Timber or 'posh' UPVC' windows?

[saltyseadog]

DH and I are having this age old debate.

I hate UPVS windows, but our new house has tons of windows so we need to consider other options apart from hard wood. We have looked at 'posh' UPVC windows, which are made to look like timber windows, but I am still sceptical. The quote for these is still astronomical, and I am worried that in 10 years time they will look tired (unlike wood we won't be able to re-paint them).

Can UPVC ever compete with timber?

I would go with the less popular uPVC myself...simply because of cost and energy efficiency....they aren't quite as pretty as wood, but they are SOOOOO easy to maintain! If they start looking grubby, all you need to do is wash them with a little wasing up liquid like new again!

check out these ones:
www.doubleglazingontheweb.co.uk/windows/popular-upvc-windows/windows60.aspx
(sorry, kinda computer dumb...click on the gallery link) they look quite a bit like wood and the price is very nice!

They look lovely. Does the company cover north Essex?

there is no such thing as posh upvc. dont let anyone convince you otherwise

you could divide and conquer - do say 10 over three years or 5 over 6. when we got quotes the discount we got for doing it all at once was minimal compared to window by window. if you get a local company rather than one of the nationals you'll probably find they are fairly used to this approach.

Personally I would always always try to go for timber every time. I know good quality hardwood windows are much more expensive, but cheaper softwood ones are more competitive compared to UPVC ones, and it just isn't true that UPVC is maintenance free, or especially long lasting. Unless you buy extremely good quality ones they will look cheap, yellowed and plasticky in 5 years anyway, whereas even the cheapest timber frames will last 20 years providing you keep on top of the painting.

before you go for cheap softwood timber go for upvc.

much better energy efficiency and low maintainance. the block of flat next to ours just had their soft wood windows replaced with wood effect upvc and it looks fab. much better than peeling paint and not quite fitting soft wood.

I used to have solid rosewood windows in my house, they where there when I got it, but I found they needed sanding and varnishing every summer - not sure if thats just the type of wood they where, but it drove me mad!!

Have you looks at the natural wood coloured upvc windows, my oh runs a double glazing company in cheshire that supplies and fits them and if you haven't seen any recently, you should try to have a look before you decide. They are nothing like the cheap and tacky shiny plain brown colour. Try seraching for composite double glazing rather than upvc double glazing - because there are types you can get that actually looks grainy, and not "plasticy" at all.

I would go with wood instead of aluminum. But uPVC is good too.

I know someone who has those posh pvc windows and they are lovely and really do replicate timber.I think you need to see them, installed at a house so you can make a decision.They do not look like cheapie PVC windows at all.

if your house is a period house then definately wooden windows and I would suggest getting in touch with mothermud above if her husband makes windows. There are a lot of small carpenters around who will make fabulous ones for much less than the big guys. However, if your windows are old period ones is there any chance of fixing them as the wood used 100 years ago was far superior to what is used today - hence why they have lasted 100 years already? If you are in a modern house then can't say it would worry me if you put plastic windows in - I wont be buying it any time soon! If you are in a period house you will retain not only character but chances are you will get more money if/when you sell the house if its original windows are intact.

I'd reject houses for having wooden window frames! Give me good quality upvc every time. I suppose that makes me a heathen by MN standards.

There's no such thing as posh or good upvc - its a very poor building material for the UK.

As a building material, its suitable for a hot, dry climate.

There's a vast industry that oversells uPVC's qualities. uPVC only has two: its cheap + it can be molded.

Even if uPVC looked and felt like wood (and its does not) it will not last more than 15 years.

Try SafeStyle windows - give them a call, they are FANTASTIC. Top, top quality UPVC.

Why has someone revived a zombie thread from 2010?

Surely the OP has not only replaced their windows, but bought a new property on Mars by now...

You need to check out Blackthorn Timber Windows in Yorkshire they specialise in timber windows, doors and conservatories for all types of properties. They offer traditional sliding sash windows and can re-glaze with the original stained glass. They never adopt the 'hard sell' tactics, instead, they let the products and service they offer do the talking.

If you want the look of real wood, but don't want the maintenance that comes along with wooden windows. Then have a look at Blackthorn Timber Windows (Yorkshire) 'Alternative to Timber' windows. These windows offer the best of both worlds - the look and feel of timber windows but with all the benefits of a modern PVCu window.