uPVC vs. Timber windows - what to choose?!

8 years ago

Hello there!

Hope you are well. I am very new to this house business but have recently bought a small 1 bed in London and am currently in the middle of a massive renovation. I need to replace 3 windows in :

- the kitchen (open plan with living room and has large original sash windows that I am going to leave for now)

- bathroom

- landing area

- Bedroom (has timber sash already... going to leave this)

What should I choose: Timber or uPVC windows? an option is to perhaps choose timber to match the sash windows in the living area and choose uPVC elsewhere?

The pricing difference between timber and UPVC is surprisingly very small. So I need to decide based on looks and maintenance issues.

The property is a large victorian one and there is already a mix of uPVC and timber in the building....

I am left feeling that uPVC inevitably looks cheaper... but I am worried about the ongoing maintenance of timber... its also tricky to paint since I am a first floor flat and the house has massive ceilings whereby my windows are likely 5-6 metres above ground...

Many thanks!

The flat is the one that you see on the first floor on the Right hand side (big sash windows)

Open plan living room and kitchen - please note: I am going to leave the sash windows alone (will just repair them).

Featured Answer

PRO

Amber Jeavons Ltd

8 years ago

Hello miss_mud,

Timberrrrrrrrrrrrr! It is by far the best use of money where these two options are concerned... Quite simply for me UPVC de-values, and people may disagree.. but for me, I would always tell a client to replace them with a wooden frame.. whether you double glaze or single... : ))

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Comments (14)

PRO
Wood Window Alliance
8 years ago
Well, I'm biased. But with a beautiful home like yours, you really should do the right thing and fit timber. If you choose factory-finished double glazed timber windows you'll have all the energy-efficiency and security of a modern window with the authentic design, detail and feel of the originals. They will last much longer than PVC-u and will only need a re-coat after 8-10 years, depending on their exposure to sunlight. Then, unlike PVC-u windows, they're as good as new again.
PRO
Jo Brown Design
8 years ago
Timber is the only way to go!
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@robert - they aren't 'cheap'! and as I said in a previous post, it does depend on the mark up put on by the supplier / fitter. I'm afraid I haven't experience of the 2 makes you mention, so couldn't compare. We bought direct, then paid fitters separately as a price we got for a local company to do it all (who are an approved supplier / fitter by CWG) was eye watering! - but it would be best to get someone who DEFINITELY has fitted them before because they are not 'ordinary' windows. VERY heavy. CWG choices in Corby should be able to help you. What I will do is send a copy of this post to the contact I have there & see if he can add anything to this thread.
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Thank you guys you ve provided reassurance and consideration for me to keep the windows as they are... maybe I’m being over critical however if they look fine to others then I’m most definitely swayed to keep them. Do you think I just keep fan light sections with the criss cross design or just change those panes for a cleaner look? They are upvc Also, yes I think shutters will go the fan light line in the window to keep it look as sinple as possible. I recognise that half length window shutters would look odd The reason for shutters is that the first floor front bedrooms look out onto a main road with lots of traffic so I felt that would offer privacy. Additionally I have a very severe dust allergy so whereas curtains may look fab, opening and closing them each night and morning sets my allergy off so I find blinds and shutters have always worked best for me? Unless anyway has similar experience or could suggest alternative as I’m open to other options :)
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Thanks Sonia, I'll check them out. Everest is one of those big firms I want to keep distance. Thanks for mentioning them anyway. Veka has come under my radar among a couple of other german brands, it seesm the problem is the company that get their profiles and matches with furniture that is nog good quality so besides the brand, also the factory that put everything together is another variable in the equation to find a good window. definitely not the easiest thing task so far, not as easy as I hoped to go somewhere and buy something that is exactly what it says on the box
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headers13
8 years ago
Timber all the way in a period property. Yes you have to maintain it but nothing looks as good.
vansoire14
8 years ago
Have a look at companies like Quickslide - they make sash windows that look like the real thing but using uvpc and are a fraction of the cost of timber ones.
Jonathan
8 years ago
I should look at the cost of repair- I bet it will save money.
Furthermore councils sometimes require wood windows to be reinstated on the front of multiple occupancy buildings
J C
8 years ago
Stick with your instincts and to the values of the heritage of your lovely Victorian home.....go with wood and not upvc. I'm in a Victorian home in Scotland, and 115 years on we still have the original wooden frames (still in great condition) and with the new techniques of production, you'll not have to think about painting them for a long time, but will be happy to look at them for a long time and not regret having made the wrong choice!!!
J C
8 years ago
Ps Ventrolla do a good job of restoration of original sash and case Windows
miss_mud
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much everybody! You all win. I chose timber in the end. :)
Zhirayr Nersessian
8 years ago
Agree. IMO a buyer of a period home must factor in the expense of timber sash window maintenance. I've always been too scared to enquire given the cost. Does anything one here know roughly how much a single, typical huge window costs? With and without a new box? Let's say double glazed?
PRO
Wood & Wisdom Ltd
7 years ago
You have a lovely period property built with period features such as the sash windows. Your property really wouldn't look as good with anything other than sash and the only material of choice has to be timber. These can be made to an almost exacting design as the original with all the modern benefits of thermal efficiency etc. With modern timbers and paint products these will outlast both PVCu and aluminium and look 100% better.
PRO
TW Plastics
7 years ago
Timber windows can last a lot longer than their plastic counterparts. Timber is an environmentally friendly, thermally efficient, good looking and low maintenance material.
Coco
7 years ago
Timber!!! UPVC windows are a disgrace for these beautiful old houses.
PRO
Traditional Sash Windows
7 years ago
Timber, naturally!

uPVC vs. Timber windows - what to choose?!

Amber Jeavons Ltd

Comments (14)

Wood Window Alliance

Jo Brown Design

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vansoire14

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TW Plastics

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uPVC vs. Timber windows - what to choose?!

Comments (14)

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miss_mudOriginal Author

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