2023-06-05 22:00:00
How to choose the ideal material for your windows?
To choose the material that is best suited for your exterior joinery, it is important to take into account different criteria, such as:
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possible colors and finishes;
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the durability of the material;
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simplicity of maintenance;
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the level of technical performance;
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the price of the material;
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legal constraints (depending on your place of residence and the local regulations in force)
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your works budget;
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the aesthetics of your interior and exterior.
It’s different aspects are essential to consider if you want to make the best possible choice for your home. SO to find out more, read the article how to choose aluminum, PVC or composite PVC windows.
PVC window
We can say that the PVC window becomes almost a reflex when it comes to renovation work. And for good reason, PVC now represents one of the most interesting options: available in different colours, and particularly resistant to bad weather and the sun, it offers the perfect compromise between aesthetics and performance. This material is therefore ideal for strong, durable windows that match your decor! To top it off, PVC windows are the most affordable on the market and therefore offer very attractive value for money.
The advantages and disadvantages of PVC
PVC has remarkable performance in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation. This material of exceptional durability is also resistant to shocks and deformation over time. It does not rust and requires no maintenance. Its great accessibility in terms of price often makes it the first option considered when building new homes. In addition, it is ideal for the renovation of contemporary houses or the restoration of old buildings.
However, PVC has some disadvantages. Aesthetically, it hardly competes with wooden windows or thin aluminum uprights. This is why many town halls, housing estates and condominiums have decided to exclude it from window renovation work. If you wish to install PVC windows on your property, you will therefore need to be well informed and request authorization prior to their installation. As for the choice of colors, it remains limited and its “plastic” appearance sometimes makes people reluctant to buy. Finally, be aware that for large windows such as bay windows, PVC is not recommended.
The wooden window
Once ubiquitous in most homes, the traditional wooden window is now relegated to the background by PVC and aluminum in new constructions. Nevertheless, wood remains a preferred choice for those looking for an elegant product, with neat finishes and offering optimal insulation performance. By opting for wood, you are also choosing the environment, thanks to the use of a natural and renewable material.
The advantages and disadvantages of wood
Noble species such as oak, Tauari or Moabi are naturally stable and durable, requiring no treatment to resist bad weather. Standard species, on the other hand, are treated to resist water, rot and insects. In terms of thermal and acoustic insulation, wood offers excellent results.
From an aesthetic point of view, wood is available in different species and tints, thus allowing a wide variety of styles and fabrications. It can also be used for large windows, such as bay windows. It should be noted that wood is often the only material authorized for the renovation of classified sites and enjoys the support and approval of many architects. When it comes to its price, standard and industrial wood windows can be as affordable as PVC ones. However, for bay windows, wood can be more expensive than most other materials.
The only constraint associated with wood lies in its maintenance. Depending on its exposure and the climatic conditions of your region, the application of stain and paint may be necessary. In general, it is recommended to renew the treatment every two years and the paint every 10 years. The frequency of this work depends on weather conditions.
The aluminum window
For its part, aluminum also holds an important place in modern constructions. Although it is more expensive, the aluminum window offers both resistance and elegance. It is considered a central element in contemporary constructions. In addition, thanks to the different lacquering techniques developed, it is possible to obtain a unique coloring with a practically unlimited choice. Whether you want bi-colouring for an original look or imitation wood for a warmer effect, all options are possible with aluminium.
The advantages and disadvantages of aluminum
First of all, aluminum is maintenance-free and can be installed both by the sea and in the mountains, as it is weather-resistant and does not rust. Due to its rigidity, it is the ideal material for large windows such as bay windows or multi-leaf patio doors. Although it is a good conductor of heat and cold, which once earned it a bad reputation in terms of thermal insulation, today’s aluminum windows meet the requirements of the RT 2012 thermal regulations. Aesthetics is also one of the strengths of aluminium. Its very thin uprights allow for a large glass surface, which is ideal if you are looking for an abundance of natural light.
On the other hand, aluminum also has some disadvantages. If its thermal insulation has been improved, its sound insulation may still have some shortcomings if a reinforced chassis is not chosen. In addition, you need a fairly large budget to equip yourself with high-performance aluminum windows. Finally, although aluminum can be recycled, its transformation from raw material requires a significant expenditure of energy. Therefore, it is not the first choice for a habitat considered sustainable or ecological.
The different types of window openings
The casement window:
The casement window is a classic type of opening where the casements pivot on a vertical axis. It offers optimal ventilation and allows easy access for cleaning. Its traditional design suits many architectural styles.
The sash window:
The sash window consists of two leaves which slide vertically, allowing partial ventilation of the habitat. This type of opening is commonly associated with Victorian-style homes and adds a touch of elegance to the facade of the house.
The bellows window:
It opens inwards thanks to a pivot located at the top of the window. This type of opening is ideal for small spaces and areas where safety is a concern, as it only allows limited opening.
The pivot window:
This is characterized by a central pivot that allows the leaf to open horizontally or vertically. This type of opening provides ventilation flexibility and can be used for contemporary and modern designs.
Projection window:
The projection window opens outwards by pivoting on a horizontal axis, thus creating a maximum opening. This type of opening is ideal for maximizing ventilation and allowing an unobstructed view, while preserving interior space.
The vasista window:
The vasista window is a small window that opens outwards, usually placed above a main window or a door. It provides additional ventilation while maintaining the security and privacy of the dwelling.
The awning window:
The awning window opens outwards by tilting upwards on a horizontal axis. This window model is ideal for rainy climates, as it allows the house to be ventilated, even in the event of a downpour.
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