Wooden windows are durable, renovable and resolutely easy to live with

However, a wooden window can last 100 years, if it is well maintained; its maintenance can only be carried out every 7 to 12 years; and it does not need to be replaced if it is damaged: simply plan it and repaint it!

Wooden windows are durable!

The manufacturing processes for wooden windows benefit from great technicality, both in terms of machining (drying, stripping, sanding) and treatments and finishes. The wood of the windows is thus highly stable, it drastically reduces dimensional variations and the phenomena of expansion, shrinkage or deformation. In addition, a so-called IHF “Insecticide, Water Repellent, Fungicide” treatment is also applied in the factory. This stability is reinforced by the use of protective and finishing products: varnish, stain, oil, saturator, paint, etc.

The majority of manufacturers offer warranties of up to 10 years or more, depending on construction and finish. Well maintained, a wooden window can even last a century! Let us also remember that wooden windows can benefit from the NF Fenêtres Bois et Portes Extérieures mark (NF 297) and that they can fall within the scope of biennial and ten-year guarantees.

Ever more efficient finishing techniques

Manufacturers continue to improve factory finishing techniques in order to guarantee increased resistance against external attacks: bad weather, humidity, UV rays, pollution, dust, saline environment by the sea, etc. This mainly concerns wooden windows made from softwoods. (maritime pine, Scots pine, spruce, Douglas fir, larch, etc.), which represent the majority of sales in France. Naturally durable species: oak and exotic woods resistant to insects and fungi (Moabi, Movingui, Tauari, etc.), require little or no treatment.

Easy to live with wooden windows

Nowadays, finished wooden windows, leaving the factory, do not require any special maintenance, at least for around fifteen years, or even more. During their manufacture, they receive a so-called “three-layer” finish (including a primer, in accordance with standard NF P 23-305). This finish can be more or less transparent (varnish, stains) or opaque (paint).

It is recommended to clean the joinery once a year (in lukewarm water with a mild cleaner and a cloth) and to apply protection if necessary: ​​a varnish or stain, combined with a nourishing oil or 'a protective saturator.

Painted wooden windows: ever more sustainable solutions

On the painting side, more and more water-based solutions, more ecological than glycero-based paints, are being used, driven by regulations on VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This includes new products based on acrylic resin or alkyd resin. Manufacturers are also improving processes with the use of microporous paints applied in very thin layers by factory automation.

The average life of painting on wooden windows is approximately 7 to 12 years, depending on the finish and exterior conditions. And for the less DIY enthusiast, it is possible to call on a professional to carry out this renovation.

Because, in addition to protecting, finishes also have a decorative function. Their maintenance can be the ideal time to change the appearance of the home or building, as desired.