Window Frame Replacement: Comparison of Materials (Wood vs. Plastic) and Saving Tips in Rotterdam

Do you often feel a little chilly in your home in the winter, or just not enough fresh air in the summer? The cause may lie with your window frames. Over time, they can become damaged. This is not only bad for the environment, but also increases energy costs and reduces living comfort. Perhaps your window frames are simply worn out and no longer look beautiful. In many cases, it makes more sense to replace them rather than have them repaired.

This guide tells you when window frames need to be replaced, which materials you can choose and the costs of replacing your window frames.

1. When to replace?    

In many cases, it makes more sense to completely replace your window frames instead of having them repaired. There are several good reasons for this:

Visual appearance of your home. Window frames largely determine how your home looks. Beautiful, well-maintained window frames add that extra bit of charm both inside and out. That really makes a difference and makes your home look inviting.

Irreparable damage. When window frames suffer from wood rot or other serious damage, repair is often no longer an option. In that case, they cause unwanted drafts and heat loss.

Energy savings. Old window frames often no longer fit windows properly and are not suitable for modern insulating glass (high-efficiency glass) such as HR++. New window frames help keep heat in, saving on your energy bills.

2. What choices do you have?    

Wood

Wooden window frames have been popular for years because of their natural, warm appearance. They fit perfectly with classic and authentic architectural styles and give a house character. Plus, you can easily repaint them, leaving you free to choose colors. Wooden window frames also insulate well, making for a comfortable and energy-efficient home. The downside is that they require maintenance: regular sanding and painting is necessary to prevent wood rot and moisture problems. Those who ignore this maintenance will see their window frames wear out faster. But if you take good care of them, wooden window frames can easily last 40 to 75 years, making them a sustainable investment.

3. Plastic    

Unlike wood, you only need to clean plastic window frames occasionally with soap and water; no painting or sanding is necessary. That makes them ideal for those who want convenience without sacrificing insulation and durability. Plastic window frames provide excellent insulation and usually last 50 to 75 years. However, it is important to note that they can discolor over time due to UV radiation, and you cannot change the color. In addition, plastic window frames lack the warm, natural look of wood, although nowadays there are variants with a wood look. Anyone who chooses plastic is mainly choosing practical convenience and a relatively low purchase price.  

4.What is the cost of replacing window frames?    

Every situation is unique and the cost of replacing window frames depends on several factors. These include what material you choose, the size and shape of the frames, as well as labor costs and installation.

On average, you can count within the following price ranges:

• Wooden window frames: between €650 and €1,250 per m² (excluding VAT, including installation and insulating glass).

• Plastic window frames: between €350 and €1,050 per m² (excluding VAT, including installation and insulating glass).

5.Saving tips in Rotterdam    

Compare quotes from different professionals. Get at least three quotes and compare not only the price, but also what exactly is included. That way you can avoid unexpected costs. For example: one quote may include installation, another only the material.

Choose plastic window frames instead of wood. Plastic is usually cheaper to purchase and maintain. In Rotterdam you pay on average between €350 and €1,050 per square meter for plastic, while wood is between €650 and €1,250.

Take advantage of subsidies and energy-saving schemes. Rotterdam City Council and local governments sometimes offer subsidies (ISDE: Insulation Measures for Homeowners) for insulating window frames. This can save hundreds of euros on your investment.

Plan the replacement outside the peak season. During the winter months, professionals are often less busy and can offer more competitive rates. This can save up to hundreds of dollars on labor costs.

Consider doing preliminary work yourself. Consider removing old window frames or cleaning the job site so the professional can work faster. This can sometimes provide a discount.

Look into local suppliers and installation services. Sometimes local companies in Rotterdam are more affordable than national chains because they often do not charge hidden fees and also guarantee excellent workmanship, such as Global Bouw.

6.What can we do for you?    

Do you want to replace your window frames? Global Bouw is happy to help you. With extensive experience in countless projects, we combine professionalism with speed. We work exclusively with high-quality materials and tailor our work to your needs. Transparency is important to us. That is why with us there are no surprises: the agreed budget is always the budget you pay. Only in exceptional cases there may be deviations, but you will always be informed in advance. With Global Bouw you choose for quality and carefree craftsmanship.

Would you like a free consultation? Please contact us. You will receive a quick response and we will immediately think with you about the best approach for your job.