Frequently Asked Questions – Wooden Windows and Doors
Wooden windows, their profiles and our offer of wooden products:
We have a sample shop where you can order a corner sample of a particular window. If you’re interested in a specific sample that you don’t see in the store – don’t worry, we can order it especially for you, just indicate the species of wood, profile and glazing package with glass type, you’re interested in.
Yes – but at your request we can provide windows without such undercuts.
Yes, if we take into consideration structures made on similar profile thicknesses, wooden windows usually have thermal performanc better than aluminum windows and close to PVC windows
Wooden windows have better thermal performance and sound insulation. Additionally, it is easier to repair their mechanical damage. Aluminum windows are more expensive, but require less maintenance than wooden profiles and are more resistant to weather conditions. However, if you want to combine the advantages of both materials, we suggest wooden-aluminium windows known as aluclad.
It all depends on the species of wood and the thickness of the profile, for example, if the constructions have profiles of similar thickness, oak windows are the most similar in price to aluminum windows, while the price of the profile from jointed pine is up to 30% lower.
Yes, for PVC windows you can choose wood-like veneers (also with texture), and for aluminum construction you can choose a covering that imitates the color of wood.
Yes, besides standard windows in the aluclad system, we also offer HST lift and slide doors, FS bi-folds windows or slanted, arched and pivot windows.
You can e.g. decide whether your window is to have a hidden sash or whether the sash caps should be flushed with the frame caps. Our offer also includes a wide selection of finishes and colors of aluminum or wooden overlays.
Yes, English Casement Wood Window System | For B2B | debesto
Yes, we offer two types of sash windows – on spring or weight mechanisms. We have hung sash window or double hung sash window. English Sash Wood Window System | For B2B | debesto
Yes, we have 2 or 3-pane bi-fold windows, opening outward or inward.
Yes, we have Dutch profiles that open inward or uncommon profile that opens outward. We also offer a Belgian profile (unlike the Dutch profile with a sill only at the jamb, this profile has a sill at the frame and at the sash).
One such type of window is Denkmalschutz, which will help you preserve or modernize the historic appearance of a particular building. Several of our manufacturers specialize in the production of such windows. Availability and price depend on whether your project requires a standard Denkmalschutz profile or you have to make modifications to it, e.g. change the threshold or lintel section. Let us know about this during the project consultation, and we will select the right manufacturer. Historic Denkmalschutz Wood Windows | For B2B | debesto .com
Usually, yes. It all depends on whether you establish cooperation with an experienced, respected manufacturer, but you don’t have to worry about that: there are hundreds of them in Poland. Our windows are based on the latest (often German) technology and are of a high standard. Want to see how they perform in practice? Check out our Case Studies.
Window elements:
Structural, inter-pane, stick-on and Vienna muntins (that is, stick-on with duplex).
The aluminum drip cap is more weather resistant, but the wooden one fits better aesthetically with the rest of the wooden window. However, there is an option to combine both by choosing an aluminum drip cap with a wood overlay, which is available from some of our suppliers.
In addition, an aluminum drip cap is usually a cheaper option that can reduce the price of a window by up to 5% compared to a window with a wood drip cap.
Turn restrictors are not provided as standard. If you need them, please let us know before the quote.
Window color options:
Transparent:
varnish – a preparative that gives the right shade, but it does not cover the wood grain or joints.
finishing with varnish/impregnate alone—in this case, not every manufacturer gives a guarantee, so we recommend choosing varnish.
Covering:
wood coating, according to RAL or NCS – opaque finish, covers up the wood grain and joints.
Don’t worry, many manufacturers have the ability to make an order on request, but this usually involves an increase in price. You can also choose a bi-color solution—this means a different color on the outside and inside the window.
Not every manufacturer has this option, but usually there is a choice of brown, white, black, gray or other colors on request.
In the case of a warm-edge spacer, we usually match the color of the frame to the color of the window or other accessories. The most commonly available colors are black, light gray, gray and light brown. However, if you prefer a specific or unusual hue, mention it at the consultation or quotation stage.
Wood as material:
The cheapest species that we have in our offer is jointed pine, then solid spruce and solid pine. Beech and meranti are mid-priced woods, while larch and oak are the most expensive.
To illustrate – in relation to combined pine, the price differences are usually as follows:
Solid pine + 15%
Jointed spruce + 20-25%
Meranti + 25-30%
Oak + 50-60%
With softwood, we sell pine and combination pine as standard, but many of our suppliers also have spruce and larch. With hardwood, we offer meranti and oak, but other species such as sapele and framire are also available upon request. If you’re after a less common type, you should mention it during the video consultation so we can check if the manufacturers have them in stock.
Jointed wood is cheaper because of the micro-bevels – these are serrated joints who can be slightly visible under a transparent varnish or glaze. However, jointed wood is a good option when you choose to paint your windows with opaque paint.
The species of wood in itself does not affect the dimensions of the structure, it is usually the glazing and fittings used that determine its maximum size. The maximum dimensions of the structure depend mainly on the manufacturer from whom we carry out the order. As for wooden structures, their size possibilities are similar to those presented by aluminum or PVC window and door and sliding systems.
Remember, however, that with long structures, wood joints may be visible (usually when construction is over 1.9 m or depending on the manufacturer’s standards).
No, the location does not influence this, since wood used for window production is properly prepared, impregnated and protected – so it does not matter whether you choose a native or foreign species.
In this regard, oak is at the forefront, since it is durable and resistant to abrasion, moisture and weather conditions, however, the properties of each species can be improved by proper impregnation, which is provided during the production process.
Spruce, pine and meranti have a more favorable, lower Uw coefficient than oak, for example. To illustrate, with an exemplary set of windows (70 mm profile, 2-glazed with Ug=1.1), the Uw of pine and meranti is 1.47, while oak’s is 1.59, making it the coldest.
Wood is treated and impregnated during production, and for this reason, it is sufficiently resistant to decay regardless of its species.
Such a situation should not happen if your windows are properly impregnated. The windows are already secured during production with appropriate products against pests. During the later maintenance of the windows – you can use products available on the market that work both against pests and against fungus.
Doors and their profiles:
In the case of glued solid wood, the best choice is hardwood (due to its resistance to moisture and weathering). Our manufacturers most often use meranti and oak.
Pine is softer and less moisture-resistant than the previously mentioned species, but is also typically used for (mostly interior) doors.
Check out our selection of entrance doors
Yes, we have 2 or 3-pane bi-folds, with a maximum of 7 sashes.
Yes. Just specify what you need, and we will present suitable options.
Yes, with 2 or 3 panes.
Yes, but consider the high price (due to the transportation of such a large structure) and the fact that the wooden frame cannot be taken apart for later assembly on site. For large dimensions, we recommend using aluminum structures, which can be easily assembled together.
From an aesthetic point of view, an opaque finish will be the best solution due to the presence of joints.
Aluminum is three times heavier, but also three times stronger than wood. Nevertheless, with proper maintenance and care of the material, the durability of a wooden slide can be just as satisfactory.
The cost depends mainly on the choice of wood and the thickness of the profile.
For example (3-pane, Ug=0.7, white color): an aluminum HST on the Aluprof MB-77HS system will be 30-35% cheaper than a wooden HST (made of pine joined with an opaque finish on both sides) on a 76 mm profile.
In addition, despite the use of thermal insulation in aluminum, the wooden HST provides better thermal performance by about 25-30%.
Color options and other door features:
Color availability depends on the manufacturer, as each has its own individual palette. After selecting a model, you will receive a given range from which you can pick your preferred hue.
It is an option – inform us about this need before the quote. Only after selecting the profile, we will be able to show you what variants of ornaments the manufacturer has.
We usually suggest using safety glass, but you can choose whether you want laminated or tempered glass.
You will need to make this request before the quote, as the standard installation of this insert is from both sides of the door.
This is not a standard feature, but it is possible to include such a solution if you ask us.
Yes, most often white, black, and silver are available as standard.
Yes, but this is not a default feature, so let us know before the quote.
Yes, our suppliers usually have them available. If you need one, let us know about it before the quote.
Installation, certifications, and requirements:
We do have fire-resistant joinery on offer – however, the certificate we can provide will only be applicable in Poland.
We don’t have a supplier that can make wood windows strictly for NFRC requirements (but we can offer PVC profiles that will meet them). However, when your project requires wood construction, let us know, and we will consider all options and check our suppliers’ solutions.
We want to clarify that the lack of NFRC certification for our windows does not mean that they are not compliant. They simply have not been tested by NFRC.
We do not have a supplier who can make wood windows strictly to PAS24 standards.
Therefore, we offer aluminum profiles that are able to meet these requirements but do not have a confirmation certificate either. However, when your project requires such wooden structures, let us know, and we will consider all options and check the solutions of our suppliers.
At this point, none of our suppliers has such a solution for wooden windows. While our wood windows can be installed with mounting anchors, not every manufacturer provides them as standard. Learn more about European windows and nailing fins.
Many paint manufacturers (e.g. Teknos) declare low environmental impact and back this up with certifications and labels such as Nordic Swan, Allergy Label, M1, Biocote, CE, MED, EPD, Key flag.
Delivery, transportation, and storage:
Production can take 4–16 weeks, and it depends on the manufacturer of a particular profile.
The wood is properly prepared, impregnated before production, and the windows for transport are well-secured, so weather conditions during shipping should not result in such a situation.
Yes, until shipment, your windows will be safe under the roof of the warehouse.
No, shipping operates the same.
Maintenance and basic care of wood:
Usually, there is such a possibility. Contact us and we will provide you with the relevant information or help you choose the right product.
Wooden windows should be washed 2-3 times a year (but not during hot weather or severe frosts). You should use manufacturer-recommended wood preservatives for this, but diluted vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice or dishwashing liquid will also work. Avoid any cleaning products with ammonia, alcohol or other caustic substances in the formulation.
First, check their condition – if they are cracked or deformed, you need to replace them, but when they are only covered with dirt or mold, clean them and then preserve them with a preparation designed for such purposes (preferably with a product recommended by the manufacturer).
If you want to keep your windows in the best possible condition, you should use a protective emulsion (recommended by the coating manufactuter) or other maintenance product after each cleaning.
Step-by-step cleaning and maintenance:
– clean the surface with water and a cleaning agent (recommended by the coating’s manufacturer)
– you should also remember to clean the gaskets and fittings
– check the condition of the coating, search for cracks – if damage is found, you must repair it with a suitable product that is recommended by the manufacturer of your windows;
– you must mat the damaged surface with sandpaper, then clean and dry it thoroughly, next, apply a layer of repair coating to the wood and after about five hours repeat this process (drying time of the coating may vary depending on the manufacturer of the finishing, temperature and humidity)
– after you clean the window, apply a suitable maintenance product to it (eg. wood preservative)
– fittings also need to be maintained – for example, with technical oil
Wooden doors can be preserved in the same way as wooden windows.
Remember that these repairs can only be carried out at temperatures higher than 46.40 degrees Fahrenheit. Also pay attention to the humidity, which should be lower than 85%. If you don’t comply with the cautions above, the hardening process of the coating may go incorrectly, which will affect its durability.
On average, windows need to be repainted every 3-5 years, but when the window is well maintained and the paint coating is in good condition, the time can extend up to 6-10 years! Additionally, dark coatings are characterized by lower durability – you should bear this in mind if your windows are going to be exposed to direct sunlight. However, when you notice that the coating of the window is damaged before the aforementioned time (chipping, peeling), then you should carry out a renovation according to the manufacturer’s information so that your window does not lose its warranty.
Renovation step-by-step:
– you need to remove the windows from the frames, remove the gaskets and secure the fittings (for example, with painter’s tape)
– then remove the old coating and repair the defects, if there are any
– the next step is sanding (you can use sandpaper for this) to smooth the surface
– clean the matted surface and dry it thoroughly
– then apply a maintenance product, such as a protective impregnate, leave it to be absorbed and sand the surface
– you can then finish the surface by applying primer and top coats of paint/varnish
– finally, after the last layer dries, sand the surface with fine-grained sandpaper
The windows are impregnated during production, however, you still need to impregnate them 1-2 times a year, but not less than once every 2 years. All you need to do after washing is to rub in the best recommended care products from the coating manufacturer, such as wood preservative.
Like any chemical, impregnants and coatings can be harmful to your health if you don’t follow the instructions that come with the product, but there are less toxic products on the market that, after absorption and a certain amount of time, do not pose a health risk. When painting, however, try to avoid inhaling these substances.
If the window is properly impregnated and regularly maintained, then no problem should arise. Remember, however, that the darker coating may fade a little and this is a natural occurrence.
