UPVC vs Wooden Windows

[GrumpyMuleFan]

We are buying a Victorian house with a lot of UPVC and some wooden windows. Some of the UPVC are getting quite old and a couple have cloudy glass. I know that many people love them, but I really struggle with them on older houses. Would I be totally insane to replace with wood? As well as aesthetics, I don't like how the UPVC ones, only open at the top - not great for ventilation or as an escape. Has anyone else done this? How do you feel about it now?

If you’re considering wood make sure you are happy with the upkeep of them- especially if the windows are in an exposed area. Our Victorian house has wooden windows, they looked beautiful when we moved in. We had them repainted a few years ago and they look shoddy now. You need to plan the repainting for fine weather, find trades who are happy to do it, and pay for it every few years after the first paint starts eroding.

Also, because most windows are upvc it’s easier to find trades for repairs. (Finding someone to repair a wooden door took ages, if it was UPVC or composite I’d have my pick of the trades).

We’re now considering replacing them with the heritage style sash UPVC as some are blown and need replacing. The flush casement upvc windows also look really smart. I wouldn’t put the basic, cheapest upvc windows on a period house but there’s many sympathetic alternatives that give the aesthetic of wood without the maintenance.