Warning issued to UK households with PVC windows this winter | UK | News
UK households have been issued a warning about installing uPVC windows this winter as they could actually cost you more money.
Many homes in the country now have PVC or uPVC windows. Plastic window frames have become increasingly popular with homeowners who want to switch to a cheap, modern look without worrying about the condition of their wooden frames in the coming years.
Many people think uPVC windows are better insulators and will keep their homes warmer than wood, but experts say that’s not actually the case.
In fact, having a uPVC window in your home could actually be adding money to your British Gas, E.On or EDF energy bill without you even realizing it.
Not only that, timber frames last much longer than uPVC; Approximately 20-30 years if treated with wood preservative every ten years.
And uPVC windows are much worse for the environment; When they need to be replaced, this means a lot of non-recyclable plastic will end up in landfill.
As Reddish Jointery explains: “Despite common misconceptions, wood is a natural insulator, making the material a perfect candidate for the windows and doors of any home. Once installed, existing heat from the home will always be difficult to escape, meaning homeowners can rely less on artificial heating methods and instead enjoy a comfortable and lower-cost living space.”
Redditer @woxy_lutz added: “Wood provides better insulation, so it will save you a marginal amount on your energy bills. Another thing to consider is that if existing frames are wooden they can be load-bearing, so if you replace with uPVC you may need to fit lintels, which will increase the cost.”
“From a sustainability perspective, I would use timber all the way, but obviously there is an additional cost to it, so you have to decide if it is worth it.”
And window fitter Andrew Jaynes added: “UPVC has its benefits, of course; it’s cheap, fairly sturdy and provides good insulation for your home. But these benefits are weighted against short-term gains and will ultimately cost you more in the future. “UPVC, for example, only lasts a third of the lifespan of timber windows, meaning they’ll likely need to be replaced much sooner than expected.
“They can also have a detrimental impact on the value of your home, particularly if your home is a period property and its carbon footprint and sustainability scores are lower than desirable.”
“Obviously, wooden windows have some disadvantages. They are more expensive and require general maintenance painting every 8-10 years. However, as previously mentioned, wooden windows are much longer lasting and are an investment that will save you money in the long run. As well as adding immediate value to your home, the environmental properties of wooden windows are non-renewable; not only is wood renewable, but it is also a lightweight With maintenance, wooden windows can last longer. You.”
