needing new windows what are best/longest lived

leveller2911

wallbash wrote: »

The important thing is to give the OP as much info as possible , so they can make there on minds up I think we both have accomplished that.

but would love the OP to get back ( forget that ) I wonder what the daughter will go for?
And wether in 60 /100 years she will know which way was correct

Yep, down the pub then?:beer: nice sig by the way:D

Avoriaz

Inactive wrote: »

..Mine have been installed over 20 years, never needed any maintenance, other than a quick wipe down.

I can only speak about my own personal experience but our white uPVC Anglian Windows installed in 1985 still look more or less new.

The PVC frames still look very clean and white. The hardwood sills are still rot free. None of the sealed units have failed. None of the mastic seals around the frames have failed. None of the hinges have stiffened or failed. The metal handles look slightly mottled with age but we could easily renew them if we were bothered.

We clean the glass occasionally and wash the outside frames maybe a couple of time a year. Every five years or so I redo the treatment on the hardwood sills, but otherwise they are maintenance free.

25 years so far and still looking and working just fine.

I’ve deteriorated far more in those 25 years than have my windows.

wallbash

I’ve deteriorated far more in those 25 years than have my windows

Have read your other postings .... will agree to that fact.
:rotfl:

Yorkie1

Thanks for posting this question and to all who have replied - it's the same dilemma I'm facing!

I take the point about wood, and it does look best in a pre-war house, but I would want the wood painted - and the cost of getting someone in to do the repainting every 6 years or so is something to factor into the equation.

But lots of food for thought, thanks.

iamcornholio

IIRC, a few years ago uPVC windows and all fascia boards etc were downgraded from initial long estimated lifetimes to something like 25-30 years service life. This was due to the plastic not lasting as long as estimated in accelerated weathering trials.

The plastic surface degrades under UV and rain/traffic exposure and becomes pitted, and frames distort. Once a plastic frame weathers or goes off white, then that's it and unless specialist painted, it stays a dirty off-white

In addition, there have been countless systems since the 80's and as each manufacturer goes bust or replaces the tooling for different frame sections, then parts (rubber gaskets, beading, handles and locks) become unavailable. Many councils who carried out replacement programs as recent as 10 years ago are finding that replacement parts are no longer available and so complete new frames need to be fitted for the sake of faulty gaskets, hinges or locks.

Timber frames can be generally repaired, but plastic ones are difficult to repair and need replacement

Also, in a fire, a plastic frame will melt and allow glass to fall out and allow fire spread. A timber frame will char but contain a fire

Recent developments of engineered timber frames with a coated aluminium external face may be a good compromise of long life and low maintenance - with the added bonus of no ugly thick plastic frame sections

Avoriaz

wallbash wrote: »

Have read your other postings .... will agree to that fact.
:rotfl:

But, like a fine wine, I have matured to perfection.

LauraLeah91104

another thing to take into consideration, which is safer, and more importantly which is harder to break into. my neighbour had wooden windows and the burglar removed the entire pain from the frame (and carefully laid it down on the lawn may i add) and climbed in her kitchen, unlocked and opened the back door and cleaned her out. ive got upvc windows and door, all with the 5 point locking system never had a problem, my windows were fitted in 2001, alittle stained with the neglect from previous owners, but i clean my windows every week, and maintence little and often also help u keep an eye on the quality of the product and if u catch a problem whilst it is small then logically speaking the bill so reflect this also.
hope u get sorted, at the end of the day if the money is going to be a problem in the future, then your daughter will have to weigh up the pros and cons logically, which will cost more initially, but less in the long run, or cheaper to install, but more to maintain.
why not try to see if there are any grants out there, my other neighbour to the other side lost his job 6 years back, he got all his windows and doors replaced and a new roof...just a suggestion and if it saves her a few grand than its got to be worth a little investigating.
but just baring in mind the turn in the weather, she may need to make a decision sooner rather than later otherwise she will also be facing a hefty heating bill to along with the poor quality windows letting all the heat out and cold in.