how do I convince dp not to go for uPVC windows??

[mummypig]

We really need to change our double-glazed windows at the front and back of the house. They are currently aluminium frames which have been installed inside the original timber window frames. The gap between the glass panels is smaller than currently recommended, plus the original timber is in a terrible condition and there is a lot of water coming in through the frames.

I'm not entirely convinced myself whether timber clearly wins out over PVC, partly due to reading some FoE reports about the timber trade. But I would rather have timber frames than uPVC - mainly considering the energy that goes into manufacture and the fact that they will not be recycled when they are eventually removed.

I read on a CAT report that double glazing using sustainable timber frames shouldn't cost much more than PVC in any case. But that's not been our experience.

Based on the quotes we've had so far, dp is very persuaded by the cost difference and really doesn't want to shell out loads more money to appear a little bit more eco-friendly.

Oh, and his parents had some PVC double glazing installed ages ago and never had any problems with maintenance. So I know some cheaper ones may not last, but that argument won't wash with him either.

Any comments?

well wood wins in my book just from asthetics alone!

Just a thought. Do you know if there are any planning restrictions in your area that would dictate your choices of windows?

Unfortunately loads of people nearby have had uPVC windows fitted, including our next-door neighbours, who have the only house similar to ours on the whole road. I even overheard the people opposite us asking another couple why they hadn't gone for PVC. So I can't use that to persuade him either!

I can't bear PVC either and I don't think it lasts like people think. My parents house is nearly 80 years old and still has the original wood windows - however they have just finished a project to take out the casements and double glaze them.

We, on the other hand, had to change our much newer windows as they'd gone rotten, and went for double glazed aluminium which looks the same as plastic but should have a much longer life which we felt offset the manufacturing process a bit, although not completely ideal.

apart from aesthetics and..

Well, you could tell him that museums don't bother keeping anything made from PVCU as it begins to degrade irreparably within 10 years.

I know you can get some windows now which are wood but are enclosed with pvc or aluminium on the outside - so you don't have to constantly repaint them etc on the outside and you can varnish or paint the wood inside whatever colour you like.

Think they would be more expensive than bog-standard pvc though...

Do some research here - it has loads of good info

I know of a couple who loved a period house, but didn't buy it as it had recently been fitted with PVC windows, and they couldn't have afforded to re-do the windows in the near future. The windows wrecked (understatement) the facade of the house.

PVC would really sway me against buying a house tbh.

thanks everyone. Interesting to know about the timescale for degradation. I shall certainly have a look at that green building forum and go back to dp...

what chonky said...