E co-friendly living has become a huge initiative across the globe, where it’s never been more important to protect the planet we inhabit. Living a green lifestyle is an essential means to retaining our natural resources so that future generations can prosper from a preserved mother earth.
Building sustainable living habits is easier than ever, where everything from cars to windows are being designed with environmental preservation in mind. From an individual perspective, there are lots of little things we can do to make significant positive contributions as a collective whole.
And it all starts at home…
When designing your home, it’s important to make environmentally conscious decisions. Using sustainable materials is a great way to safeguard the best interests of the planet, for example, by incorporating timber sash windows within your home.
Eco-friendly windows are a fantastic way to make your home more energy-efficient, but what exactly are sash windows and how can using sustainable materials benefit you?
What Are Sash Windows?
Wooden sash windows are among the most eco-friendly options because they have a better environmental impact than using uPVC. Though there are sustainable aluminium and plastic alternatives, wood is far more economical and environmentally efficient.
Timber is often the material of choice, which can be effortlessly sustained for maximum visual and minimum environmental impact. Sash windows are somewhat unconventional in the modern day and age but a great alternative to windows that open on an outward swing.
Sash windows open vertically or horizontally and are more commonly associated with traditional architecture. They usually consist of two framed window sashes that incorporate a sliding mechanism for ease of use. Sash windows can be pulled up or down smoothly with minimal resistance, assisted by counterbalanced weights on cords and pulleys.
Sash windows are easy to operate. They can be simply opened and closed by pulling the window up or down for maximum efficiency. Alongside being aesthetically pleasing, timber sash windows are environmentally friendly and highly energy-efficient. This is largely to do with the choice of material used to create them.
What Raw Materials Are Used?
Sash windows are a responsible option when the timber used is carefully sourced and treated. This can make the wood longer lasting and therefore more economical and environmentally friendly. Most modern sash windows are developed using wood from sustainably managed forests, which means for every tree cut down one is planted.
When Accoya timber is used, the wood is treated to increase its durability and stability. This reduces the incidence of repairs and maximises the life expectancy of the windows by avoiding unnecessary waste. What’s great about Accoya is it can last for up to 50 years and doesn’t have to be continually re-painted or replaced. However, that doesn’t mean to say that regular maintenance isn’t an effective way to extend the longevity of your windows.
uPVC sash windows are less environmentally friendly due to an unnatural production process that usually derives from burning fossil fuels. By contrast, there are many benefits of using eco-friendly windows, so it’s well worth capitalising on the following advantages:
The Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Windows
Sustainability is far more than a buzzword, it’s a way of life. Being sustainable means using renewable resources to enable life to continue flourishing on this planet. Being mindful of the environment can generate considerable benefits, so let’s delve a bit deeper…
Better Thermal Efficiency
Sash windows are a great way to secure better thermal efficiency. They function to reduce the energy consumption within your home, meaning you’ll not only be protecting the environment but keeping your utility bills down too. Windows are a common source of energy loss, but with heat-conductive, insulative wooden frames you can achieve great thermal efficiency and improve the insulation within your home.
This can be further elevated by using draught-proofing and double-glazing. Eco-friendly windows lessen your impact on the environment and can make your home more comfortable. If you’re able to secure a high-efficiency rating, less heat will escape through cracks or poor insulation. Additionally, your home will maintain a cooler climate during the summer and you’ll be set to benefit from all-around greater efficiency.
Less Maintenance
Sustainability has a lot to do with reducing waste. With timber sash windows that use properly treated wood, you’ll secure greater durability that requires less maintenance over time. Maintenance is a critical way to extend the lifespan of your windows, but with high-quality wood that’s built to last, you won’t have to perform as much maintenance or repairs.
With this being said, it’s important to keep a close eye on your window frames and attend to them accordingly. If they could do with a protective layer of paint or some sanding, this is a beneficial way to reduce the incidence of further maintenance and ultimately your environmental impact.
Replacement, Repair & Recycling
uPVC can’t be repainted and when damaged needs to be completely replaced. It’s also susceptible to pollution and can degrade in the sun. Fortunately, sash windows don’t present the same problems because if they need to be repaired they can be repainted without replacing the entire window. Damaged sections of wood can easily be repaired and new sashes can be incorporated as and when needed.
Timber is a safe material to reuse and recycle, so you can’t go wrong with choosing naturally sourced, environmentally friendly sash windows. Metal versions also tend to corrode, so timber sash windows are always the more responsible option.
Better Health
A choice of better materials is a great way to secure better health for you and your family. Otherwise, you could be exposed to harmful chemicals that could damage your health in the long term. Reducing indoor pollution is a great way to improve your overall health and even extend your lifespan.
Summary
From an environmentally conscious perspective, sash windows are a fantastic option. It’s important to not be deterred by the common misconception that eco-friendly choices are more expensive. With a view to the long term, you’ll always be better off financially and benefit from a profound impact on your home’s energy efficiency. It’ll all be worth it in the long run and you can improve the value of your home too!
