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Design Dilemma
moiraford

timber v UPVC a coastal conundrum????

moiraford
6 years ago
Hello Houzzers, I know this is a frequent topic on here and I've read all the related posts , but I can't find a definitive answer to the upvc versus timber windows for an exposed coastal location. We are about to knock down our bungalow and build something New England in style. We want old fashioned sash windows. Are we best to go upvc where there are frequent winter storms and high winds or is timber ok? Any advice welcome
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    User
    6 years ago

    Hi Moira,

    I do a lot of work in the Lake District so this issue of traditional style verses the weather conditions come up a lot.

    The honest answer is that you can'y beat the look / proportion of a timber sash window but they "will" fail.....they will warp making them stiff and require painting on a regular basis due to the severity of the weather. Each time you re paint they become stiffer on the counterbalance unless you do a full strip back to timber.

    I have never seen a UPC that looks anything other than it is, a bulky plastic window..

    I usually recommend a good quality aluminium sash.

    Quite expensive but they aren't susceptible to the weather, the thermal values are excellent and you don't need to spend thousands re painting them every few years. A good company will let you select any RAL colour.

    http://www.duration.co.uk/AluminiumWindows-VerticalSliders.asp

    I found the above company as an example.

    Definitely arrange to see an sample window before going ahead as the proportions are everything when selecting sash windows.



    Hope that helps,


    Martin

    www.angel-martin.com

    www.3dinteriorillustration.co.uk

    PS

    Double check with the planners, most coastal locations have very strict planning regulations so this may dictate your choice..

    Comments (9)

    • Daisy England
      6 years ago
      Hubby (a joiner) says have timber windows but use Accoya. It has a 50 year guarantee not to rot or warp. Costs more but does the job.
      I think timber windows look so much nicer than UPVC ones. They add some character to the property.
    • G Arnold
      6 years ago
      Go for aluminium, less bulky and still low maintenance.
    • PRO
      Amber Jeavons Ltd
      6 years ago
      last modified: 6 years ago

      Hello Moira,

      Please don't ever consider UPVC (or aluminium) wood be my personal recommendation. Also I wood not select multiple materials based on orientation to the elements.. They, the aforementioned might sound like a good idea but they will devalue your house considerably and detract from the character the house deserves.... It's not just about the value of the house of course but..

      Good timber, glass and maintenance. Will stand you in good stead.. Your house wood thank you for it ! :))

    • moiraford
      Original Author
      6 years ago
      Many thanks everyone. Really helpful. No UPVC it is, that's settled that. We will look at your other suggestions.
    • PRO
      Wood Window Alliance
      6 years ago

      Fully factory-finished softwood will do well - but make sure the manufacturer knows where the windows are going - they will need to use the best quality stainless. Worth considering Accoya, which will be even better.

    • PRO
      Designer-Walls & More
      6 years ago

      There is a surface made from Crushed Almonds and resin http://duralmond.com/en/producto/31 beautifully weatherproof, have a look at the site

    • PRO
      Designer-Walls & More
      6 years ago

      Crushed Almond Shells

    • PRO
      Traditional Sash Windows
      6 years ago

      I would second Daisy England, Aj interior Styling Ltd & The Wood Window Alliance

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