How Timber Windows Help Cut Energy Bills & Improve Home Efficiency

With economic uncertainty surrounding rising energy bills and the moral threat of escalating carbon emissions, homeowners, like you, are seeking to optimise their home in terms of thermal efficiency and sustainable living.

Making an informed decision to upgrade to energy-efficient windows in your home will lead to a warmer home in winter, decreased energy bills and a cleaner carbon footprint. In this article, we destigmatise timber joinery and explain why quality timber windows may be the exact solution you’ve been searching for. We also compare your glazing options and explore why popular uPVC windows have been a historically poor choice – and still are to this very day.

Why Windows Are Crucial for Home Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient windows are a vital part of regulating the temperatures in your house. Poor performing windows often have no thermal bridges, so the warm surface inside becomes cold. This results in higher energy bills as your heating is not being sufficiently retained. Where window frames are under-performing, energy waste is being created, which makes prioritising long-term quality over budget incredibly important.

The Natural Thermal Benefits of Timber

By opting for high-performing, energy-efficient timber windows, you can negate any worries about poor thermal regulation, increased energy consumption or heightened energy costs. Timber is naturally an exemplary insulator and acts as a barrier against heat loss, with low thermal conductivity properties that prevent heat from moving through the window frame and being lost.

We use an expertly engineered combination of Redwood and Accoya laminated sections when manufacturing all of our timber joinery. Both of these premium timbers are good thermal insulators, and they aid in retaining as much internal radiant heat as possible. Not only does this result in lower energy bills as previously discussed, but it also subsequently reduces impact on the planet as homes stay warmer for longer. Upgrading your joinery does more than increase comfort in your home, it actively helps to move towards a more sustainable future.

Timber vs uPVC Windows

When choosing windows for your home, the two biggest contenders are timber and uPVC. Simply put, timber windows are far superior to uPVC. To begin with, timber windows have a timeless, classic aesthetic that is very attractive to prospective buyers and enhances kerb appeal. Timber windows can be customised to suit any style and era of architecture to complement the existing property, and are also unrestricted in colour choice. Timber can be repainted over time as home design evolves, and will maintain consistent modern interest, eternally in keeping with current design aesthetics.

When it comes to uPVC windows, they look and feel significantly cheaper – because they are. They have incredibly limited colour and style choices, and the typical white look that so many homeowners will recognise is prone to yellowing and discolouration. Beware of claims that uPVC windows perform well all year round, as the plastic used can melt when exposed to high temperatures, leading to warping. Once the uPVC frame is damaged by the sun, either cracking or changing shape, the entire unit will need to be replaced, which is a costly mistake to make.

To top it off, uPVC windows are terrible for the environment, with short service lives that end with being tossed onto landfill. Whilst it’s true that glazing technology has come a long way, and that high-performing, well-installed uPVC windows may provide comfortable temperatures in the home, timber doesn’t just deliver on this, it excels in all other areas. For homeowners seeking sustainable windows in the UK that are top performing and aesthetically pleasing, timber is the only way to go.

Are Timber Windows Weatherproof?

Timber windows have historically had a poor reputation for rotting, as the timber elements were not adequately protected from adverse weather. With Westbury timber windows, weathering is not a concern, as they are not prone to rot or warping over time, whether that be torrential rain or immensely hot summers. Additionally, our paint system provides an additional layer of protection, which is water-based. As the paint dries and the water inside the paint evaporates, left behind is a durable, protective skin.

The United Kingdom is comprised of islands, which face fluctuating weather conditions. When the weather is wet, then dry, then wet again, that is when timber begins to rot. However, this does not occur with Accoya.

As previously stated, we use Accoya timber in manufacturing our joinery, and we use this for all external facings. This is because Accoya is exceptionally well-performing and is known for its ability to resist rot and decay. The reason for this is that Accoya goes through a modification process called acetylation. In simple terms, this reduces the wood cells ability to retain water, which increases durability and dimensional stability. Accoya timber will not rot, swell, warp or decay.

Westbury’s timber joinery is designed with longevity in mind, built to last and perform exceptionally for a long, functional service life.

A Poor History of uPVC Windows – Why Timber Remains the Golden Choice

When uPVC technology first rolled out to the general public in the 1980s, there were prominent quality issues and dishonest companies dominated the joinery industry. The main problems with the first iteration of these windows were:

• Brittle frames that would crack and warp with age and sun exposure
• Common discolouration or bleaching/fading
• Low quality seals that resulted in failed units and foggy glass
• Poor installation that lead to draughts and terrible thermal regulation

Upgrading from old fashioned or poorly installed uPVC windows to timber windows results in a vast improvement all round. Timber windows effectively tackle insulation issues, dated aesthetics, cheapened looks and poor functionality. However, homeowners considering upgrading their joinery may make the assumption that modern day uPVC technology must’ve improved drastically in comparison, and that they can save money by opting for the same windows again.

Unfortunately, that is objectively false. Contemporary uPVC windows that feature modern double glazing may have improved in thermal regulation compared to their predecessors; however, they still significantly lack in longevity and quality and do not begin to compare with timber windows. Modern uPVC frames are still subject to fading and rarely have a service life that exceeds beyond ten years, meaning that most uPVC windows should be replaced every decade.

In contrast, with simple maintenance timber windows will last and perform exceptionally for decades. A quarterly wash down of the paintwork will help to increase longevity in your paint, and regular professional cleans will keep your windows looking fresh from the factory.

Timber windows maintain constant visual interest and guarantee long term functionality and high performance. They are a smart investment that will save homeowners inconvenience and renovation costs in the future.

Modern Timber Window Technology: Double Glazing & Triple Glazing

Double glazed windows are old news – they are now the standard requirement of all British homes, whether the house is being refurbished or is a new build. As stricter regulations come into play on thermal efficiency in the home, many homeowners are rightfully seeking even greater performance from their glazing.

Westbury’s double glazed timber window units feature a low emissivity coating, which aids in retaining internal heat. The purpose of the Low-E coating is to reflect radiant heat back inside the building, resulting in minimal heat escaping through the window and the maintaining of warm, comfortable temperatures.

Triple glazed windows are comprised of the same components as double-glazed windows, in that they feature panes of glass separated by an inert, well-insulating gas (such as argon or krypton). Triple glazed units consist of three panes of glass as opposed to two, creating a greater barrier for heat to escape through, and are therefore a superior insulator compared to double glazing.

Did You Know? U-Values measure heat loss through the window, and are either measured from the centre pane, or calculated based on the thermal performance of the entire window unit, including the frame. A lower U-Value means that less heat is lost. Therefore, the lower the U-Value, the better the window is performing.

Our double-glazed timber windows have a U-Value of between 1.3-1.4 overall, which meets strict new build requirements. Our timber triple glazing units have a 1.1 U-Value overall, making them even better performing and also making them eco-friendly windows.

The Disadvantage of Triple Glazing – Westbury’s Solution

Unfortunately, one of the disadvantages of triple glazing is that it is incredibly bulky. These thick glass units can often look visually unappealing, and they may not fit into the window frame at all. Westbury frames are thicker than the industry standard, with frame thicknesses that meet the high demands of the Scandinavian market! This allows for a consistent look across our products, meaning that whether you opt for double or triple glazing, your Westbury windows will uphold our signature look.

When weighing up your glazing options, call our expert team today for personalised advice on what is the best solution for you.

Long Term Value: Sustainability Meets Savings

Timber windows do more than just add aesthetic value to a property – they offer unrivalled performance. By investing in your windows, you can make considerable savings long term through lower energy usage, lack of repair costs and enhanced property value.

Choosing timber windows is not just a move in the right direction for the environment or home comfort, it’s a financially smart, future-ready move. By opting to upgrade your joinery with Westbury, you’re choosing maximum longevity, enhanced performance, and value in both financial terms and your lifestyle.

Get the conversation started about your renovation project today and call our friendly sales and design team for expert advice. If you’d like to find out more about our joinery products, you can request a brochure here.