Half of all buyers prefer plastic windows, which is perfectly understandable, because the characteristics of plastic windows are comparable to wooden windows, except plastic windows are about half as pricey. Plus, if it is often hard to tell at a glance which material the windows are made of, then why pay more?
Plastic windows look authentic
While many Estonians sometimes still prefer traditional wooden doors and windows, more and more people are beginning to compare them with high-performing PVC units before making the final decision. Modern wood imitation plastic doors and windows look so authentic that customers are often unable to tell what material they are actually made of.
Plastic windows are compatible with any architectural style
Plastic windows can be preferable both because of their price and technical features. The technology used for manufacturing plastic windows offers customers a countless number of unique profiles and finishing solutions even for the most peculiarly shaped apertures. Plastic windows can be made in round, arched, and a variety of other custom shapes. Thanks to their modern appearance and timeless design, plastic windows are compatible with all architectural styles. With plastic windows, customers have full creative freedom over shapes and colours, and this all comes at nearly half the price of wooden windows.
Excellent thermal performance and openability
Even in thermal performance plastic windows hold their own against wooden windows: both have U-values between 1.6 W/m2K and approximately 0.8 W/m2K. Both types of window support both air- and argon-gas-filled double and triple glazing as well as both aluminium and warm edge spacer bars, etc. Both are fitted with rubber seals. Therefore, both solutions are on an equal footing with regard to thermal performance.
Plastic and wooden windows also have similar openability, meaning that they use virtually identical fittings. They can both be opened from the top or the sides.
Long service life
As the price differences between the two materials are considerable, it is worth considering whether the windows are needed for a residence built to last several decades or just a temporary staging point. Plastic windows are long-lasting, rot-proof and decay-proof, and easy to maintain to ensure their durability. And – just in case you missed it the first time round – almost twice as cheap as wooden windows. So why pay more!
Estonian window buyers’ preferences as noted by Klaasmerk are as follows:
- plastic-based windows are preferred in 50–55% of cases, mostly due to their lower price;
- wooden and wood-aluminium windows are preferred in 40–45% of cases;
- the market share of aluminium windows is 5%.
