Why is Wood Making a Comeback in the Building Industry?
Wooden lift-sliding door in a modern kitchen
What is Mestre Raposa International’s vision for the future of wooden windows?
The return of wood windows, front doors, balcony doors and large format sliding doors is part of the current trend among many architects, contractors and builders. They never really disappeared, just had more competition from other types of material such as PVC and Aluminium.
But the current trend is back towards the classic, good old-fashioned wooden window, as we’ve known it since childhood. Grandma and grandpa didn’t know any different because wood is the oldest material for exterior joinery. In those days, wooden windows lasted over 100 years and were treated only with oil.
Mestre Raposa International® is passionate about wood and has a high level of ecological awareness. For many years, our team has been perfecting our wooden window and door profiles. Our ambitious goal is to develop a durable, robust wooden windows that stands out in terms of quality and technical performance from the various products already available on the market.
To ensure this, Mestre Raposa International® had its wood and wood-aluminium profiles tested at two prestigious international technical institutions: the FCBA in Bordeaux (France) and the ITCONS at the University of Coimbra (Portugal). Our profiles outperformed the European average in all parameters.
What is Mestre Raposa International’s vision for the future of wooden windows?
Essentially, it’s all about giving wood, as a natural material, the status it deserves: Mestre Raposa International® places enormous importance on the latest treatments and finishes, which guarantee long-lasting use of doors and windows and unfailing resistance, as well as respect for the environment.
Our B2B department is always ready to support its partners, architects, contractors and window installation companies: an in-depth study is carried out to respond as effectively as possible to the technical and architectural specifics of each project.
The combination of wood as a natural raw material with high added value and the use of cutting-edge production technology results in a high-quality, high-performance window that meets the environmental standards for sustainable construction and renovation.
Types of Wood and their Characteristics
The use of wood from Europe is recommended by European regulatory institutions. Considered as a living product, this raw material must be consciously exploited to guarantee its durability in time and space. It is therefore advisable to use wood from Northern Europe, where tree growth is slow due to low temperatures, positively affecting wood density and strength.
Tropical woods should be avoided, apart from meranti, which is sustainably and fairly grown.
FSC® and PEFC® certifications guarantee the sustainable and ecological origin of wood materials.
Larch Windows
The larch wood used by Mestre Raposa International® comes mainly from northern Europe, and more specifically from the Alps and southern Germany. Larch wood is red but darkens over time, making it a hard, heavy material that offers extra protection against burglary.
Pine Wood Windows
Pine is the most popular type of wood for exterior joinery because of its lower price. It comes from the forests of Central Europe and is the second most common species of forest tree in the region. Door and window manufacturers must always check the origin of this material to guarantee its quality and durability over time.
Meranti Wood Windows
Meranti is a tropical wood mainly from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. It is ideally suited to the construction of wooden windows. Mestre Raposa International® only uses Meranti wood if it comes from renewable stocks and is therefore FSC-certified. Meranti wood has a reddish-brown color, and the structure is very similar to oak.
Oak Windows
Oak is a very wise choice of material, as it is synonymous with robustness and a unique architectural style that is in great demand on the market.
Unlike other species, oak requires less treatment and guarantees high density for durability, as well as unrivalled performance in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation.
Turning oak into windows requires a great deal of expertise.
Finishing Treatment for Wooden Windows
There are many factors that can adversely affect untreated exterior joinery, and which over time can cause a deterioration in the functionality and aesthetic appearance (color and shape) of doors and windows.
Moisture, ultra-violet rays, and temperature changes are all taken into consideration by Mestre Raposa International® when treating wooden and wood-aluminum windows and doors before delivery to customers.
Finishing is the final stage in the manufacturing process and is carried out using different processes depending on the type of wood and the desired result. This special treatment extends the life of the windows and makes them easier to maintain.
As a renewable raw material, wood has no alternative and makes a major contribution to preserving our planet, and therefore to reducing CO2, and its increasingly visible dramatic effects.
Opting for wood therefore contributes to the sustainable development of our planet.
Depending on their orientation, wooden windows and doors also needs maintenance to extend their durability.
Contact us now!
Mestre Raposa International® is the partner of choice for all your construction or renovation projects. We have the windows and doors you are searching for your project. Send us an e-mail and we will be delighted to assist you.