From ship construction to wooden applications hundreds of years old, the exceptional endurance of wood and its resistance to time are evident. Iroko hardwood, in particular, has a life span of 25 years when used un-varnished for decking and general ship construction.
In contrast to fenestration products of other materials, wooden doors and windows can be maintained like new indefinitely following simple maintenance. The significant difference with products from other materials is that the latter are notoriously difficult to repair, while vulnerable to considerable and irreversible molecular erosion. A recent study by WWF, the world wild life fund, concludes that the expected life-span for a 1.5 sq.m. wooden window is 60 years, whereas that of a similar window made of PVC is merely 20.
Although frequently presented as solutions requiring no maintenance, it is known that windows and doors made of materials other than wood, may undergo irreversible molecular alterations upon contact with salts and pollutants in the atmosphere. Depending on the quality of their construction, all fenestration products may undergo changes in their colour as well as structural deformations when exposed to demanding climates. This holds for doors and windows made of wood, aluminum and PVC.
The superiority of wood in relation to other materials becomes particularly evident when examining thermo-insulation. The high insulation and low thermo-conductivity offered by wood allows one to safely hold a flaming piece of wood from its intact end.
Significant technological innovations over the last decades have eliminated problems related to traditional door and window production methods. Automated, high precision technologies, advanced varnishing methods, quality metal fittings and scrupulous laboratory testing render SYLOR doors and windows the most aesthetically pleasing, durable and effective solution for your home or working environment.
The natural beauty and endurance of wood render it a superior material for door and window manufacturing. The superiority of wooden doors and windows also extends to the environment. Read the "Environmental issues" section to find out more.