Sash Window Replacement Plastic Or Wood? Which Is Better For The Earth?
View PDF | Print View
by: NathanMadeley | Total views: 30 | Word Count: 393
Early houses were built using sash windows and they have remained popular to this day. For at least three hundred years, they have been an extremely popular style of window. But if you are a householder with the option of replacing them, which should you choose for your sash window replacement, plastic or wood replacement windows? If environmental considerations are your worry, then you should think very carefully.
Depending on how many of your windows need to be replaced, then you could have several options about what to do. If only one or a few need replacement, then it would probably be best to stick with the type you have already. But if they all do, then you have a real choice. Many people are trying to cut down on the number and types of plastics they use and so environmental researchers believe that wood is a better choice for many reasons.
But the problem is that wood windows can be more expensive than plastic. It may also be in people's minds that using wood products is a needless drain on resources in which trees need to be chopped down, whereas plastic windows are made from petroleum products. Other aspects of uPVC are attractive, such as their insulation properties, they are easier to clean, and may be seen to be easier to replace. Also, plastic windows can be locked so people think that they are more secure than wood.
It is known however, that many of these assertions do not live up to the evidence. Wood may be expensive, but good quality plastic windows which are moulded to look like wood can be just as much. The wood windows may pay for themselves in a matter of years because there may be lower maintenance costs involved.
The way it is made, plastic uses petroleum by-products and is much worse for the environment than wood from a sustainable forest. Also, plastic does not degrade in landfill for many years, and when it does, leaches hazardous toxins into the earth. Wood is a completely organic product and is broken down in a matter of years by insects in the soil.
It is very difficult to decide which is better for the environment. With new products being developed all the time, it is possible that an environmentally friendly plastic is produced from recycled materials, but until then, wood is far better.
About the Author
In urgent need of sash window repairs or sash window renovation London ? Check out our top notch Sash window guide for the best inside skinny!
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote
