What to pay attention to when buying wooden windows ?
What to pay attention to when buying wooden windows ?
It might seem that choosing them will not involve making difficult decisions and that the biggest issue when buying wooden windows would be purely visual matters. Whether ordering them during the construction of a house or while renovating an apartment, we should not focus solely on the colour and shape of the frame, sash, and drip cap. In order for wooden windows to properly perform their function for years, we should pay attention to several very important parameters.
Heat transfer coefficient
This is probably the most basic parameter that must be checked before placing an order. The heat transfer coefficient for the entire structure (Uw) and the heat transfer coefficient for the glazing (Ug) indicate whether the selected model will provide adequate thermal insulation. As for the Uw coefficient, in the case of new construction, it is best to choose wooden windows in which it does not exceed 0.9 W/m²K. However, this value also depends, among other things, on the window dimensions. The heat transfer coefficient for glazing in standard models is around 1 W/m²K, while in energy-efficient solutions it can be as low as 0.5 W/m²K.
Watertightness
Naturally, the tighter the structure, the better for us, especially during storms and heavy rain. The watertightness class is indicated by symbols ranging from 1A to 7B. It is best to choose at least class 4A.
Air permeability
If the wooden windows we purchase will be exposed to strong winds, we should also check the structural deflection class (from A1 to C5). The higher the class, the more resistant the structure is.
Sound insulation
To enjoy pleasant quiet indoors (especially if we live in a large housing estate, in the city center, or near railway tracks or an airport), we should choose a model with an Rw coefficient of at least 36 dB. The best options are those with Rw = 45 dB. When purchasing Nieświeć wooden windows, it is also worth following the advice of our company representative. As an industry expert, they will certainly recommend the solution that is best suited for a given house or apartment.
