Sustainability is now a huge issue on a global scale. Across the planet, governments and their populations are increasingly aware of their impact upon the environment and are looking for ways to minimize their “Carbon Footprint”.

Initially the focal point of environmental pollution reduction was toward aerosols and vehicle exhaust fumes, but we now know that we must look at the effects of everything we do. With a planetary population of over 6 billion and growing, the issues of renewable energy sources, recycling and product sustainability have never been more important.

For each individual household there are a number of major areas where they can immediately lower their environmental impact. Using low energy lighting, taking more showers rather than filling a full bath and correctly insulating their property to minimize heat loss are some obvious areas that can be addressed fairly quickly. Other areas require far more planning and outlay but are just as, if not more important than the aforementioned.

Your choice of windows will have an environmental impact in the long and short term. Timber is by Far the best material from both an insulation and environmental perspective. Some may argue that over the years deforestation has had a heavy impact on the planet and for this reason they would not choose timber or wooden windows. Although this is undeniable there is also no denying that timber is both a sustainable source and environmentally friendly.

In the developed world there is now great emphasis on reforestation and tree management. The Scandinavians, Europeans and North Americans have led the way and the rest of the world has either caught on or soon will. They will have no choice in following suit because the average consumer is now genuinely concerned whether the product they are purchasing is coming from a sustainable source or not. Those that refuse to employ reforestation and sustainability policies will find their customers dwindling dramatically. The additional growth in government legislation on such issues will further strengthen the worldwide call for global sustainability and reforestation of those areas that have been hardest hit.

Once satisfied that the timber used to construct your windows and doors comes from a sustainable source you can enjoy the other advantages of choosing this material. Timber is biodegradable so it actually has a positive effect if put straight into landfill. It can also be broken down for compost or even incinerated for biomass energy, which releases a minimal amount of carbon in comparison to the combustion of fossil fuels.

The most important thing for the end consumer is long term durability. Timber windows are durable, easily repaired and maintainable. The modern coatings and pressure treatments available have further increased timbers durability. There are even timbers such as “Accoya” that is pickled and carries a 60 year guarantee.

Timber windows and doors have proven themselves and stood the test of time when they are well manufactured and maintained. Even now there are timber windows in place that are well over a hundred years old. With that being the case along with all the modern construction methods, high quality security and operation mechanisms, durable coatings and timbers natural appeal, it’s hard to understand why an end user would consider any other material. The test of time has now proven beyond doubt that the composite materials such as UPVC are not as first promised “No Maintenance”. There really is no such thing!

Timber has been proven over centuries and is likely to be the best choice for centuries to come.

Now that a staircase is seen as a main feature in a property there is a lot more emphasis on the overall design. In anything other than the absolute grandest of properties the stairs had generally been seen as solely a means of access between floors. Nowadays this is certainly not the case, and homeowners, property developers, architects and designers are all heavily focused on ensuring that the staircase they install is an integral part of the overall design concept.

There is a wide variety of materials from which a staircase can be constructed. Although timber has historically been the most common material, stone, glass and metal are now often used either as the primary material, or as part of a combination to attain the desired effect. These materials can all be incorporated in innumerable methods and areas within the stair construction, and each will deliver a different concept.

The only drawback to using materials that are ultra modern is that they can quite quickly date or go out of fashion. This is not such an encumbrance when your buying an item of clothing, but when your money has been spent on such a permanent structure as a staircase it’s advisable to ensure that the design will compliment the property for a relatively long duration. For this reason a slight compromise in material combination may well provide the best option. For example, a glass and steel staircase whilst modern and contemporary at the time of installation may quickly look out of place. This is often because both materials are manmade and can look too hard. The best way to alleviate this situation is to combine one manmade material with one that is natural like glass and timber or metal and stone. Such combinations have far greater longevity.

It is essential that the staircase you choose is complimentary to the building you intend it for. It’s also advisable to not get too rigid with a design that you feel look stunning in a magazine or showroom if it won’t deliver the same effect in the position you intend it to be placed. This mistake is often evident with swept and spiral or open rise stairs.

The right staircase will compliment a property, add to its character by being a feature in itself and be able to cope with changes in décor. This type of staircase is an asset to a property and can increase its value. The wrong type of staircase can become an eyesore and use up unnecessary space that would be better used for another purpose.

The main points when deciding to install a new staircase are 1) which location? Where will the staircase sit and why? 1) What configuration? How will the staircase layout compliment the property and effect the space around it, should it be straight, have a small landing perhaps with angled step, return on itself etc. 3) What design? Which materials should be used, should the spindles sit on the steps or in a rail, open or closed risers etc.

All of these points should be covered by your supplier or designer. Taking the time to get your staircase right will be a long term investment and something that can give you great pleasure for many years to come.    

For the appearance and security of any building, its windows and doors are of utmost importance. Fortunately the householder and end consumer today has a far more reliable and wider choice range than ever before.

The most important factors for anyone having new windows are cost, and a style that’s in keeping with the character of their property. Anyone who is constricted by a tight budget should focus mainly upon upvc. The modern upvc windows are well constructed, secure and still relatively cost effective because the upvc market has the most supplier competition. Although white upvc is by far the most common window, wood grain effect windows in rosewood mahogany and golden oak are also available in upvc plastic. These are more expensive but give added character and weather a little better than the white option.

Aluminium windows were first installed into timber framing surrounds, but nowadays the modern powder coated aluminium windows are a stand alone item that are most commonly used in contemporary homes and commercial buildings. Aluminium is certainly at the more expensive end of the cost scale but probably the most suitable for extremely modern and contemporary homes. These windows certainly do not look like a natural product by any means, and they’re not meant to, but they can be powder coated to any colour and have unquestionable durability.

Having new windows constructed from timber gives the greatest variation of options. Timber does have a budget range but the majority of manufacturers will recommend medium or high quality hardwoods which provide maximum durability to the elements. From all three options, timber is the only natural product, which in itself is extremely appealing. New timber windows can also be moulded and shaped into a range of styles and are by far the most suitable for traditional or period buildings, although the flexibility to mould the timber to any preferred style means that timber can be used for new windows in any building or home. Obviously the natural element means that new timber windows will require treatment every 3-5 years. However, the high quality modern paint and lacquer applications have improved dramatically and are extending this timescale dramatically.

Regardless of the material or style that is chosen to construct new windows in, the finished article should provide reliable security, a total seal from the elements and enhance the character and value of the property they occupy.             

The installation of wooden and timber windows took an enormous dip during the late eighties when homeowners began turning toward UPVC. The promise of zero maintenance plastic windows easily overshadowed the budget timber window which was commonly problematic. The old wooden window required high levels of maintenance due to movement, weathering and rot, and the market was crying out for an alternative to alleviate these stressful problems.

Although plastic windows filled the void, it’s obvious that people hadn’t completely fallen out of love with the traditional wooden window as many of the upvc styles were designed to imitate timber. This is clearly evident in the upvc designs of “Rosewood” that imitates mahogany, and the rich looking “Golden Oak”. Later designs were even made to imitate the most traditional of timber windows, the sliding sash, also known as the box frame window. Obviously the look of natural wood is as appealing as ever, but the hassle element was more than enough to persuade the masses to opt for plastic.

However, the window industry is experiencing a resurgence of demand for traditional wooden windows, and there are a number of reasons to explain why. Although the changes are nowhere near as swift, fashion is just as relevant in the construction industry as it is on the catwalk. What’s in today will be out tomorrow, or at least in twenty years or so. That same twenty years has also given plenty of time to evaluate the long term performance of plastic, and it’s now obvious that there’s no such thing as “No Maintenance”, just ask anyone who has watched their upvc windows discolour, or struggled to make minor repairs without replacing the entire window.

Timber merchants and wooden window manufacturers have learnt from the mistakes of yesteryear and improved their products enormously. Durability has improved dramatically, especially as there are now timbers such as “Accoya” that come with a massive 60 year guarantee. Wood preservatives and finishing’s have also made huge advancements, and spray finishing prior to installation is becoming common. Many of the spray-finish wood coatings of today even carry their own personal protection guarantees. Additionally, the mechanisms and locking systems that operate and secure the moving parts of a window give the end user peace of mind. With the added bonus of wood being a sustainable, bio degradable product that won’t harm the environment long term, it’s no surprise that there is far greater confidence in timber windows than ever before.

For anyone harbouring fears that timber windows will still be problematic in comparison to plastic, you need not worry, in fact, the reverse is more likely. Plus, as the famous chocolate advertising slogan goes, “Why have cotton, when you can have silk”!