Wood-Frame Window Insulates and Beautifies

QUESTION: I want to get replacement wood windows to save energy, reduce drafts and block outdoor noise. Are wood windows as efficient as other types, and what selection factors should I consider?

ANSWER: Wood-frame and sash windows are very energy efficient and attractive. Being made of wood, the frame and sash can have detailed contours and fit with the styling of your house.

Wood is an excellent insulator, and good-quality windows maintain their airtightness for many years. When you couple this with the new super-high-efficiency glass at R-8 and R-9 insulation levels, replacement windows can cut the heat flow through your windows by 80% or more.

As a result, it also reduces the fading of your furniture and curtains.

When you select windows, the operating type is very important, both for aesthetics and efficiency. Swinging windows (casement, awning, and tilt/turns) are most airtight. The weatherstripping seals in compression when the window is closed.

The more common sliding windows (double-hung, single-hung, and horizontal slider) are more difficult to seal well. The sliding joints between the sash and frame allow for more air leakage and tend to wear more than the compression-type seals on swinging windows.

You have several options for the type of exterior finish on wood windows. Aluminum or vinyl cladding covers and protects the exterior wood surface. These are available in just a few colors--usually white, brown or sometimes gray and tan.

The better-quality nonclad, bare-wood windows use a new super-high-performance paint guaranteed for 10 years. The exteriors are relatively maintenance-free. For custom and high-quality work, you can get windows made of cypress, mahogany or teak at a premium price.

The interior of most wood windows (even exterior-clad windows) is bare or primed wood, so you can paint them to match your rooms’ decor. The wood is usually pressure treated with a non-Penta preservative to retard warping.

The two-way-opening tilt/turn window is relatively new to the United States but is popular in Europe. You can tilt the top inward for ventilation, yet still be secure. For more open area, you can close the top and swing the window inward completely from one side. When locked closed, it is fixed into the frame at four to eight points for security.

WOOD-FRAME WINDOWS Wood windows can reduce heat flow significantly and remain airtight for years.