The Benefits of Engineered Timber Windows and Doors
Despite the rising popularity of engineered timber products across the country, there are still some misconceptions about it, or those who are not fully aware of the difference between traditional timber, and engineered, timber windows and doors.
Here, we aim to highlight these differences, and the effect it has on the performance and longevity on new windows and doors, when compared to traditional timber.
Multi-layered timber sections
An inherent issue with timber windows of old is that over time, as the wood is exposed to moisture, sunlight, heat etc, the wood would warp and twist. This movement of the timber would cause the windows or doors to get stuck, unable to open or function as intended. This is not only a cause of frustration among homeowners, but potentially expensive to rectify, plus a cause of concern if a door will not open properly during a time of emergency for example. Modern timber windows and doors have addressed this issue however, without a need to sacrifice the natural beauty of the material.
Engineered timber products use multiple sections of timber, where each individual piece is laid with the grain in the opposing direction to its neighbour. So over time, as wood begins to move, these sections cancel out the movement of one another, due to the positioning of the grain. Over time, the windows and doors do not warp, or get stuck. This significantly increases the durability and strength of these windows and doors, especially when compared to timber alternative materials.
Such is the confidence and proven track record in this production technique that our engineered products come with a 30-year, industry leading guarantee against the timber. This is a length of time that would have been impossible to offer with non-engineered products, or even products that are manufactured using different materials such as Aluminium, or uPVC.
Investing in your home
Changing the windows and doors on your home is not a quick, easy decision. Selecting the right style, colour, material etc, all influences the appearance and ultimately, value of your home. Timber is the natural choice for windows and doors, being the traditional material used for many decades and centuries, and nothing adds beauty, or value, quite like timber, especially engineered timber.
While timber does bring a higher premium than alternatives on the market, it is important to consider the longer term. As timber is a naturally insulating material, we are often told by our customers that their energy bills have decreased following their installations, even during winter months. They have needed the heating on either less, or at lower settings as the heat retention, and temperature control of the home has improved dramatically. In a time where homeowners everywhere have been facing higher energy costs, the ability to improve a property’s energy performance and lower bills (without having to make personal sacrifices) is both smart and becoming increasingly essential.
Due to the strength of engineered timber (as well as numerous other benefits of our range), plus the lengthy guarantees offered as well, a higher outlay initially will save money in the long term, as you will not need replacement windows and doors as soon as if you opt for a timber alternative material. As we like to say, ‘Buy better – buy less!’.
Engineered timber windows and doors will also add value to your home, so if and when you are looking to sell, the earlier investment you made purchasing the windows and doors can help you recoup that bit extra in a sale, and help your house stand out on the market.
Conservation – without the drawbacks
For those who live in a conservation area, or own a Listed building (or both), when it comes to renovating your home with new windows and doors, you are already restricted in the choices available to you. The requirement for approval from a local authority will often remove the possibility of opting for a non-timber option, to ensure that the history of your home, and the area it is located in, is respected and preserved.
Historically, this would have been an area of frustration for homeowners, where before engineered timber was as accessible as it is today, you may have had to go down a traditional, non-engineered timber route, despite knowing the drawbacks these products would have in later years. But with engineered timber, combined with high-performance single or slim double glazing, as well as a choice of authentically styled glass and hardware options, you can ensure the heritage of your property is retained, without the drawbacks, while also meeting the criteria of your local authority.
Sustainability
In a previous blog post, we covered how not only is timber a naturally insulating material, but the manufacturing process behind them is more sustainable than PVC and releases less harmful chemicals and toxins into the atmosphere. European forests are expanding every year as the world looks more towards conservation and reducing the carbon footprint, and a further shift away from man-made, non timber fenestration products only helps to achieve that goal. Managed forests mean new trees are always planted as existing trees are felled, so there is a steady supply of more trees absorbing carbon dioxide, ensuring we are doing our part in helping to reduce our carbon footprint.
Summary
While traditional timber windows of old are beautiful and full of character, they did come with their drawbacks. Modern, engineered timber windows and doors, that fully utilise modern innovations when it comes to performance, sustainability and security, have changed how timber is perceived in the fenestration industry. There really is no better way to enhance the value and beauty of your home, than with real, engineered timber.