subject: Sash Window Replacement Wood Or Plastic? Which Is Greener For The Planet? [print this page] Sash windows have been found in properties since the early days of construction. They have been found to be the major type of window for about the last 300 years. But you may be thinking about your sash window replacement plastic or wood? If you are worried about which is better for the environment, then you should think very carefully before you decide.
Depending on how many of your windows need to be replaced, then you could have several options about what to do. If only one or a few need replacement, then it would probably be best to stick with the type you have already. But if they all do, then you have a real choice. Many people are trying to cut down on the number and types of plastics they use and so environmental researchers believe that wood is a better choice for many reasons.
But the problem is that wood windows can be more expensive than plastic. It may also be in people's minds that using wood products is a needless drain on resources in which trees need to be chopped down, whereas plastic windows are made from petroleum products. Other aspects of uPVC are attractive, such as their insulation properties, they are easier to clean, and may be seen to be easier to replace. Also, plastic windows can be locked so people think that they are more secure than wood.
Many of these opinions about plastic are wrong. Although good quality wood windows can be expensive, good quality plastic ones can cost just as much. Wood windows will probably outlast the plastic ones and so experts think that they will pay for themselves. If something should go wrong with a plastic window then the whole thing must be removed and replaced, whereas with wood, it can be fixed.
It is known that plastic involves the extensive use of petroleum products both in its manufacture and maintenance. Also, when it is discarded and thrown away, it is a thousands times worse for the environment than wood because it is not a naturally organic product and so does not break down for hundreds of years.
It is very difficult to decide which is better for the environment. With new products being developed all the time, it is possible that an environmentally friendly plastic is produced from recycled materials, but until then, wood is far better.
