Timber windows still offering many advantages, particularly as a sustainable living option

Here at stock windows, we encourage builders, renovators and homeowners to make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right windows.

In many cases Timber windows can be the right choice and should not necessarily be seen as a material of the past.  There are still many advantages timber windows deliver as appose to Aluminium Windows. 

Take a look at the 5 top reasons for using timber windows in your next building project.  You may be surprised, particularly in relation to the truth about care and maintenance for windows and doors, perhaps timber windows can offer more than you think…….

Thermal performance

The natural insulating properties of timber as a building material makes it an excellent choice when selecting windows to achieve a seven-star energy rating for your next building or renovation project.  When it comes to reducing the loss of heating and cooling energy through the frame, there really is no substitute for timber. 

Combined with the right glass choices its possible to achieve U values in the range of 1.9 to 2.4 for double glazed timber windows and doors.   Low U-values can improve your comfort levels and reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Aesthetic appeal

Timber windows and doors add a feeling of warmth which cannot be replicated by other materials.  Well-constructed, quality timber windows manufactured with generous well portioned, solid components not only look spectacular but provide a sophisticated upmarket appearance that adds value to your home.

To achieve low energy ratings for aluminium windows, manufacturers have had to resort to developing slimline products which lack strength and substance.  Timber windows achieve superior energy efficiency without the need to compromise on strength and style.

Maintenance

Timber windows and doors can outlast other materials if cared for correctly.  The most important aspect of ensuring the longevity of timber windows and doors is to ensure the use of a quality paint for protection from the elements.

Often aluminium is promoted as ‘maintenance-free’ however aluminium windows are subject to fading and corrosion particularly in coastal areas.  Most manufactures of aluminium windows and doors will have separate, less advertised, care and maintenance instructions that must be adhered to for warranty purpose suggesting that ‘maintenance-free’ could be a costly misconception of the truth.

For the renovator, a well maintained and cared for timber window or door can be brought to life simply through a clean, sand and repaint.  When it comes to style and trend timber windows, with the ability to be repainted many times and in different colour either inside or outside provide a versatility and longevity that aluminium windows and doors simply cannot achieve.

Cost

Timber windows and doors may have a higher initial cost than low budget aluminium but will deliver long term cost benefits overtime.  If maintained and installed correctly timber windows and doors should never need to be replaced or upgraded to match trends as this can all be achieved relatively easily, through sanding and repainting.

 Overtime your timber windows should also deliver a cost saving on your energy bills thanks to the improved insulating qualities with timber windows and doors outperforming aluminium products and adding value to your home, if selling is a consideration.

Sustainability

For many years the laws around how and where we source timber for building materials, like windows and doors, have been evolving to ensure the sustainability of forests all over the world.  Often consumers are misled with information in relation to deforestation and the desecration of the world’s forests however, with the right guidelines and laws, aimed at protecting our natural resources, timer windows and doors are the most renewable building product available.

Don’t just take our word for it.

Below is a list of questions you should ask your builder or window supplier prior to purchasing windows, either timber or aluminium.  These questions will help you to ensure that you are purchasing windows for the liveability of your home or renovation project.

1. What is the U-value of the windows and doors you have quoted for my project?
   If you’re renovating or building, your windows may require an energy rating.  The window supplier should make sure that the U-value supplied matches the U-value stated on the energy rating.  The lower the U-value the better performance of your product and the more cost saving on energy bills.
2. Is there a more energy efficient option you could provide?
   While it is a requirement that all windows and doors have a U value that complies to the minimum U value as specified by the energy report, the could well be a better option that not only meets but exceeds the requirement while not pushing the cost of the window out of budget.
3. What is the glass to frame ratio of the windows?
   The frame to glass ratio of the window will affect its energy efficiency.  As a rule for any metal, including aluminium windows, the thinner or lower the frame to glass ratio, of the frame the better the efficiency of the window, for timber and PVC windows the energy efficiency will increase as the frame to glass ratio increases.  That why bold, solid timber windows is preferable for both aesthetics and strength.
4. What is the material of the window frame?
   If energy efficiency is important to your building or renovation project and you’re looking for cost savings and comfort, then make sure the windows meet your specification.  If you are looking at aluminium windows insure, they are thermally broken as this will be closer to providing the natural insulation properties of timber windows.

For more guidance and information of how windows rate, visit the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS).  They provide information on hundreds of certified window products from manufacturers all over Australia.