Windows. UPVC or wood?

[Swedes]

Our windows are all currently UPVC - which I don't really like. Our rear windows need replacing and I want to change to wood. I know UPVC is maintenance free. What would you do?

its a myth that Upvc doesnt need maintaining, eventually it will need replacing, so its not like it lasts forever. wood wood wood.. if you can afford it.

Wood doesn't last forever either, it rots. 'If you can afford it' lol. Is this what the whole thread is about? Well let them gossip about the povvies with uPVC, that's what I say.

i didnt say wood lasted forever, if you read my thread, i merely point out that its a myth that upvc doesnt need maintaining.

i have just had some wood sashes made at hideous cost

I doubt UPVC is cheap but these were dreadful although i did shop around

however swoon swoon swoon!!

I am in love....with a window!

when people come i open them for them they softly sort of rustle!! They are really chunky - i 'designed' them myself and the window man was tutting at me a bit but they are dreamy - easily as quiet and warm as upvc

the only problem is i could only afford 3 windows so that is two rooms i think there are 14 more windows to do! sob!

It is a cardinal sin to put UPVC windows in a Victorian or Georgian property. We replaced all our Victorian original ones (too buggered to restore) with new wood sash windows which are beautiful and have kept the character. We wouldn't be allowed to replace with UPVC anyway as are living in a Conservation Road but even if we could, I wouldn't have done.

I do agree completely that wood has its place in period properties.

Lolol at this thread

Wood every time I'm afraid

Have lived with UPVC once, it was not a happy house share

Upvc is a BASTARD
in almost every way.

I have got single glazed original windows here, tis Victorian

but surprisingly despite them being 7ft 6 tall at the front and 1oft tall at the back

It is not cold

I don't know how that works.

It's alright ladies, calm down, the window expert is here....

Wood is v much the right way to go. Plastic windows will cripple the house and cause mildew. Houses are meant to breathe and have draughts, although of course not too much! You can quite easily draught proof a sash window by having it fitted properly. On top of all this plastic wears badly and need complete replacing in ten years or so. Plastic is also terrible for the environment! So all round plastic is a false economy.

The reason I am such a window expert is that I currnetly project managing our enormous restoration of a georgian house. Have just been doing the window quotes so have been eating and sleeping windows!

canyou recommend any suppliers? i need to get quotes... at some point, perhaps in 2015

All those putting wooden windos in, is it soft wood or hard wood? Will you be painting it? We've got plastic windows and I hate them but don't live in an area where plastic would devalue the house; it's just teh norm for replacement windows. I just don't know whetehr it'd be really extravagent to replace with wood or just accept them and live with them.

I put some wooden sashes made of pine into a victorian terrace almost 10 years ago exactly ( phew what bad english!)

any road up - the y still look like NEW seriously . I done see this 'they will rot' argument - not if they are painted and looked after

Lets face it - my lovely housey was built in 1875 and not always treated with tlc. the windows are in pretty good nick considering their 134 years!

"Plastic windows will cripple the house and cause mildew. Houses are meant to breathe and have draughts, although of course not too much"

One of the features of most windows is that they open.

monkey I have read your blog.
You are my soulmate

swedes where are you?

She's given up mumsnet for lent.

(I think she went for uPVC in the end despite all our protestations.)

thanks iork !