"As an alternative view, it needs to be stated that plastic windows are not maintenance free and do not last for ever. Plastic degrades just like any other material and many plastic windows need replacing after a couple of decades or even sooner. And they're difficult to repair.
It's also worth saying that plastic windows just do not suit older houses, and by removing original windows in favour of plastic units you can severely devalue your property. They are not the magic bullet they are often made out to be. "
Both Duncan Wright and Adam Frankling believe that the public – the discerning public at least – are now turning away from plastic, and going back to wood. “Every few months, timber manufacturers are seeing increased sales, while plastic window sales are falling,” Frankling says.
The move back to wooden doors and windows has also been given a massive shove by TV makeover experts such as Colin and Justin, who shudder in theatrically camp fashion at uPVC which, they say, devalues a period property by at least £12,000.
“And it is a fallacy to believe uPVC lasts for ever,” says Duncan Wright. “The oldest plastic windows, installed about 20 years ago, have now had it. Plastic degrades after a time and goes mottled. uPVC windows and doors have to be replaced; they cannot be repaired.”
Adam Frankling disagrees that plastic front doors are easier to open than wooden ones. “They have to contain metal, so are actually more unwieldy and difficult to open than wooden doors. And plastic doors on old properties are beyond hideous.”
The main issue continues to be the price. “It is true that plastic is cheaper initially,” says Frankling, “but in the long run, timber is cheaper because it lasts for ever.
“And it adds value to your property rather than taking it away.”
It's also worth saying that plastic windows just do not suit older houses, and by removing original windows in favour of plastic units you can severely devalue your property. They are not the magic bullet they are often made out to be. "
Both Duncan Wright and Adam Frankling believe that the public – the discerning public at least – are now turning away from plastic, and going back to wood. “Every few months, timber manufacturers are seeing increased sales, while plastic window sales are falling,” Frankling says.
The move back to wooden doors and windows has also been given a massive shove by TV makeover experts such as Colin and Justin, who shudder in theatrically camp fashion at uPVC which, they say, devalues a period property by at least £12,000.
“And it is a fallacy to believe uPVC lasts for ever,” says Duncan Wright. “The oldest plastic windows, installed about 20 years ago, have now had it. Plastic degrades after a time and goes mottled. uPVC windows and doors have to be replaced; they cannot be repaired.”
Adam Frankling disagrees that plastic front doors are easier to open than wooden ones. “They have to contain metal, so are actually more unwieldy and difficult to open than wooden doors. And plastic doors on old properties are beyond hideous.”
The main issue continues to be the price. “It is true that plastic is cheaper initially,” says Frankling, “but in the long run, timber is cheaper because it lasts for ever.
“And it adds value to your property rather than taking it away.”
