# Wood Windows vs Replacement Windows

- Link: https://www.oldhouseguy.com/wood-window-vs-replacement-window/
- Published: 2012-03-02T09:21:00-05:00
- Author: Ken Roginski

I’m always looking at houses while driving and when I saw this house I thought it
would be a great chance to compare old wood windows to replacement windows.

[⌊vinyl vs wood windows⌉⌊vinyl vs wood windows⌉[

Left wing has original windows. Right wing has vinyl replacement windows.

Besides being a nice house this is a great example since you have matching windows
to compare to. Unfortunately this house is in the process of installing bad vinyl
replacement windows.

Notice the two side wings of this house.

**The left side retains the three original wood windows but the right side has three
vinyl replacement windows.**

Here they are close up – click to enlarge.

[⌊original wood windows⌉⌊original wood windows⌉[

Original Wood Windows

 * Center window is original, six-over-one, true divided light, partially concealed
   by a storm window.
 * **Side windows are also six-over-one** true divided light, but without storm 
   window
 * Side windows are smaller and window lights (panes) are also **smalle****r** than
   the center window but the pattern is maintained. This gives the center window
   prominence over the side windows.

[⌊vinyl replacement windows⌉⌊vinyl replacement windows⌉[

Vinyl Replacement Windows

 * Center window is a replacement with six-over-one flat plastic grills.
 * Side windows are replacements with **large four-over-one** plastic grills.
 * Side windows are smaller but lights are **larger** than the center window, and
   larger than the original side windows they are replacing.

This window configuration the center window should have hierarchy and prominence
over the smaller side windows.  This is created by having smaller sized window lights(
panes) in the smaller windows.

**The replacement window does the opposite. **

**It actually works against the hierarchy and harmony the window configuration should
have. This is a bad design.  **

Additionally the replacement windows are merely plastic grills. Wood true divided
light windows provide nice sharp shadow lines that give windows character and interest.
Vinyl grills provide a painted on look that is flat with no shadows.

**Window sales people do not know or care about proper design. **

[To better understand window design click here. ](http://oldhouseguy.com/windows)