NEW DATA REVEALS MISCONCEPTIONS OVER TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS

British Woodworking Federation expert explores the main myths over timber and why we should rethink how it can be used in the home over timber products and shares his view on why wood windows and doors offer great performance and value:

Myth 1: Timber windows are expensive

The improved durability of wood window frames means that they can last longer and therefore actually work out less expensive over their lifetime compared to alternatives.

Not only can wood window frames have a long service life - often longer than other common window materials - but they can also provide lower whole life costs when maintenance and replacement are factored in.

Myth 2: Timber windows are less energy efficient

A new survey of 1,500 UK homeowners has revealed signs that timber windows and doors are viewed positively by homeowners, but that there are misunderstandings over how they perform, their overall cost and how they are maintained.

The survey conducted by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) revealed that 59% of homeowners felt that timber windows offered a wider opportunity for design and style options than alternatives, and 56% thought timber windows were more sustainable.

Despite these positive perceptions, research also revealed a number of misconceptions over timber windows as compared to alternatives.

Fewer than half (40%) believed timber windows offer high energy efficiency performance, and more than half (57%) thought they cost more than alternatives to purchase and install. Almost two thirds (70%) believed timber windows have a shorter lifespan and will need more frequent replacement than alternatives.

Commenting on the findings, Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, said: “With the cost of living and energy crisis ongoing, it comes as no surprise that cost and energy efficiency are the primary concerns for homeowners when selecting windows for their property. But there are still some outdated assumptions over timber windows’ energy efficiency performance. It’s really important that homeowners have the full range of information available to them to help them make informed choices.”

Kevin Underwood, Technical Director at the BWF, highlights the major myths

Timber is a naturally insulating material, and timber windows can offer better thermal performance than alternatives. However, the energy efficiency of a window is about much more than just the frame; the glazing and draught-proofing have a major impact on performance.

Myth 3: Timber windows will rot quickly and need replacing

When correctly maintained, wood window frames can last up to 60 years, with certain types of modified wood even boasting a lifespan of 80 years. This is due to major technological advances in the design of wood window frames and their manufacturing processes over the past two decades.

Engineered or modified timber, which is primarily used by BWF members in the manufacture of wood window frames, is vital to longevity.

Making use of the benefits

A Welsh timber frame specialist has been utilising SterlingOSB Zero, or the forerunners beforehand, for over 20 years to deliver bespoke building solutions including high-performance homes for councils and other affordable housing providers.

Treharne Homes prides itself on the quality and accuracy of its fabrication processes – even producing its metal web joists at its plant. The team employs West Fraser’s 22mm SterlingOSB Zero T&G panels for its wall and roof constructions as well as CaberDek panels for its floors. Founder and Managing Director, Delfrig

Treharne comments: “We use West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero to help take the racking loads in the timber frames and also as a sarking across a lot of our roofs where we offer both site assembly and modular roof construction. The product is also used for internal loadbearing walls and cassettes. We basically always try and tend (respond) to whatever the needs are of our clients.

“In a typical year, we will normally do around a dozen private projects including luxury homes with up to six bedrooms, leisure buildings and other structures. Then we also carry out some quite large social housing projects for the likes of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Swansea delivering dwellings of up to three or four bedrooms and including three-storey townhouses. In fact, we are just about to commence work on two different sites for Swansea Council where the SterlingOSB Zero will be an important part of the build.”

Available in thicknesses of 18 and 22mm, the 2400mm length boards come in widths of 590 and 1200mm, while being manufactured using UK grown timber and with Zero added formaldehyde, SterlingOSB Zero has outstanding environmental credentials. Both the 18- and 22-mm thick panels are strong enough to meet most load-bearing applications, are BBA Approved and recognised by NHBC Technical standards for housing applications.

SterlingOSB Zero T&G also bears the coveted UKTFA Q-mark, a quality certification which provides a benchmark for manufacturers, and offers confidence to designers and end-users across the UK.

Transforming Timber - a knowledge library designed to promote the use of homegrown timber in the UK built environment – has been launched.

The online resource aims to provide the sector with the information and understanding it needs to make homegrown mass timber the material of first choice for specifiers, designers, and contractors.

Transforming Timber is the output of an Innovate UK-funded project led by Built Environment –Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) in partnership with Ecosystems

Technologies, Edinburgh Napier University and University of Edinburgh to accelerate the commercialisation of UK-grown timber products.

Making this move could significantly improve the carbon footprint of the UK’s buildings, while driving the value of homegrown timber through its use in higher grade, higher value products and applications.

By increasing use in commercial construction and housebuilding, the move can also reduce the UK's reliance on imported timber and create a new manufacturing industry that delivers green jobs and supports a just transition.

Supported by a consortium of experts in timber manufacturing and engineering including the Timber Develo§pment UK (TDUK), Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor), and Scottish Forestry, the Transforming Timber website will provide the sector free-to-access content including information on life cycle analysis, value chain mapping, quality assurance test work, manufacturing compatibility and case studies exploring key areas such as post occupancy evaluation.