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PVC and Wooden Windows: The Advantages of Each
Insulation, maintenance, looks, price and environment: comparing PVC and timber windows to choose the right joinery for your home.
Category: Guides Pratiques & Conseils • Published on May 14, 2022
PVC or timber: it is the most common dilemma when replacing windows. Both insulate well, but they meet different expectations.
Strengths of PVC
- Excellent value: for a given budget, PVC delivers the best thermal performance.
- Minimal maintenance: soapy water is enough; no painting or staining.
- Moisture resistance: ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and coastal areas.
- Wide choice: colours, wood-effect foils, various shapes and opening types.
Strengths of timber
- Looks and character: wood brings warmth and authenticity, and is often required on older buildings and in conservation areas.
- Natural insulation: a good thermal and acoustic insulator.
- Repairability: damaged timber can be sanded, repaired and repainted.
- Renewable: from sustainably managed forests (PEFC or FSC), it has a good environmental footprint.
Points to watch
- PVC: entry-level profiles may age less well, and dark colours need ranges designed for sun exposure.
- Timber: the finish needs regular maintenance, depending on exposure.
What about composite?
Timber-aluminium windows combine timber inside with aluminium cladding outside: the look of wood indoors without the upkeep on the façade. They cost more but are very durable.
How to decide
- Tight budget, low maintenance: PVC.
- Older house, conservation area or a quest for character: timber.
- Premium compromise: timber-aluminium.
Either way, compare the Uw value of the whole window, the AEV rating and the installation quality, which matters as much as the material.