WHICH TYPE OF WINDOW SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Perhaps the first question many exploring the idea of new windows might ask themselves is “Which type of window should I choose?” Coloured uPVC windows and coloured uPVC doors have long been a popular choice as well as white uPVC products, but the reality is that nothing we buy comes without the need for some maintenance. As technology improves the need for maintenance and amount of maintenance required is reducing. Modern paints and techniques are extending the life of products well beyond 25 years, so what about the other options? Perhaps you might want to consider hardwood or aluminium?
The case for Wooden Windows
The two main timbers that we use in the production of our hardwood windows and hardwood doors are Sapele and Idigbo. These timbers are now sustainably produced, readily available in sufficient size and quantity, fully durable and excellent in service and the retaining of a coating finish. Stability of timber products used to be an issue so we now employ engineering and laminating techniques to cancel out natural stresses deep within the timber structure.
All products now leave the modern workshops pre finished with multi layers of high technology breathable coatings, the equivalent to six brush coats. High quality glazing and ironmongery compliment technology and traditional looks to give you a product that is one of the best on the market. Our unique system has been developed over the last 25 years and is the envy of many of our competitors. We manufacture all of our timber products and also supply to many other installers.
Many people think that uPVC windows are maintenance free, however if you look carefully at many that are 5 years old they will have embedded grime and tiny scratches on them. With hardwood this surface could be refreshed quickly and relatively cheaply or even have the colour change completely.
The case for Aluminium Windows
Despite the ongoing use of uPVC, aluminium has actually emerged as the newest design preference with many of our customers. Reasons for their choice of aluminium windows includes a preference for slim modern design as often featured in shows like “Grand Designs” which is afforded by the use of this material, not to mention its exceptional thermal performance! Here are just some of the reasons why aluminium windows are becoming increasingly the window of choice:-
- Longevity – window and doors manufactured from aluminium are much more robust and durable than their uPVC equivalents, which means they last much longer. With proper care, aluminium windows can last 50 years or more!
- Energy Efficiency – Aluminium offers great thermal performance. This applies to both aluminium windows and aluminium doors.
- Colour Range – uPVC windows come in a fairly limited range of colour foil options (and these can be easily marked). By way of contrast, aluminium windows can be manufactured in a full spectrum of colours, and in a variety of finishes and textures.
- Safety – all aluminium windows and doors are highly secure and include top-quality hardware and multipoint shoot bolt locking mechanisms.
- Durability – Thanks to the innate strength of aluminium, it is considerably more robust and durable than uPVC. In addition, as aluminium is a low density metal, using it makes it possible to achieve slimline window and door frames which are also exceptionally sturdy and strong.
- Cost – uPVC is cheaper than aluminium, but this is not the whole picture because the performance and quality of uPVC is a significantly lower than aluminium. When the benefits of aluminium is taken into account, a different picture emerges.
