uPVC Vs Wooden Sash Windows
The different types of window materials have varied the past couple of decades in the UK. “Is uPVC better than wood for sash windows?” is the most common question we get here at Marvin.
Marvin believes that wooden windows have returned to the scene as the superior replacement window choice, thanks to great technological advances in the industry within the past decade.
Why Choose Wooden Sash Windows?
Longer Life Span
Premium wood sash windows feature the latest technological manufacturing practices such as using engineered wood, finger-jointing and factory finish paint coats.
Engineered wood consists of three laminated layers of wood that prevent the window frame from warping or moving. The finger-jointing provides greater structure and durability, giving you a product that will last vastly longer.
Opting for wood sash windows with a factory finished paint coat greatly increase the life span. Marvin Architectural use 3 layers of Teknos paint which is factory applied to the windows.
When maintained properly, you can expect a lifespan of up to 65 years with wood vs 15-25 years with uPVC. uPVC simply can’t be painted or maintained the same way that wood can.
Achieve True Traditional Proportions And Luxury Classic Profiling
There is a reason why listed buildings are required to use wood sash windows. The fine details and slim profiles that are often associated with heritage sash windows can only be replicated with wood as it is next to impossible to replicate this level of detail with uPVC.
uPVC windows often sacrifice a slim traditional profile for performance, which can actually decrease the value of your home.
Energy Efficient Without Sacrificing With Thicker Frames
Wood is naturally warmer when compared with uPVC which will act as a natural insulator within your home. uPVC, on the other hand, is a naturally cold material that takes much longer to warm up.
When combined with modern performance features such as double glazing (with low E & argon gas) and triple sealing systems, wood sash windows offer the perfect blend of traditional designs and ultimate energy performance. No longer do you have to sacrifice having a traditional looking window with a lack of energy performance.
Better For The Environment
Wood is a much more sustainable resource than uPVC. The frames of uPVC windows can take up to 9 times more energy to create compared to a wooden frame. A high number of co2 emissions produced and waste left over by uPVC window manufacturing is much greater than wood.
Marvin Architectural UK responsibly sources wood from Scandinavia in order to reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
Wood Windows Are More Budget-Friendly In The Long Run
While the initial cost of wood is usually greater than uPVC, the type of wood species and types that you opt for makes a huge difference in costs. Mahogany, for example, can be 20-40% more expensive than pine depending on the sourcing.
To recap why wooden sash windows are better than uPVC
- When maintained correctly, wood lasts longer than uPVC
- High-quality wood sash windows increase the value of your home vs uPVC due to the authentic traditional proportions and luxury classic profiling
- Wood is better for the environment
