Which material is better for your windows - UPVC or wood?

Thursday, 23 September 2021

We all know that windows play a vital role in the visual aesthetics and energy performance of a home. This is why, when windows are replaced, it is so important to make the right choices when it comes to material. Recent years have seen many wooden, single glazed windows being replaced by double glazing uPVC alternatives. But is this always the best solution? We compare the properties, benefits and challenges of these to find out which material is better for your windows.

Wood Frames

Window frames have been made from wood for centuries. From early open timber frames to the increase of glazed windows in the sixteenth century, this material has been an integral part of the construction process.

Benefits

• • When consistently maintained, wood is an extremely durable material for windows. In fact, it hardens and strengthens with age.
  • Wood is a natural insulator, and has the lowest heat conductivity of any frame material. It will therefore reduce the amount of heat transferred from inside out and vice versa.
  • As a workable material, wood can be shaped and finished to any specification. In its natural state, it offers an attractive aesthetic.
  • For eco-friendly and sustainable projects, wood is a popular choice. This is because it is a naturally occurring material. In this way, wooden frames produce fewer toxins and require less energy to be manufactured. At the end of their life, they can break down naturally.
  • As wooden windows look so elegant and perform so well, they can increase the value of your home. For some buildings, wooden windows can be pivotal in maintaining the character that is the main selling point of the home.

Varieties

• • Softwood frames will often be the cheaper option to hardwood. Often consisting of Douglas Fir, this material suits both contemporary and period homes. This material will often be painted to cover any staining and fresh coats will be required every few years but inspected annually.
  • Hardwood frames are more stable and durable than softwood options as the grain is tighter and less porous. In this way, hardwood varieties tend to be longer lasting. Despite its expense, oak is a popular hardwood window frame material. It looks elegant and is extremely reliable and durable. Frames should be checked every year and re-treated when required.

Challenges

• • Most of the benefits of wooden window frames come with a catch - and that is maintenance. In order to preserve your wooden window frames and retain the durability and aesthetic of the material, regular cleaning and refinishing is required.
  • If wooden frames are not well looked after, they become prone to rot. While wood is a naturally weather resistant material, once penetrated by water, rot can set in.
  • Similarly, pests are a real challenge to the health of wooden window frames. A woodworm diagnosis covers a multitude of wood boring insects from beetles to weevils to wasps. An infestation of any of these creatures can cause irreparable damage to your windows.
  • With the extremes of weather found in the UK, unhealthy wooden window frames carry the potential to warp. High and low temperatures, snow, rain, and sunlight can all damage an unprotected window frame.
  • Wooden window frames carry a higher price tag than most other materials. They should be seen as an investment in your home, and maintenance is part of that investment.

uPVC Frames

As an engineered material, window frames constructed with uPVC are designed with the job in mind. Innovation in the composition of uPVC window frames is ongoing, and so frames using this material today are markedly better performing than those constructed twenty years ago.

Benefits

• • Constructed specifically to comply with building regulations, uPVC frames are both thermal and UV efficient.
  • As the material is non-porous, these window frames have great soundproofing properties. Ideal for homes near to roads, flightpaths, industrial buildings and trainlines.
  • All of the window mechanisms are housed inside the window casement. This makes uPVC casement windows extremely secure.
  • There is no maintenance required with this material. A wipe down is sufficient to keep the frames looking fresh, and they’ll last like this for at least 20 years.
  • Higher end uPVC frames are now available in a colour range so you’re not limited to white.

Varieties

• • The main difference in varieties of uPVC windows is in the quality of the uPVC. With this material, you get what you pay for, both in the energy performance of the window frame and in the appearance of the window.
  • When choosing your windows, you’ll need to select between different window structures. These include casement windows, fixed windows, sash windows, sliding windows and tilting windows.

Challenges

• • Without structured ventilation, uPVC windows can limit air circulation in the home. Most casement designs include trickle vents for this reason.
  • As uPVC cannot be painted, your exterior will remain fixed, so you lose the flexibility that refinishing can provide.
  • With its functional appearance, standard uPVC windows can feel less stylish than other window frame materials and designs.

Other alternatives

Of course, the choice for your window frames is not simply limited to wood and uPVC. There are alternatives that offer many of the benefits of these materials without the downsides.

Aluminium

Although it is lightweight, aluminium is incredibly strong. Therefore, it can support large panes of glass and is great for an ultra-modern look. Being such a workable material, it suits many bespoke projects and can be powder coated in any colour. In addition, it needs minimal maintenance to keep performing, and looking, great for over 40 years. Once out of use, it’s recyclable so is highly sustainability too.

Timber Effect

Timber effect window systems bring real authenticity to a home aesthetic without any of the hard work! The casements often combine wooden interiors with high grade uPVC frames formed to replicate wood. The products are durable, high performing and sit comfortably in any style of building. With a U-value of just 0.8, timber effect windows are extremely energy efficient.

Beyond the frame

Of course, the quality and performance of a window is a result of more elements than just the frame. You will need to select the construction style and glazing that sits within the casement. Learn more about deciding between double and triple glazed windows here on our blog, or just get in touch to discover what’s right for your project.