Saturday, 22 September 2012

Why Choose Timber?


Over the past few decades the priorities and expectations of performance of all windows types has changed dramatically. The need for the windows now not only to look ascetically pleasing but to be draught and noise proof, better at keeping heat in the house. As we drive into a more environmentally friendly world we see the desire for the windows to be as such as well, not only from the source we get the materials from but also how the windows are manufactured and destroyed. Another major factor consumers often think about is security, and that is a question Timber Windows gets asked quite a lot. With our varied range of locks and bolting systems we will be sure to keep your peace of mind at heart. We here at Timber Windows are constantly on the top of our game when it comes to the sourcing and manufacturing our windows, to find out more about what we do; pop into our showroom or give us a call 01284760222.

Timber windows and Green Peace
Wood is a naturally renewable material and uses less energy in processing and manufacture than the alternatives. For instance a PVC-u window requires eight times more energy to manufacture than a hardwood window of the same size. Greenpeace, who have spent six years researching the environmental impact of manufacture and disposal of PVC-u and timber in windows are categorical in their argument:
  • “The production and disposal of PVC-u windows leads to the release of highly poisonous chemicals which threaten the environment and human health. PVC-u production involves no less than six of the fifteen most hazardous chemicals listed by European governments for priority elimination.
  • Timber is a sustainable resource. As long as the timber is sourced from properly managed forests and care is taken in the choice of preservatives, paints and stains, timber windows are by far the best environmental choice.
  • Developments in timber window design and finishing mean that modern, high performance timber windows need minimal maintenance and potentially have significantly longer life than PVC-u.
  • PVC-u windows do degrade, they are not maintenance free and worst of all they cannot be repaired when necessary.
  • High performance double-glazed timber windows need not cost more than PVC-u equivalents.”

From Greenpeace leaflet "Look out – Your choice of window frames could seriously affect the health of our planet".
In their June 1998 report, the National Housing Federation found that:
  • “softwood windows were considerably cheaper (than PVC-u) in terms of initial capital costs and life cycle costs over a period of 30 years”.

To see more for what Green Peace have done for the Timber Trade Click Here

Keeping out the draughts

Besides the good insulation properties inherent in wood windows, high performance weather resistance can be achieved by the use of efficient draught seals on all opening lights. These ensure that the window remains draught free even in the most severe exposure conditions. The greater stiffness of the timber frames means that these seals are equally compressed for the whole perimeter of the window, ensuring a tight fit at all points. With the correct choice of section, insulated double glazed units of any thickness can be accommodated - not always possible in metal or PVC-u window frames. The combination of insulated glass panels, efficient weather seals, and wooden frames also ensures good acoustic performance.




Beaded wood windows with sections robust enough to take substantial locks, catches and bolts can ensure a high degree of security against break-in - and increasingly important aspect of modern window design. Wooden casements are inherently stiffer than PVC-u, making it far more difficult for intruders to ‘spring’ them out of the frame.

Looking good for longer

 

Wood windows are now available in a wide variety of styles and finishes to suit all types of building, both modern and traditional. However, it is also possible for special profiles to be designed in wood. This has the advantage that timber profiles can always be manufactured in the future to match existing windows or styles, either for replacement or extension of the original building. This is often not economically feasible with metal or plastic frames, if the basic sections or extrusions are no longer available.

Maintenance Timber Windows will ensure by the end of your installation you will know how to correctly maintain your new windows/doors.
If you are a current customer or a previous one please contact us if you need or have lost this information. We would be more then happy to send you out another copy.
 Stains require more frequent maintenance than paints
but then this also depends on how you want your property to look, old and weathered doesn't need to be oiled as much whereas we here at Timber Windows recommend to keep them looking like new you oil them every 4-6 months. Timber Windows now factory finish your windows/doors and this
has the advantage that all surfaces are protected. We also have a range of grantees which you will receive when your installation is complete and you are paid up to date which includes lengthy grantees on paint work.

 The future for wood windows is a bright one. Timber is accepted as the only mainstream construction material that can be produced on a sustainable basis. It is tough, durable and with the increased use of improved factory-applied finishes, relatively maintenance free.

Click Here for more information on TRADA (Timber Research And Development Association)


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