subject: Why Chose To No To Plastic Windows And Rebuild Your Original Historic Wooden Windows [print this page] You may get an anonymous phone call telling you all the advantages of replacing your old wooden windows with the newer vinyl ones. Before you buy into that sales call, consider these reasons to say no to plastic windows and restore your original historic wooden windows.
Wooden windows were designed to last the life of your home. Many of those older wooden windows have lasted two hundred years or longer. If kept painted, the you can prevent the rot of the windows. In addition, wood windows are made so that they can be disassembled and then each piece can be restored. While it may be difficult these days to find all the members of the window, any good cabinet shop will be able to duplicate those parts needed to restore the windows.
Plastic windows are only built to last on the average for twenty years before replacement. The chemicals that keep the vinyl flexible decompose over time and the plastic becomes brittle and needs to be replaces as the plastic of the windows will break.
In the winter you may hear of all the advantages of double glazed plastic windows, however it has been shown that a traditional wood window with a storm window installed over it gives better insulation than a double glazed window.
A storm window does not have the problems cause by leaking gaskets of double glazed windows. You will not have windows that are permanently fogged due to this problem. Storm windows can be removed and windows can be cleaned inside and out.
Wood windows offer superior looks to plastic windows. Plastic bars over glass cannot give the authentic look of wood windows. In addition, these windows will eventually bring the value of your home down.
The restoration of wooden windows not only improves the look of your home, it also helps to maintain its value. Restored windows, which have been done correctly may easily last for another hundred years.
