Common Window Myth Busters: Timber VS PVC-U

Is Timber Window Better Than uPVC?

If you need to replace the windows in the house, you as a home owner may face a dilemma of whether to choose wooden ones or to give preference to a modern PVC glass unit. The latter option is considered more popular, since it costs less and is easier to maintain.

Budget windows don’t mean they are good and of high quality. A glass unit made of natural wood has its certain advantages. It costs a little more, but it is easier to restore and paint it. You can contact the company that deals withsash windows repair in Harlow. This will allow you to return damaged windows their original look.

Timber around windows needs regular varnishing and applying of protective coating. Proper maintenance will help keep windows intact and extend their lifespan.

What to choose: Timber or uPVC windows

Owners of modern houses usually install PVC double-glazed windows. They are commercially available and fit standard window areas. Such windows look quite good and fit perfectly into the design of modern apartments.

For older mansions it is worth choosing wood or upvc windows, but wooden models can be of non-standard sizes. Their use allows you to emphasize the aesthetic qualities of the building. You can choose any design and frame colour. In this case, the internal and external design of the glass unit depends on the preferences of the customer.

Wood windows have additional benefits when it comes to comparing upvc vs wood windows:

1. Energy efficiency. You can install double glazing, which will keep the house warm much better. This becomes noticeable already a month after installing new windows, as electricity bills are getting smaller.
2. Easy to maintain. Wooden windows require painting every 8-10 years. A double-glazed window made of any material needs regular cleaning, but the service life of PVC windows is about 20 years, while wooden ones preserve their qualities much longer.
3. Impact on the environment. To make PVC, manufacturers use oil, which is not eco friendly. Wooden double-glazed windows are made of solid natural wood. They don’t emit harmful substances. Plastic products are practically not recyclable, while wooden products can be recycled easily.

House owners often think that double-glazed window has to have PVC-U frame, assuming wrongly that timber window frame a is only for single glazed windows. You should know that it's just a myth. In fact, all timber windows can be double or even triple glazed. So you are able to have charming timber window that is energy efficient and will keep your dwelling warm and draught-free.

Because timber window is able to last up to 50 years and can be repaired and re-painted, unlike PVC-U, it actually works out less expensive over their lifespan. Due to wood's inherent strength, glazing is more cheap with timber window than with plastic.

A powerful argument when choosing windows is their price. PVC is a little cheaper, but considering the lifespan of wooden windows, the choice is obvious. In the long run, installing a glass unit made of natural wood is a more profitable solution.