UPVC vs Timber? Your Inside Guide To Both Materials

It’s a debate that has pretty much raged on ever since UPVC windows were first introduced in the UK in the 1980’s – which is the better material, UPVC or timber?

We find it impossibly difficult to give a definitive answer as it really is what you prefer and that can only be determined once you have a good understanding of the various upsides and downsides of them both.

So, let’s try and analyse UPVC and timber and hopefully once we’ve done that, you will have settled on a favourite.

UPVC

UPVC is generally a cheaper material than timber or aluminium and requires virtually no maintenance as it is fully weather-resistant. You only need a wet, soapy cloth to remove any dirt or marks that build up on the window frame with no requirement to ever repaint or retouch the coloured finish.

It also has excellent insulating qualities, so you can expect UPVC windows / doors to keep the internal temperature at a comfortable level in all weathers.

A UPVC frame is though thicker than say an aluminium frame, so less glass is included in a UPVC product than an aluminium equivalent. The lifespan of UPVC is often a little bit shorter than aluminium and timber, but investment into UPVC goes a long way when you consider the energy savings you will make.

Timber

The aesthetics of timber are one of its biggest selling points as the many different types of wood utilised when creating timber windows and doors gives them their own unique look.

Similar to UPVC, timber is also very thermally efficient and will save you a fortune on future household energy costs.

You will have to pay more to buy a timber window / door than a UPVC window / door and a traditional timber product requires sustained upkeep if you want to retain its visual appeal and performance. However, there are timber doors out there that don’t demand the usual treatment you would have to input into preserving an old timber door, so don’t let that be a deal-breaker.

Make your own mind up on a visit to Hazlemere

A host of UPVC home improvement solutions are showcased at both of our showrooms and you can chat to one of our consultants about the merits of timber if you’re still to favour one material over the other. Seeing them in person should be the decisive factor.