Hard Wood Windows Compared With Soft Wood Windows Which Is More Durable And Why
Wood has been used to frame windows for years and years. There are two types of wood used for this purpose; hardwood and softwood. Softwood comes from trees that are evergreen while hardwood comes from trees that shed their leaves at certain times of the year. Not all hardwood is hard and not all softwood is soft. There are certain soft woods that are stronger than some hardwood and vice versa. Generally speaking, however, hardwood is denser than soft wood. Hard wood windows last longer than softwood windows for the following reasons;
Hard wood contain natural oils that prevent decay. Since water and oil do not mix, water does not easily penetrate hardwood. Most softwood types on the other hand do not have such oils hence they can easily decay when exposed to moisture.
The oil in hardwood protects them from insect attacks. Those that may be attacked by such insects can be protected by easily applying a coat of oil. Unlike hardwood, softwood requires several layers of paint because of their poor ability to hold it.
Softwoods are less dense; therefore, they loosen easily as they do not hold well to material used to attach them to surfaces. Having to keep fixing them to remain tight may cause them to come off easily. Hardwood is dense and does not come off.
Softwood cracks easily because the elements cause it to shrink and swell periodically. The elements do not affect hardwood which is usually compact and highly resistant to changing weather patterns.
Teak is one example of hardwood that is excellent for window frames. Teak that is oiled can last between twenty to forty years and up to well over a hundred years when oiled regularly. A single coat of oil is sufficient. Teak does not need to be covered even during the winter months. Softwood on the other hand lasts only a few years if left untreated. When treated, they can last between fifteen to twenty years. Softwood can be treated by sealing with wood stain or painting. Painting, however, makes it rot faster. This happens when moisture absorbed by the wood does dry properly because it is covered by paint.
The price of hardwood can even be five times that of softwood. Its superior qualities, however, makes it last longer than softwood which deteriorates much faster. Hardwood windows are, therefore, a worthwhile investment.
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Tags: builders, Carpentry, construction, diy, glass, glazing, home, Home Improvement, house, joinery, property, sash windows, windows, wooden windowsJanuary 25 2012 | Carpentry | No Comments »