Choosing what type of window frames you want is one of the many decisions you’ll have to make when building or renovating your home. There are many different options from aluminium or vinyl to composite, fibreglass or timber. Timber is often overlooked as it is a little more expensive than other options. However, there are several upsides to timber which will save you money in the long term.
Timber is more expensive but will save you money in energy costs in the long run. With 400 times better insulation value than steel, 2000 times better than aluminium and 8 times better than concrete, the natural properties of timber makes it by far the most energy efficient.
Timber also has low thermal mass which allows it to respond quickly to climate change. This will help keep you warm in winter and cool in summer and could save money on air conditioning or heating.
Most of Australia’s production forests are sustainably managed and certified under international schemes like the F.S.C. (Forest Stewardship Council). This means that new trees are planted to replace the old ones used. Re-growth forests also consume large amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. For every tonne of timber used instead of steel or concrete, a tonne of carbon dioxide is saved from the atmosphere.
With proper care and maintenance, timber can last a very long time unlike other construction materials which may need replacing after a few years. It is also recyclable and can be deconstructed and re-used at the end of its life.
Timber has a natural warmth to it which makes a home more inviting. Studies have also shown that the use of natural materials in the home and office can make you more relaxed and calm.
There are many different species of timber which range in colour, texture and tone. Different species can be used to bring out different features in your home. You can use a lighter wood like Mountain Ash or Stringybark to make the most of your natural light; or use darker wood with warmer tones like Forest Red Gum or Jarrah to create a more cozy effect. Whatever you need, there’s a timber species that will enhance your space.
Timber can also be painted or varnished to your particular taste. Paint is a fantastic way to bring out a certain colour or shade to match other features in the room; or varnish is a great way to alter the tone of the wood without compromising its natural beauty. And if you change your mind or fancy re-decorating a few years down the track, don’t spend money on replacing the frames - you can just sand down and re-paint as you wish.
For more information on the superior properties of timber, check out our Timber vs Aluminium comparison chart or contact our team for more info.
