Steel Windows vs Wooden Windows – Which is Best for Your Kerala Home?

In Kerala, windows are more than just openings for light and air — they’re a reflection of our culture, climate, and construction style.

For centuries, wooden windows have been the default choice, especially in traditional Nalukettu homes and heritage buildings. Their natural look, warmth, and charm make them a favorite among many homeowners.

However, Kerala’s humid tropical climate, heavy monsoons, and high termite risk have made wooden windows harder to maintain over time. This is why Fertech’s GI steel windows are becoming the first choice for modern homeowners, builders, and architects across the state.

1. Durability & Lifespan

1. Fertech Steel Windows:
2. Made from TATA Galvano GI steel — a premium-grade galvanized steel known for its strength and corrosion resistance. Each frame undergoes anti-corrosion treatment and powder coating, making it rust-proof and weatherproof. These windows can last 30+ years with minimal upkeep.

1. Wooden Windows:
2. Even high-quality hardwood can warp, crack, or swell when exposed to Kerala’s intense humidity and monsoon rains. The lifespan is usually 10–15 years with regular maintenance.

Verdict: Steel windows clearly outlast wooden ones in Kerala’s weather.

2. Weather Resistance

1. Steel:
2. Fertech steel windows are built to handle coastal humidity, heavy rainfall, and strong winds without bending or losing shape. Powder coating ensures the finish stays intact for years.

1. Wood:
2. Wood expands in moisture and shrinks in dry weather, which can cause gaps and cracks. This affects insulation and security.

Verdict: Steel wins for consistent weather resistance.

3. Termite & Pest Protection

1. Steel:
2. 100% termite-proof by nature. Fertech also uses sealed welding joints to keep pests from entering through gaps.

1. Wood:
2. Highly vulnerable to termite infestations unless treated every 1–2 years. Treatments can be costly and require dismantling in severe cases.

Verdict: Steel is the safest bet for termite-prone areas in Kerala.

4. Strength & Security

1. Steel:
2. TATA GI steel offers exceptional structural strength, making it extremely difficult to break or damage. Perfect for security-conscious homeowners.

1. Wood:
2. While hardwood is strong, it can weaken with age, moisture, and termite damage.

Verdict: Steel provides superior long-term security.

5. Design Flexibility

1. Steel:
2. Contrary to popular belief, steel isn’t just for industrial looks. Fertech offers designs for modern flats, luxury villas, and traditional Kerala-style homes. Powder coating can even mimic wood finishes for heritage-style homes.

1. Wood:
2. Offers natural charm but design options are limited by the wood’s structural strength and carving limitations.

Verdict: Steel offers more variety without losing strength.

6. Maintenance & Care

1. Steel:
2. Minimal maintenance — just wipe down occasionally. Anti-corrosion coatings mean no repainting for many years.

1. Wood:
2. Needs frequent painting, polishing, and termite treatment. Without care, wood can rot or split.

Verdict: Steel saves both time and maintenance costs.

7. Cost Over Time

1. Steel:
2. Slightly higher initial cost, but because it lasts decades, the cost-per-year is lower than wood.

1. Wood:
2. Lower upfront cost but recurring expenses for repairs, termite treatment, and painting increase lifetime cost.

Verdict: Steel is more cost-effective long-term.

Why Steel is the Smarter Choice for Kerala?

Wood has heritage charm, but Fertech steel windows give you the same elegance — with zero termite risk, zero swelling, and zero rot. In Kerala’s climate, it’s the low-maintenance, high-strength, and long-lasting choice.

FAQs

Q: Which lasts longer in Kerala – steel or wooden windows?

✅ Steel windows can last over 30 years, while wood usually lasts 10–15 years with heavy maintenance.

Q: Can steel windows look like wood?

✅ Yes. Fertech offers wood-look powder coating for traditional aesthetics.

Q: Are wooden windows good for coastal Kerala?

✅ No. Moisture and termites damage wood faster in coastal regions.

Q: Do steel windows require maintenance?

✅ Minimal — just cleaning and occasional checks. No repainting needed for years.

 If you want strength, security, and style that stands up to Kerala’s climate, Fertech GI steel windows are the clear winner over wooden windows.

They combine modern engineering with the option to match traditional styles — giving you the best of both worlds.