Hi Strawberry,

Thanks for your question. Local authorities will often stipulate timber windows where they’re prevalent in a particular area, so if you really want to use an alternative you’ll need to convince them that the design is in keeping with the vernacular. This is certainly not impossible, and a number of companies do offer versions in PVCu and other materials (such as alu-clad timber) that can pass muster in conservation areas.

It’s probably worth talking to a few timber and PVCu companies to ascertain what they can offer in your budget and whether they have experience with your local authority / examples of finished installations you can view.

I’m afraid we don’t have any direct experience with Residence 9 windows here at Build It. In general, though, timber does tend to be a more natural fit with a heritage design – it offers an instant warmth and character (even when painted or stained) that can be lacking in modern alternatives. There are a whole host of companies offering timber framed windows, and with good regular maintenance the high quality ones can last for 50+ years (or even the whole lifetime of the building). Generally, PVCu versions are thought to have a lifespan of around 25-30 years but need less maintenance in use.

There are several features on windows throughout the website that you might want to check out, including https://www.self-build.co.uk/choosing-windows (the 45 year claim made here for PVCu is possibly ambitious) and https://www.self-build.co.uk/energy-efficient-windows.

Good luck with your choice!

Chris
Deputy Editor, Build It

Providing reasonable care is taken to select timber from well-managed forests (FSC-certified), the use of wood for new windows can be considerably more environmentally-friendly compared with those manufactured from substitute materials, such as PVCu.

Many studies also show that lower long-term costs favour the use of timber windows, particularly where protected by a good paint system (and some of the linseed paints now on the market appear to show excellent durability). Alternative materials are rarely as low-maintenance as supposed – testified, for instance, by the marketing of purpose-made paint for PVCu windows discoloured by sunlight – and are harder to repair when components fail.

Setting aside all this, should you prefer to opt for PVCu, the Residence 9 windows do seem to provide a more authentic look than many of their competitors. They come with features such as a range of astragal bar options, traditional peg stay restrictors and traditional hardware that includes monkey tail handles.

Douglas Kent, technical and research director at SPAB, www.spab.org.uk