Aluminium/ wooden or UPVC windows?

confused_landlord

The windows in my house have become so damaged that they are not holding on to the paint. I am having to get them repainted every other year. This is not ideal as the managing agents are overly fussy at the best of times.

I am looking to replace the windows. Bearing in mind, the replacement have to look identical to my current windows and be a very particular shade of black would you suggest that I go with Aluminium/upvc or wooden windows.

In particular, I want less maintenance as I have rented out the house and I live overseas now.

ALso please note that, it is a south facing house and I am worried about the sun bleaching the color out of the windows....

Thanks in advance.

Furts

Black is a bad colour for windows, and both aluminiun and upvc will have thermal expansion with this. Judging by the black rainwater downpipes and guttering that I have seen fading within a few years of fitting, black upvc would be a poor decision. Timber will need re-decorating regularly with a black paint finish so I would suggest aluminium.

thebaldwindowfitter

Furts wrote: »

Black is a bad colour for windows, and both aluminiun and upvc will have thermal expansion with this. Judging by the black rainwater downpipes and guttering that I have seen fading within a few years of fitting, black upvc would be a poor decision. Timber will need re-decorating regularly with a black paint finish so I would suggest aluminium.

Black(ebony) is actually a foil like rosewood/oak but is foiled over white so not as bad as guttering etc for expansion and contraction where the colour is right through .

adandem

I have oak upvc windows in a south facing house. No fading at all, different material to downpipes and guttering.

leveller2911

On timber windows Architectural Solignum (ebony) is low maintenance and only needs doing every 5 years or so. Simply wash down,light rub down with 80 grit sandpaper and re coat. No problems with flaking or shrinkage in the heat, guess thats why many Architects/National Trust etc use it.

Bespoke timber windows are expensive,off the peg standard windows are cheaper but won't last as long as a window made of a good Hardwood such as Sapele,Iroko or Oak. Softwood I would only entertain Douglas Fir and Accoya (60 year warranty).

Timber windows will last a lifetime (if looked after but not maintenance free) Upvc and aluminium won't last as long but are pretty much maintenance free. Upvc are generally cheaper than Aluminium.

If your not looking to keep the property long term then Upvc is the way to go.