials like vinyl, composite or fiberglass, try to mimic the look and feel of wood windows. But nothing beats the real thing! 

Wood is beautiful, offers superior insulation, and is a great value. When properly maintained, wood windows could last for decades. Vinyl and fiberglass won't stand up to decades of environmental stresses as wood does.

Let's take a look at the reasons why wood windows might be a good choice for your remodeling project.

Why Choose Wood Windows?

Wood windows have been used in homes for literally hundreds of years. They are elegant, beautiful, and customizable to match any design. Homeowners have made wood windows the number one choice for more than just their looks. 

A recent study by Dr. Gillian Menzies of the Institute for Building and Urban Design at Heriot-Watt University compared wood windows against PVC-u (vinyl) windows in several categories in mild, moderate, and severe conditions. The study found:

• All timber-based window frames are more environmentally friendly than vinyl.

• Wood windows actually have a negative global warning potential. Over their 60+ year usable lifespan, they actually reduce the amount of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.

• In every test, in all conditions, wood windows have a service life that is at least twice that of vinyl.

• All wood frames offer homeowners a better long-term value than vinyl windows.

• Wood is a natural insulator making wood windows extremely energy efficient. When properly installed, wood windows help to prevent leaks and airflow from affecting indoor temperatures. In fact, with energy-efficient wood windows, you'll likely see a reduction in your annual energy costs.

The fact is, while wood windows may cost quite a bit more upfront, over their service life, wood windows will save you money, retain their natural beauty, and offer a better value than almost any other window material.

But what about the maintenance?

This is the hard part. Wood windows require maintenance. You must keep the exteriors properly painted. If you have a Prairie style or Arts and Crafts home with wide overhangs of 3’ or more on all sides, then wood windows might hold up a little better between painting.

You must also maintain the interior of wood windows. Ensure that there is not condensation on the window interiors that could ruin the finish and rot the window stops and window jambs. Clean and coat them.

The trade-off is that vinyl windows, even those which might have a “lifetime” warranty, are not actually expected to last forever. You’ll need to determine whether replacing the windows two, three, or more times is better or worse in your life than doing maintenance on an all-wood window.

Are Clad windows a better solution?

Maybe. A high quality wood window where the exterior is protected by aluminum or vinyl won’t need to be painted. High quality brands such as Andersen are have a long service life with rot-resistant construction and replaceable components. Brands such as Marvin and Integrity also make windows that use wood frames with a fiberglass sash, which keeps condensation from touching some of the most vulnerable wood, the window stop where wood meets the glass.

Types of Wood Windows

Wood windows come in a wide range of types, colors, and sizes to fit any architectural need. Whether you're seeking floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room to capture those stunning views or casement windows to improve ventilation, there's a type that is the perfect choice for your project. Here are a few of the style options available:

Casement Windows

Casements are the ideal choice if you're looking for top-to-bottom unobstructed views and wide-open ventilation. They're easy to operate and can complement any architectural style.

Awning Windows

These are designed to be open even in inclement weather. Awning windows look and perform flawlessly. They're often used alone or beneath a large picture window for ventilation.

Single- Hung, Double Hung Windows

Single and double-hung windows are a classic style that is at home in any application. With both sashes tilting in for cleaning, single and double-hung windows are not only beautiful, but they're also easy to maintain.

Special Shapes

Wood windows can be custom-made to offer one-of-a-kind individuality for your home. Whether you're seeking a porthole-style window, a transom, a sidelite, or any other style, you can have whatever you desire when it comes to wood windows.

Bays and Bows

If you're looking for a window with more character or seek to create that special seating area, bays and bows can make your room feel larger and bring the beauty of the outdoors right into your home.

Bi-fold Windows

If you're looking for a real indoor/outdoor living experience, multiple glass bi-fold panel windows that glide smoothly and stack neatly against the wall can open your home up to the great outdoors. They're great for creating the perfect indoor/outdoor flow between your living or family room and your outdoor living space.

Wood Windows are a smart choice for new or replacement windows for your next home remodeling. They offer great value, are environmentally friendly, last for decades when properly maintained and cared for, and are aesthetically beautiful. No matter what type of window you need for your project, there's a wood window style that is perfect for your home. Work with your design-build-remodeling contractor to choose the right style to meet your needs.

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are considering a home remodeling project, give the award-winning design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We can help you make the right window choices to meet your aesthetic needs and fit any budget. Call today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/19/2022.