My window frames at the moment are wooden with double glazed units and some of them are well past their sell-by-date! Two in particular need urgent attention and need replacing fast! What I'd like to know is what you all think about replacing them with UPVC. Is it better than the wood framed units? Or should I stick to the wooden frames. I will be replacing them all within the next two years (I can't afford to do them all at once). Wood or Plastic?
2006-10-25 11:05:16 · 21 answers · asked by Val G 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Hi Val, just read your question, and replies. If you are considering replacing windows then consider this, PVCu windows are long term less expensive than timber, maintenance free and with the variety of colours can look great in any home. Timber windows look more natural, but they will not last 100's of years. Since the import ban on Brazillian mahogany companies use Phillipine luan and try to pass it off as a good quality hardwood, it isn't. Sealed units in timber are much more prone to failing, (fogging up). Just to put the foul mouthed answer straight, PVCu windows must conform to strict quality control, they are not toxic waste, they are recycleable, and are guaranteed British standard class 1 most fire resistant. (self extinguishing) So sorry no toxic fumes. If you do replace even one window this must conform to Document L of the current building regulations, use a FENSA registered company. hope this helps.
2006-10-25 21:57:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it a vernacular property.?
Are there particular styles etc in the neighbourhood?
Are there planning restrictions?
In my are replacement windows put in say 30 years ago (the first generation with aluminium frames) look awful and are being pulled out wholesale and replaced by more conventional designs that do include wood Think of the overall effect not just the short term. Personally, I prefer wood. but look at the other answers. Most prefer manmade. It's a personal choice. Will you be selling soon? Think on.
2006-10-25 11:17:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all don't assume you need to replace them - you might be able to get a carpenter to put in some putty and a paint job and save you alot of money.
If you do replace them then UPVC (plastic) double glazing is the way to go. Get two quotes from a well established local company. Don't use a new company, and don't use a national chain unless you like high pressure 3-hour sales pitches.
2006-10-25 11:12:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plastic looks old and dirty after 2 years but is much cheaper .
Wood if it is done properly will last and look good for about a 100 years .
As far as the effects of double glazing go , it is only the glass that has a vacuum in it anyway so it shouldn't make any difference .
So it all depends on which you think looks best ?
PS I personally think that using plastic means you have little respect for your house , only the council do that !
2006-10-25 11:14:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People always bang on about how good plastic windows are, but did you all realise this - if you have to at any point have to have them removed/replaced they have to be treated as toxic waste. Now this is fine until (and i hope it never happens to any of you) you have a house fire. UPVC windows are the single worst thing in an average home for beltching out poisonous fumes.
That **** on TV that advertises Safestyle never mentioned that one did he?
2006-10-25 11:15:31 · answer #5 · answered by thecoldvoiceofreason 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I work for the coucil and we only upgrade windows to UPVC only because that is a decent home standard. You will get less condensation and UPVC will save on your heating bill and you can also get them in keeping with the style you already have.
2006-10-25 11:12:26 · answer #6 · answered by deb_star_82 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've lived in houses with wood, with metal and with upvc windows and doors and the latter wins every time for cleanability , for maintenance and for looks too. Good luck.
2006-10-25 11:09:24 · answer #7 · answered by pol 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PVC if painting is your concern. Then, on the other hand, you did say you coulding change them all out at once and the new wood ones would match the old ones. Also, I would consider the historical significance of your home. Good luck!
2006-10-25 11:58:25 · answer #8 · answered by ken_salley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with UPVC! If you dont want white then most manufacturers do wood effect ones.
2006-10-25 22:05:25 · answer #9 · answered by Chianti Man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think PVC is better and I would start with the road side facing more pleasing to the outer apperance of the house. (unless the wood is white) but Your local home center can advise you better
2006-10-25 11:10:29 · answer #10 · answered by southernboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋