Written by Wood Campus
Industry | News
New research from the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) reveals signs that timber windows and doors are viewed positively by homeowners, but that misunderstandings over their performance persist.
The survey of 1,500 homeowners unearthed the main factors guiding product choice. It found that, aside from cost, for both windows and doors energy efficiency was the main priority for homeowners when selecting products (50% for windows and 39% for doors).
When it came to windows, cost and energy efficiency weren’t the only significant factors for homeowners. Aesthetic appeal was most important to almost a third (32%), while the source and sustainability of timber was an important consideration for almost half (48%) of all homeowners, and almost three-quarters (73%) of period property owners.
For doors, aesthetic appeal was also a prominent factor, a top priority for 32%, with product lifespan (31%) and security features (24%) also important.
Encouragingly, 59% of homeowners felt that timber windows offered a wider opportunity for design and style options than alternatives, and 56% thought timber windows were more sustainable.
“The beautiful aesthetic of timber has always been its enduring appeal, whatever the property type,” said Helen Hewitt, CEO at the BWF. “And with timber products being designed to be repaired rather than replaced, they are a naturally sustainable choice. It’s hugely encouraging that the benefits of timber are recognised by those who may be considering replacing windows or doors in their homes or buying properties in need of renovation.”
Despite positive perceptions, research also revealed a number of misconceptions over timber windows as compared to alternatives:
- Fewer than half (40%) believed timber windows offer high energy efficiency performance
- Only 35% thought timber windows have the same U-value performance
- More than half (57%) believed timber windows cost more to purchase and install
- 70% of homeowners believed timber windows have a shorter lifespan
To read the full article visit: TTJ
More News
Timber in construction roadmap UK policy
The Government has committed to growing and maintaining a sustainable and long-term supply of domestic timber and wood products in the 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan. We have awarded £7.6 million through the Woodlands into Management Forestry Innovation Funds to...
Government commits to more timber construction
The Government has set out an ambitious plan to raise the use of timber in the construction of homes and buildings. It has published a roadmap to boost the safe use of sustainable UK timber in construction while planting forests to increase domestic timber supply. By...
8 Billion Trees
Wood Campus is always keen to promote content and resources which we know will be of interest to our regular visitors and this is why we are drawing your attention to the 8 Billion Trees mission.8 Billion Trees is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions using tree...
TDUK market forecasts at London conference
UK and international timber traders gathered in strong numbers for Timber Development UK’s Global Market Conference in London on Wednesday at a time of difficult market dynamics. A noticeably downbeat market sentiment was palpable at the event held in Carpenters Hall,...
Learning Through Timber
The new ‘living lab’ at NMITE will act as a home for Centre of Advanced Timber Technology students to learn more about timber and a net zero approach to building materials.A new purpose built 2,500sqm ‘living lab’ for the New Model Institute for Technology and...
World’s tallest wooden building to be built in Perth after developers win approval
Artist’s impression. Photograph: Elenberg FraserDevelopers say South Perth’s C6 building will be made up of 42% timber and be carbon negative Western Australia is set to become home to the world’s tallest timber building, a “revolutionary” 50-storey hybrid design...
The UK continues to embrace timber-based construction
The UK’s three largest housebuilders (Barratt Developments, Taylor Wimpey, and Persimmon) have announced plans to open dedicated factories for timber-based construction materials. Klober is a roofing accessories provider looking to convince construction companies to...
ARUP – Seven perspectives on the use of timber in building design and construction
ARUP are a global collective of designers, consultants and experts dedicated to sustainable development. We use technology, imagination and rigour to shape a better world. For over 75 years, Arup has been recognised for its vision, talent and tenacity. Dedicated to...
Timber Development UK and Structural Timber Association sign MOU
Timber Development UK (TDUK) and Structural Timber Association (STA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help grow and develop the timber construction market. Under the terms of the agreement the two parties have agreed to form a partnership in order to...
Worlds largest wooden city Stockholm
Scandinavian studios Henning Larsen and White Arkitekter are designing Stockholm Wood City, which will become the world's largest mass-timber development and have the "serenity of a forest". Set to be built in the Stockholm neighbourhood of Sickla, the project was...