Does uPVC last longer than wood?

TRUTH: Plastic degrades, whereas Wood Window Alliance-standard windows have an estimated service life of around 60 years, that's twice the life of PVC-U windows. Plastic windows can become discoloured and brittle as a result of exposure to the sun and unlike wood framed windows, they can't be repaired.

housebeautiful.com - Common window myth busters: Wood versus PVC-U - House Beautiful

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Windows - and the way we dress them - is a fundamental part of how our home looks and feels. But more often than not, we overlook the type of windows to choose, which ones will add the most value and how best to maintain them.

It's a task that should involve careful research, after all, your windows are viewed both inside and out. So, are you currently thinking about replacing your windows? And how much do you actually know about all the options available to you?

Now you can find out all you need to know thanks to this myth busting guide from the Wood Window Alliance. TRUTH: People often assume that double-glazed windows have to have PVC-U frames, believing wrongly that wood window frames are only for single glazed windows. This couldn't be further from the truth. All Wood Window Alliance (WWA) members' windows are double or triple glazed. So you can still have beautiful wood windows that are energy efficient and will keep your home warm and draught-free. TRUTH: Plastic degrades, whereas Wood Window Alliance-standard windows have an estimated service life of around 60 years, that's twice the life of PVC-U windows. Plastic windows can become discoloured and brittle as a result of exposure to the sun and unlike wood framed windows, they can't be repaired. In fact, once you maintain and repaint wood windows, their lifespan starts all over again. There's plenty of evidence to suggest that well-maintained, good quality timber windows can last a century or more.

Wood windows Wood Window Alliance

TRUTH: If you have a period home or a home in a conservation area, ugly PVC-U windows could actually devalue it by as much as £20,000! A national survey of estate agents by English Heritage found unsympathetic replacement of windows and doors – particularly plastic and PVC-U – to be the single biggest threat to property values in conservation areas. Separate research also suggests PVC-U windows can decrease a house's value and often dissuades prospective buyers from making an offer. TRUTH: Because wood windows can last up to 60 years and can be maintained and re-painted, unlike plastic windows, they actually work out less expensive over their lifespan. Due to timber's inherent strength, triple-glazing is more cost-effective with wood windows than with other materials. And don't forget the value that beautiful wood windows can add to your house, particularly if you're considering selling. Wood windows are a worthwhile investment.

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TRUTH: Wood Window Alliance members' windows come ready-painted from the factory to save you time. They won't need redecorating for 8-10 years. And even then, it's an easy job – just a light sand down, wipe clean and one or two top coats. You won't need to re-paint the tricky bits as it's only the faces of the windows that get weathered.

Wood Window Alliance

TRUTH: With wood windows, if you want to change the colour to complement a new design scheme, you can (unlike PVC-u). All you have to do is sand them down with a fine sandpaper and repaint – simple! TRUTH: Wood has a very low thermal conductivity, which means it is a good insulator. But the energy efficiency of a window actually has little to do with the frame material and is mostly affected by the specification of the glazing unit, so well-designed windows have similar thermal efficiencies across the board, whatever material the frames are made from. TRUTH: That's just not the case. Members of the Wood Window Alliance offer windows that comply with the new Part Q Building security standards of the building regulations. Members can also offer enhanced security windows that comply with Secured By Design - the official UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of 'designing out crime'. It promotes the use of security standards for a wide range of applications and products, including wood windows.

housebeautiful.com - Common window myth busters: Wood versus PVC-U - House Beautiful