3 Reasons Timber French Doors Are Worth the Cost Over uPVC
ShareIf you're thinking about installing French doors, one of the first things you'll have to think about is what material you want to use. It's obviously going to be glass for the panes, but what about the frame? Plenty of homeowners find themselves tempted to use uPVC due to its low-cost. In contrast, timber frames often put people off because timber tends to be more expensive.
While it's true that timber French doors tend to cost more than uPVC ones, it's also true that they're worth the money. Here are just three reasons why.
1. Better Appearance
Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, but most people prefer the look of timber French doors to uPVC French doors. Firstly, timber possesses a natural sense of style that few materials can emulate – in fact, it's been used for years when first-grade materials have been the sought-after option. uPVC looks like a cheaper material, and it tends to fade over time. Additionally, timber is far more versatile. You can decide between different shades and grain structures, and you can change its appearance simply by adding wax or a lick of paint. Timber is also stronger, which means less of it must be used to support your glass; the result is thinner frames and uninterrupted views.
Sure, you could cut costs now by choosing uPVC, but the look of timber French doors should add more to your property's value.
2. Superior Insulation
uPVC isn't terrible at insulation against heat loss, but it isn't quite as effective as timber. Because timber is so dense, it's very hard for heat to get through. Better yet, since timber frames are stronger, they can be used to support heavier glass, including triple glazing if you really want to keep out extreme temperatures. By using timber frames for your French doors instead of uPVC, you should find yourself spending less on heating during winter and less on air conditioning during summer. Simply put, timber more than pays for itself in the long run.
3. More Eco-Friendly
It's all well and good to consider the financial cost when comparing uPVC against timber, but how about the environmental cost? Creating uPVC is an energy-intensive process that demands the use of several hazardous chemicals. uPVC is recyclable, but even that process uses a lot of energy. In contrast, it takes very little energy to cut timber to size, and it can be recycled with ease.