Photo: Curtis Adams

Are UPVC windows more energy efficient than wood?

Both wood and uPVC windows offer high levels of efficiency, but wood is a better insulator. Thermal efficiency is measured using a 'U-value', the lower the U-value, the smaller the loss of heat, i.e. better energy efficiency.

sashed.com - Modern Wooden vs. uPVC windows - Sashed

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Our customers are sometimes surprised at some of the things they learn about modern wooden windows, because they are at odds with preconceived ideas they have about them. Perhaps this is not unexpected if, like me, they grew up during the 1970s and 1980s when wooden windows were a very different thing. The house I grew up in was a new build in 1978 with wooden, single glazed windows which were cold, draughty and during the winter were often running with condensation. They also required regular maintenance, they needed repainting every few years and there were no locks or other security features of any kind. My parents marvelled at the uPVC windows they eventually had installed in the late 1980s, which made the house so much warmer, quieter and of course secure. Todayâ€™s timber windows, however, are a very different prospect and we thought a blog on this would be in order to help dispel some of the myths we regularly encounter.

Myth 1: Wooden windows are not as thermally efficient as uPVC

Both wood and uPVC windows offer high levels of efficiency, but wood is a better insulator. Thermal efficiency is measured using a ‘U-value’, the lower the U-value, the smaller the loss of heat, i.e. better energy efficiency. Our timber sliding sash windows have a typical u-value of 1.4 W/m2K, compared to 1.6 W/m2K, for a typical sliding sash uPVC window. The U-values could be increased if you decided to go for high-efficiency glass, the U-value can drop as low as 1.2 W/m2k. In fact, if you opt for triple glazing this can fall even further to 0.9 W/m2k. The strength of wooden frames makes it easier to fit heavy triple-glazed units without ultra-thick sections. Unlike most sash window manufacturers, we fit four seals into our sliding sash windows as standard. Using four sets of weatherproof seals offers optimal draft sealing and allows your windows to slide smoothly eliminating sash rattle.

Myth 2: Wooden windows require a lot more maintenance than uPVC

Modern factory paint finishes mean that your timber windows will most likely not need repainting for about 10 years. The only annual maintenance they need is for the frames to be washed down and the hardware lubricated. After a fresh coat of paint, they will be restored to their original condition and you can even change their colour if you wish. This is simply not possible with uPVC windows, whose appearance will slowly deteriorate. Wood windows are also much easier to repair than uPVC so the lifespan is far longer. The above picture shows a hardwood sash window sprayed in white, notice the immaculate finish but still retaining the natural wood grain detail.

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The picture above shows a hardwood casement window which has been spray-painted black on the outside and white on the inside. Â Sashed can spray-paint your windows in a range of colours, we can even differ the colours on either side.

Myth 3: Wooden windows are not as secure as uPVC

Modern ironmongery options with security features are now available to help keep your home secure. Sashed offers a range of security options from bolting dead locks to fully integrated locks and keys inside our sash fasteners. Our windows are also glazed from the inside so there is no external beading that can easily be levered off, allowing the glazing unit to be quietly lifted out whole. In addition, we offer specialist glazing such as laminated glass. Laminated glass has the same strength as ordinary glass but it consists of two pieces of glass with a sandwich of a plastic interlayer. If the glass breaks, the fragments of glass are held in place by the interlayer. In fully framed installations the broken glass retains a residual strength while awaiting replacement. Above is a wooden or timber sliding sash window with aÂ Locking SecurifitchÂ® Fastener from Mighton. Above is a hardwood casement window with the same type of multipoint locking system as used in uPVC windows.

Myth 4: Wooden windows are a lot more expensive than uPVC

They can be but Sashed offers pricing that is comparable to some high-end uPVC windows. We are able to do this because, without compromising on quality, weâ€™ve cut down costs – we donâ€™t have salespeople on commission, we donâ€™t have bricks and mortar to pay for, and weâ€™ve reduced overheads and waste, to enable us to pass on these savings to our customers. When you consider the lifespan uPVC double glazing is only 35 years, set by BRE (the Building Research Company), this makes wooden windows much better value in the long run. Why not contact us for a quote for real wood windows by clicking here.

sashed.com - Modern Wooden vs. uPVC windows - Sashed