Roseview Windows defend PVC-u
Posted on 23/05/2012
Willie Kerr, managing director of Roseview Windows responds to Dr Simon Thurley's recent article slamming PVC-u windows in the Financial Times
I'm sure many of you will have read the now infamous article by Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of the English Heritage, published in a recent online edition of the Financial Times. His article slams PVC-u windows on a number of fronts, questioning the material's 'green credentials', aesthetics and performance and stating that consumers installing these windows were 'damaging the planet.' The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and the British Plastic Federation (BBF) have both issued statements that highlight inaccuracies contained within the article, and as the UK's longest established manufacturer of PVC-u vertical sliding sash windows, Roseview Windows would also like to tackle some of the points raised.
Aesthetics - PVC-u replicating timber
Let's begin with aesthetics. In his article Dr Simon Thurley states: "The most serious damage to the cultural value of historic areas, mostly town and village centres, is the installation of plastic windows (normally made from un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride or PVCu). Despite attempts at improving the design of these windows they are instantly recognisable because they cannot imitate historic mouldings, glazing bars and proportions."
Dr Simon Thurley is clearly referring to the mock PVC-u casements that poorly replicate timber and has probably never seen a premium quality sash window. Modern PVC-u sash windows incorporate deep mechanical-jointed bottom rails, slim putty-line sightlines and authentic astragal bars and are virtually indistinguishable from timber windows. Most PVC-u sash windows are available in a range of woodgrain foils such as white woodgrain, cream woodgrain, rosewood and golden oak and welds are polished to replicate a wooden frame.
Dr Simon Thurley would no doubt be surprised to learn it is also available with an authentic run-through sash horn, one of the most difficult features to replicate on a PVC-u sash window. By investing significant capital in tooling, injection moulding products and mechanical reinforcement sections, fabricators can offer this much sought after feature on their PVC-u sash windows, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the product.
The run through sash horn has gone down a storm with conservation officers, with many fabricators winning numerous projects off the back of it. In fact, had Dr Simon Thurley done his homework he would know that Roseview itself has had its premium PVC-u sash windows accepted in no less than 28 conservation areas - including the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington, and the Lake District National Park to name just two.
Green Credentials
As for PVC-u windows 'damaging the planet,' Dr Simon Thurley could not be further from the truth. Modern PVC-u is very effective at keeping the cold out and the warmth in and significantly helps lower homeowners' C02 emissions and energy bills.
The BBF acknowledge this fact in their letter of response to Dr Simon Thurley, stating that: "By replacing single glazed timber windows with 'A' or 'A+' graded PVC-u windows, you could be saving up to £325.36 a year, in addition to savings of 2.20 tonnes of Carbon (these results have been generated by the GGF's Energy Saving Calculator)."
This is certainly the case with premium PVC-u sash windows, such as Roseview's Heritage Rose. Heritage Rose, along with a selection of other PVC-u sash window systems, is available with an 'A' WER certificate - a clear indication of the product's thermal performance. By equipping the sash window with energy efficient glass, fabricators also eliminate the need for thick curtains or secondary glazing in order to enjoy the energy saving benefits.
Low maintenance
It's hardly surprisingly that Dr Simon Thurley does not mention the maintenance issues surrounding wooden windows in his article. Timber windows rattle, peel and rot and owners need to take good care of them to ensure they perform well year after year.
PVC-u windows on the other hand are a 'fit and forget' product and do not succumb to any of the maintenance issues associated with timber. PVC-u simply needs a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dirty marks, offers a lifespan of up to 35 years and can be recycled an impressive 10 times.
It is a real shame to see derogatory articles published in the mainstream media and following the BBF's letter we hope Dr Simon Thurley will retract some of his statements in order to set the record straight. Whether he does or not, the publication of the article highlights how important it is for systems companies, fabricators and installers to pull together and educate consumers on the benefits of PVCu.
Roseview recognise this need and we have recently developed a new marketing package that will help installers communicate the benefits of PVC-u sash windows to consumers. PVC-u windows are eco-friendly, low maintenance and - when manufactured correctly - offer the same aesthetic charm as timber windows. Ultimately we want our customers to have the tools to sell these features and overcome any prejudice attitudes they may face.
