Common Myths About Wooden Windows

uPVC windows are often the default choice for homeowners when selecting windows. Perhaps down to the mass advertising campaigns plastered across the television and radio, or maybe because their special offers seem enticing.

However, in actual fact, there are more to windows than the cheap uPVC options. Here we dispel some of the common myths about uPVC's biggest competitor - the wooden window.

Wood isn't thermally efficient, so doesn't help reduce energy usage.
Wood naturally has a very low thermal conductivity making it a good insulator. However, energy efficiency primarily boils down to the specification of the glazing unit. As a result, this makes it important to look at the U-values of a window as this refers to the amount of heat loss per per square metre of material. The lower the U-value, the less the heat loss.

The other more current method of understanding the energy efficiency of glass, is to consider its Energy Rating: A is the most efficient and G is the least.

Wood windows just don't get recycled.
Whilst it is difficult to determine the exact number of recycled windows, research compiled in the Vinyl 2010 progress report shows that the audited volume of recycled wood waste in 2007 was 2 million tonnes in contrast to 42,122 tonnes of PVC recycled waste in the same year.

Coupled with the fact that certain designers and manufacturers are now using wood waste and shavings as biomass energy, wood is one of the most environmentally friendly material options.

Wood windows require a lot of maintenance.
Unfortunately no window option is void of maintenance, however well manufactured windows will require little more than a coat of paint every 8 years or so. The minimal maintenance required explains why many Victorian properties still have the same wooden frames as when they were built!

Wooden windows are great if you want single glazing, but I want double glazed windows.
A common assumption is that double-glazed windows have to have uPVC frames, but this is a far cry from the truth. Whilst legislation may dictate that period properties have to have single glazed windows, wood windows are designed to suit double-glazing just as much as they are single-glazing.

As a result, wood windows can be a flexible choice for the homeowner, providing long term value through high energy efficiency and low maintenance.

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Article submitted by Jonathan Hey, Managing Director at Westbury Joinery. Founded 20 years ago, Westbury has grown to become one of the premier window, door and roof lantern manufacturers in the UK.

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