Timber is more popular now than it has been for several decades according to the latest Opinion Trend Monitor commissioned by the British Woodworking Federation‘s timber window accreditation scheme (TWA Scheme).
The research, now in its fifth year, revealed that housing associations, architects and self-builders have a preference for timber, while housebuilders favour it for the high end of the market.
TWA Scheme product manager Adam Frankling said there are many reasons why timber windows have made such headway in the marketplace in recent years. These include timber’s environmental credentials plus the fact it looks and feels good – but the main reason is that modern factory-finished and factory-glazed timber windows perform to high standards.
However, he warned against complacency. “There are still some misconceptions out there and it shows that there is a real need for more education.
“Some 33% of respondents cited maintenance costs as a reason for not specifying timber windows. This really shouldn’t be an issue these days, especially with modern factory applied finishes that are readily available. But unless the industry shouts about it, the market cannot be expected to know.”
Seventy per cent of those questioned said they prefer to buy from schemes such as the TWA Scheme, but Mr Frankling expects that figure to rise next year when the market realises the strength of the BWF’s new partnership with the BSI Kitemark.
He added: “The research has drummed home an important message this year. It is more important than ever that the industry works together to educate specifiers and developers about the most important issue for all windows, which is how well they perform.”
