| Why Choose Timber Windows? |
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Olav Skretteberg, forester and independent windows supplier, gives us some reasons. People in the UK like timber. There's a definite feel good factor about it. Sourced from managed forests- often from my homeland of Scandinavia - timber is an environmentally friendly, thermally efficient, good looking material. Modern, factory-manufactured timber products, such as windows, are also proving themselves in terms of performance – offering durability, low maintenance and competitive cost. All of which is, happily, a far cry from the poor reputation created by the cheap, poor quality softwood windows installed in the UK after the 2nd World War. 3 million windows Currently around 12 million windows of all types are sold each year in the UK, with timber windows accounting for 25% of that market. 57% of timber windows sold in Britain are used by the public sector and 42% by the private; 86% of these in refurbishment projects and 14% for new build applications. (Figures from FSC website.) Durable up to 30 years Over the last 10 years in particular, the evolution of timber windows in terms of quality, durability and design has been dramatic, in response to both regulation and marketplace. Factory finished and treated against rot, with frames which are fully protected from water and UV light, modern high-performance timber windows can have finish guarantees for up to 10 years and rot free guarantees for up to 30. Dual sealing and factory glazing will help maximise the life of a unit and sophisticated design details, such as drained and vented glazing rebates, are used to prevent deterioration and lengthen the life of the timber. How long a window frame will last depends on many factors. The National Building Federation's 'Standards in Quality and Development' gives PVC windows an expectancy of 20 – 25 years where as it gives vacuum treated softwood 25 – 35 years. According to the Green Builders Digest, 'well designed and well maintained timber windows can and do last the lifetime of the building in which they are installed'. In addition, manufacturers are now producing timber windows that will take single, double and even triple glazed insulating glass units, to suit particular specifications, and capitalise on advances in timber technology.
As any experienced designer and specifier will confirm, no material is maintenance-free, despite the claims made in the past by some. However, developments in timber window design and finishing products mean that modern, high performance timber windows need minimal maintenance. Peeling, blistering paint is a thing of the past.Factory-finished windows need not be repainted or re-stained for up to eight years. Thereafter five to eight year staining or painting cycles is the norm. Design techniques that minimise water retention and damp penetration, and microporous paints and stains that allow wood to breathe, all contribute to a low maintenance product. Modern finishes also minimise the preparation necessary when it comes to repainting or staining windows. Soap wash or very light sanding before a single coat of stain or paint is often all that is necessary. So while it is true that timber windows need some maintenance, modern high performance windows make that maintenance exceptionally easy.
While the initial cost of timber windows can be higher than that of other materials, the 'whole-life' cost which timber delivers in terms of maintenance, durability and environmental impact, makes it excellent value for money. This makes timber windows particularly appealing to the social housing provider, who is interested in the long term cost profile. Nor does the possibility that timber can be more expensive go entirely unchallenged. The National Housing Federation, for example, finds softwood cheaper both in terms of initial capital costs and life cycle costs over a period of 30 years. Figures from its June 1998 report, 'Standards in Quality and Development', put the cost of buying, fitting and maintaining a softwood window frame at between £149 and £199 over 30 years. In contrast a PVC frame will cost between £257 and £275. In April 1998, Carlisle City Council did a cost comparison between PVC and high performance, softwood double- glazed units, and it found that PVC windows were 25% more expensive initially, with negligible differences in cost over a 30 year period. Repair advantage The main cost advantage, however, of wood windows is the ability to repair and restore them. According to TRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association, wood can be 'readily repaired, refreshed and maintained without special components, skills or equipment.' Seriously good news for the public and private purse, but also for the environment, Standards and Regulations The main British Standard for timber windows is BS644. This is a comprehensive standard, encompassing other standards on quality of timber, glazing etc. and those specifying timber windows, which are third party certified to this standard, will meet all current UK requirements. Specifiers may also wish to include certain levels of safety and security in their window specification. While most modern timber windows offer a good basic level of security, third party certification to Secured by Design standard ensures a enhanced levels. Interestingly, most of the windows my company imports, from a wide variety of Scandinavian suppliers, already meet Secured by Design standards. We have nonetheless decided to put our popular top swing tilt and turn window through the Secured by Design process for marketing purposes, as this certification is increasingly being demanded by customers.
Planning plus One final reason for choosing timber for your windows. Planning controls often restrict the use of PVC windows in conservation areas and in buildings of historical interest for aesthetic reasons. This is because PVC windows require a bigger section than timber windows to meet strength requirements and therefore often cannot match the fine detailing of traditional windows, in the way that modern timber replacements can. |