The curse of uPVC

I thought i would do a post on the PVC window as my journey to work is a daily discovery of yet more and more houses that fall to the false charms of PVC. The Crown area of Inverness is a good example of this as it has a good supply of period building stock, from stone tenement buildings to large stone houses- the traditional timber windows have the correct proportions and they give depth to the elevation. Unfortunately these windows are now few and far between. There is great debate about window replacement and here i would like to add to it. Bear in mind i am certainly not against window replacement but on against replacing with PVC, a double glazed timber window is far superior.

PVC facts

• The production and disposal of PVC windows leads to the release of highly poisonous chemicals. PVC production involves six of the most hazardous chemicals listed by European governments for priority elimination. When these windows are disposed of these chemicals are released once again, either through incineration of through depositing in land-fill.
• Contrary to popular belief these PVC windows do degrade, are not maintenance free and perhaps worst of all is that they cannot be repaired when necessary.
• The PVC window will warp and discolour and unlike its timber cousin, it cannot be freshened up with a lick of paint.
• The masses are opting for the PVC windows because they are cheaper however if you look at the lifetime costs the timber window will infact outlive the PVC window.

Timber facts

• Timber is a sustainable resource.
• Timber windows can be repaired and repainted when necessary and will look as good as new.
• Developments in timber window design and finishing products mean that there is much less maintenance involved and provided they are looked after, these windows will last significantly longer than PVC.
• With regard to an existing period property the design and detailing of a timber sash and case window is superior and there is a depth to the window which is essential to retain the aesthetic integrity of the building.
  

The highland council produces a leaflet on window replacement and i was really surprised to see that the material of the window is not even mentioned. Despite the environmental concerns i must admit that my main problem with these PVC windows is what they are doing to our existing building stock aesthetically. These buildings, which include tenement buildings, large traditional stone houses and all others that are not listed or not in a conservation area will soon fall to the PVC window because their owner is tempted by a short term saving. It is actually up to the government to put down legislation banning the use of PVC because in fairness you cannot expect the masses to understand the aesthetics of buildings or to be educated in the toxicity of the product they are using. As long ago as 1987 the German town of Bielefeld banned the use of PVC in all public buildings and subsequently Germany is running a phase-out programme nation wide. The Scandinavians are also aware of the pitfalls of the product and so have only a very small market share.

Would you rather buy a window that needs replaced every 10 years (PVC) or buy one that will last 100 years? For good double glazed sash and case windows look at Blairs of Scotland who detail their windows with nice thin astricles and have the proportions just right. See below some photographs of existing buildings before and after window replacement.

Above: The left hand window has been replaced

Above: Before replacement

Above: After replacement