Timber Sash Windows vs uPVC Sash Windows: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing new sash windows for your home, the debate between timber and uPVC is a common one. Both materials have their merits, but as experts in high-quality timber windows, we at Bereco believe that wooden sash windows offer superior aesthetics, performance, and sustainability.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare timber and uPVC sash windows to help you make an informed decision for your home.

What are Sash Windows?

Sash windows are a classic window style featuring two vertically sliding panels called sashes. Traditionally found in Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes, sash windows provide excellent ventilation and a timeless elegance that has stood the test of time for centuries.

Aesthetic Appeal

Timber Sash Windows: Timeless Elegance

Timber sash windows offer unparalleled aesthetics, especially for period properties. Wood’s natural warmth and texture lend a sophisticated, authentic look that perfectly complements traditional architecture. At Bereco, our timber sash windows are crafted to exacting standards, replicating original features like slim frames, timber parting beads, and authentic sash horns.

Moreover, our timber windows can be customised with a wide range of paint and stain finishes, allowing you to perfectly match your home’s exterior and interior decor. We offer RAL Classic, RAL Design, NCS, and BS colour charts.

uPVC Sash Windows: A Modern Alternative

UPVC windows now come in more colours and wood-effect finishes than they used to. While uPVC sash windows attempt to mimic the look of timber, they often fall short in authenticity. The plastic material lacks the depth and character of natural wood, and the joints and finishes can appear artificial.

Energy Efficiency

Both timber and uPVC sash windows can offer good energy efficiency, but timber has some distinct advantages:

• • Natural Insulator: Wood is a natural insulator, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
  • Superior U-values: New timber sash windows offer modern performance and exceed the new building regulations, achieving U-values starting from 1.2 W/m²K with double glazing and as low as 0.8 W/m²K with triple glazing.
  • Reduced Heat Loss: The tight seal and excellent insulation properties of our timber windows significantly reduce draughts, potentially saving you money on energy bills.

While uPVC windows achieve good U-values, they don’t offer the same natural insulation properties as timber.

Durability and Longevity

Timber sash windows have an impressive lifespan:

• • 60+ Year Lifespan: Our timber windows can last over 60 years with proper care.
  • Renewable Material: Timber can be repaired and refinished, extending its life further. As a material, uPVC has limited repairability.
  • 30-Year Timber Warranty: We offer a 30 year guarantee on our timber, giving you peace of mind on your investment.

UPVC is known for its robustness and has become a popular material in the construction industry. However, it typically has a shorter lifespan of around 20-30 years.

Maintenance and Care

Low-Maintenance Timber

Contrary to popular belief, modern timber sash windows require minimal maintenance:

• • Factory Finished: Our windows come fully finished with environmentally friendly water-based paints or stains.
  • 10-Year Finish Warranty: We offer a 10-year warranty on our factory finishes.
  • Simple Care: Regular cleaning and occasional repainting (every 8-10 years) are all that’s needed to keep timber windows looking their best.

uPVC Maintenance

While uPVC windows are often touted as maintenance-free, they still require some upkeep:

• • Regular Cleaning: To prevent discolouration and maintain appearance.
  • Potential for Discoloration: uPVC can yellow or fade over time, especially in direct sunlight.

Environmental Impact

Sustainable Timber

At Bereco, sustainability is at the core of our business:

• • PEFC & FSC® 100% Certified: All our timber comes from responsibly managed forests.
  • Recyclable: Timber windows can be recycled or biodegraded at the end of their life.
  • Carbon store: Timber stores carbon from the atmosphere, improving your carbon footprint.

uPVC Environmental Concerns

While uPVC manufacturing has improved, it still raises some environmental concerns:

• • Non-Renewable Material: uPVC is derived from fossil fuels.
  • Energy-Intensive Production: Manufacturing uPVC windows requires significant energy.
  • Difficult to Recycle: While technically recyclable, many uPVC windows still end up in landfills due to collection issues or limited recycling facilities.

There is no doubt that timber is far more environmentally friendly than uPVC.

Suitability for Different Property Types

Period Properties and Conservation Areas

Timber windows, especially sash windows, are often the only accepted option for homeowners with period properties or those living in conservation areas. Our extensive experience crafting authentic timber sash windows makes us the ideal choice for these projects.

Modern Homes

UPVC windows might be considered better for more contemporary projects, but timber windows still offer significant advantages here:

• • Versatility: Our timber sash windows can be designed to complement modern architectural styles.
  • Performance & Durability: Timber windows’ energy efficiency and longevity make them a smart choice for any home.
  • Increased Property Value: High quality timber windows can increase the value and appeal of modern properties.
  • Sustainability: For eco-conscious homeowners, timber windows align better with sustainable living practices.

Noise Reduction

Both timber and uPVC sash windows can offer noise reduction benefits, but there are differences in their performance:

uPVC Sash Windows

• • Basic Noise Reduction: Standard uPVC windows can provide some noise insulation, typically ranging from 28-32 dB.
  • Hollow Profiles: The hollow chambers in uPVC frames can sometimes amplify certain frequencies, potentially reducing the overall effectiveness of noise reduction.

Timber Sash Windows

• • Natural Sound Dampening: Wood’s cellular structure absorbs sound waves more effectively than uPVC.
  • Higher Potential: High-quality timber windows can achieve better noise reduction, often starting around 32-35 dB for standard models.
  • Customisable Performance: Timber windows can be more easily adapted for better acoustic performance without altering their appearance.

Bereco’s Acoustic Range

At Bereco, we’ve taken noise reduction to the next level with our innovative Ambient range of acoustic windows. Offering certified performance up to 42dB, these windows combine specialised acoustic glass, dual gasket systems, and engineered timber frames to absorb and reflect sound effectively. With customisable sound reduction ratings from 33dB to 42dB, they’re perfect for homes in noisy urban areas or near busy roads and flight paths.

Our acoustic timber sash windows reduce noise in a way that standard uPVC or even regular timber windows can’t.

Final Thoughts

While uPVC sash windows have their place in the market, timber sash windows from Bereco offer superior benefits in terms of aesthetics, performance, longevity, and sustainability. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship, extensive customisation options, and impressive warranties make us the choice for homeowners who want the best for their property.

Contact Us

Whether you’re considering replacement sash windows, renovating a period home, or simply want the most beautiful and efficient windows for your house, Bereco’s timber sash windows deliver unparalleled quality and timeless elegance. We offer softwood and hardwood varieties and can provide solutions for any home with our innovative designs.

You can view our whole range, including other options, such as timber casement windows, from the comfort of your home with our virtual showroom.

To get a free consultation or a no-obligation quote, call us on 01709 838188 or email us at info@bereco.co.uk. For more information, you can visit our design consultancy page.

We can’t wait to hear from you.