Windows

Timber Window manufacturers have long maintained that their products are better for the environment than uPVC.

There have in recent years been a number of independant studies looking at the environmental and technical performance of Timber versus uPVC. Claims that PVC is environmentally damaging have been subjected to close scrutiny. It transpires that there is no material or profile structure (in the context of window manufacture) which displays a clear advantage or clear deficits over their life cycle

From the perspective of the consumer therefore the key is purchasing products that are responsibly manufactured, used and disposed of in order to reduce environmental impact.

Poorly insulated window frames and single glazed windows account for up to 20% of heat loss in the average home. There is no doubt that double glazing cuts heat loss and also reduces noise and condensation problems. Installing double glazing can cut your heating bills by as much as 25% a year and 740 kilograms of CO₂ or 4 double decker buses full of CO₂ each year. If everyone that could, installed double glazing, it would save and several million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) energy performance label can help you determine how well a product will perform the functions of: Helping you contain and conserve heat within your building in the winter, Cool it in summer, Keep out the wind and resist condensation.