Why timber is better than UPVC

As plastic is durable and versatile, it’s been heavily used in construction and design over the years. In the UK, a very large proportion of domestic and commercial windows are now made from plastic. These uPVC frames have become fairly ubiquitous and can now be found everywhere from private homes to schools and hospitals.

However, although plastic is a very versatile material, it’s not always the best option for your windows. Damaging to the environment and less durable than you might expect, uPVC frames aren’t always the solution you’re looking for. In fact, in a lot of circumstances, wood is a much better choice. Kinder on the environment, and more attractive, wooden frames can help you to transform the look and feel of your property.

Going green

One of the main drawbacks of plastic windows is that the production of uPVC frames can be very damaging to the environment. A number of toxic chemicals are by-products of the production process. In fact, six of the chemicals that are released during the manufacture of uPVC frames are in the top 15 most hazardous listed by European governments for priority elimination.

What’s more, when frames are disposed of, they release even more harmful compounds into the atmosphere. Pieces of uPVC plastic can stay in landfill sites for hundreds, or even thousands, of years. This will clog up the landscape, damage the environment and potentially cause harm to wildlife.

Sustainable living

Unlike uPVC, wood is a sustainable material. As long as it’s sourced from well-managed forests, timber can be re-grown again and again. No harmful chemicals are released during the manufacture of timber window frames and, when they’re no longer needed, timber frames can be disposed of quickly and safely.

Expense

Although many people believe that uPVC window frames are maintenance free, this is not the case. In fact, uPVC frames need a lot of care and maintenance in order to keep them in good condition. If a frame becomes cracked or broken, fixing it can be difficult with replacement often the only option.

Wooden frames, on the other hand, are fairly easy to repair and, if maintained properly, can last for decades. The National Housing Federation has actually found uPVC frames to be more costly than timber alternatives in terms of initial costs and more expensive than, or equal to, timber in terms of lifetime expense.

Style

As well as being more affordable and better for the environment, timber window frames are also a lot more stylish. Whether they’re fitted to period properties, modern homes or anything in between, wooden frames give domestic and commercial spaces an effortlessly stylish look and a fantastic timeless aesthetic.

Find out more about the benefits of timber window frames by taking a look around our site or getting in touch with a member of our team.