Sash windows - wood, aluminium, or upvc?

5 years ago

Our house would originally (1906) have had sash windows. A refurb before our time installed upvc units which open hinged at the top. Our current thinking is that we will replace these with sash windows to match next door which still has the originals.
So, what are the pros and cons of wooden vs aluminium vs upvc frames? We've seen some which enable the window to drop back into the room for ease of cleaning which sounds like a good idea. I guess those will be upvc or aluminium. We know cost will be a factor but for now we're more interested in the pros and cons of the material. The panes will be double glazed.
The windows we'll be replacing are on the front of the house which faces south west so gets a lot of hot sun. Well, if we're lucky it's hot!
Any experiences of sash windows much appreciated.
Angie

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Jonathan
5 years ago
https://www.bereco.co.uk/blog/counting-carbon-impact-wooden-windows-doors/

I think this conversation is quite interesting. Basically the cost of a quality UPVC and wood window are not as different as people think but the longer life of the wood window and the environmental impact of production favours the wood window significantly.
PRO
YES Glazing Solutions
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Hi Angie

There was a [similar discussion on Houzz[(https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/upvc-vs-timber-windows-what-to-choose-dsvw-vd~3761852) before. The overwhelming opinion was go for timber, but timber is not for everyone! All very well if you can spend the money for them, as timber will be the most costly option however the quality of modern timber windows really is fantastic now. They are much more hardy, being sealed, coated and painted within the factory and utilising modern window features such as double/triple glazing and rubber beading rather than putty.

They will be thermally efficient and look amzing. Being a natural material, timber is still subject to environmental conditions and eventually will need maintenance like regular painting (paintwork guarantees can be up to 10 years though). They may need to come out so that proper sealing of the joins can be achieved again, which will mean a larger expense than just slapping on a lick of paint. The material can be sourced from renewable forests although if not local you may wish to consider the carbon footprint etc.

uPVC can look as traditional and authentic as timber, as a foil application will give the frames a very convincing wood grain effect. There are also options for joinery-style butt or mechanical joints, a deep bottom rail, run-through horns and external putty lines - it would take an expert to spot that it’s uPVC. This authentic appearence makes them conservation-area friendly.

Environmentally, uPVC is recyclable and utilises an efficient manufacturing process that energy consumption and carbon footprint values compare favourably with other materials. Each industry has promotional videos extolling the virtues of their manufacturing process and why it is best :-) Obviously costwise, uPVC will be the cheapest (possibly three times less expensive or even less) They will require very little maintenance and offer all the benefits of modern materials such as easy cleaning etc.

We don't provide aluminium sash windows as either our timber or uPVC offerings suit our customers, so it really comes down to cost and what your budget is. We have a timber and uPVC sash window side by side in our showroom - we love them both but you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference!

Check out our website https://www.yesglazing.co.uk/ or if you are local to the South East, come and visit our showroom.
Related Discussions
Ugly UPVC windows
Q
Comments (16)
Hello Ffion, Please don't replace with White UPVC they are absolutely horrible. You are very lucky they are as nice as they are. So my suggestion is to paint with a primer like zinsser or another brand that will adhere to plastic and then paint a colour like charcoal, not too black.. If you were considering to replace the windows then definitely don't go down the upvc route. They devalue properties... but the good thing is that yours are nicer than most! I don't even mind the window panes too much as I think you will make gr8 strides just by painting the brown plastic.. Of course... this applies to the front door too... as you can do the same... Think a charcoal here too would be lovely... 2 nice square slate looking planters with something lovely either side of the door would be rather nice too.. Will you keep the little "porch" ? Could be nice without it... I like the brick too and would leave that alone.. :))
...See More
painting UPVC window?
Q
Comments (8)
Yes you can,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,we had ours done professionally, choosing to have them colour bonded. It came with a 10 year guarantee, has been done for around 4/5 years now and no problems. A fraction of the cost of replacement windows. We used a firm called N W Window Repairs excellent service, great guys. We were so pleased we even had the conservatory and garage door done too. This conservatory was white ;- The windows were dark wood effect.
...See More
aluminium sash windows
Q
Comments (11)
Hi Shan, Have you considered a PVCu sash window? Whilst timber do look very good, they tend to come at a premium price, and will need regular maintainence after a few years. Modern PVCu are much harder wearing nowadays, and have a realistic timber foil effect to mimic timber much better. The Ultimate Rose sash windows we sell and install have fabulous authentic features to make your new windows look very traditional (mechanical joints, run-through horns, foiled finish etc.) yet utilise all the state-of-the art improvements that should be expected in a top quality modern window.Roseview Ultimate You should be able to find an installer to provide you with a quote on the Roseview Sashwindow website, but if you have any issues or would like to enquire further with us, please get in touch with YES Glazing Solutions, we'd be very happy to help.
...See More
Will Anthracite grey flushUPVC windows look good compared to aluminium
Q
Comments (3)
We went for aluminium sliders, personnel door, coping and corner post and flush upvc downstairs and upstairs. They look good and blend in fine. The windows are halo flush sash and cost a fraction of the price of aluminium ones.
...See More
Angie
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Jonathan, that's a really interesting article. I must do some further research. We're leaning towards replacing the front door with a wooden one, so wooden window frames would make sense.
PRO
The Sash Window Workshop
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
We would always recommend timber windows and restoring the windows to be period appropriate.

Period appropriate windows will often add value to the property. A recent survey (by Discount Flooring Depot) in the UK found that 42 per cent of people prefer a home with period appropriate windows, meaning they are often prepared to pay more for them.
Bespoke Timber Sash Windows · More Info

You may find the links below of interest when looking to replace your windows:

https://www.sashwindow.com/about-us/why-choose-wood

https://www.sashwindow.com/the-sash-window-workshop-blog/advice-and-guides/86-5-questions-to-consider-before-replacing-your-timber-windows
Hertfordshire Project - Replacement Timber Windows · More Info

The Sash Window Workshop

01344 868 668

www.sashwindow.com

Sash windows - wood, aluminium, or upvc?

Comments (4)

Jonathan

YES Glazing Solutions

Related Discussions

Angie
Original Author

The Sash Window Workshop

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Sash windows - wood, aluminium, or upvc?

Comments (4)

Jonathan

YES Glazing Solutions

Related Discussions

AngieOriginal Author

The Sash Window Workshop

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Angie
Original Author