They say that your eyes are the windows to your soul. What then are windows to your house? And what should you have? There has been a raging debate as to the material that should be used. The bone of contention invariably boils down to whether one should use hardwood or softwood. This means comparing Hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why.
It seems that the general consensus is that hardwood windows are longer lasting. When getting a quotation the natural instinct is to balk at the high cost of hardwood as compared to softwood. There is definitely a reason for this.
Cheap is expensive. Hardwood is not only durable it looks better as well. The problem with softwood is that they are more susceptible to rot. With proper treatment they would both last a lifetime but do you want to bequeath your children a home with rotting windows?
Not only are hardwoods more expensive they are more durable and in most cases more aesthetically appealing. The problem with softwood especially the tropical variety is that they are not suited to the extreme weather conditions in the Americas or Europe. They are quite susceptible to rot especially if they are not well treated and taken care of.
There have been arguments that not all hardwoods are suitable for window frames which cannot be dismissed out of hand. It is true that oak even untreated can last for centuries. The other types like teak are frowned upon as the feeling is that they should be left to grow and not bought. This aside the type of paint used is also a very large factor.
It is quite simple to put this question to rest once and for all. If you are simply in the organizing phase run a simple experiment. Get two samples of equal dimensions. One hardwood and one softwood. Place these two in the yard or if you want to speed up the process bury them. Both samples should be untreated. After a while dig them up and you will be surprised by the results. There is a reason why they are thus named. Hardwoods are simply hardier!
If money is no object think long term and do the job properly the first time around. It is also important to note that you should not just buy any hardwood for your window frames. Mahogany, teak or oak are the way to go.
It seems that the general consensus is that hardwood windows are longer lasting. When getting a quotation the natural instinct is to balk at the high cost of hardwood as compared to softwood. There is definitely a reason for this.
Cheap is expensive. Hardwood is not only durable it looks better as well. The problem with softwood is that they are more susceptible to rot. With proper treatment they would both last a lifetime but do you want to bequeath your children a home with rotting windows?
Not only are hardwoods more expensive they are more durable and in most cases more aesthetically appealing. The problem with softwood especially the tropical variety is that they are not suited to the extreme weather conditions in the Americas or Europe. They are quite susceptible to rot especially if they are not well treated and taken care of.
There have been arguments that not all hardwoods are suitable for window frames which cannot be dismissed out of hand. It is true that oak even untreated can last for centuries. The other types like teak are frowned upon as the feeling is that they should be left to grow and not bought. This aside the type of paint used is also a very large factor.
It is quite simple to put this question to rest once and for all. If you are simply in the organizing phase run a simple experiment. Get two samples of equal dimensions. One hardwood and one softwood. Place these two in the yard or if you want to speed up the process bury them. Both samples should be untreated. After a while dig them up and you will be surprised by the results. There is a reason why they are thus named. Hardwoods are simply hardier!
If money is no object think long term and do the job properly the first time around. It is also important to note that you should not just buy any hardwood for your window frames. Mahogany, teak or oak are the way to go.
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Sash window renovation London is wanted right now. If your windows have to be refurbished, then try some sash window refurbishment currently.
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