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
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