Until recently, timber was often thought of as a material more suitable for residential projects – or too expensive or challenging to incorporate within commercial builds. But we’re now seeing many more requests for timber window frames within commercial projects, a trend which demonstrates its versatility and practical benefits.
Timber is becoming an increasingly popular material within large-scale construction for many different reasons – from its natural insulative properties and toughness to environmental concerns, ease of customisation and enhanced aesthetic. The bigger the project is, the even more significant the benefits of timber can be. Here we share some key considerations and features of specialised timber window frames builders need to know when incorporating them within commercial construction projects.
Compliance with building regulations
Building regulations form an integral aspect of any construction project – so having a detailed understanding of what’s required is essential in order to avoid costly and disruptive issues due to non-compliance later down the line. Because timber windows are often custom-built and offer enhanced flexibility and versatility in terms of their design, they can be configured to suit specific building regulations or requirements.
Building regulations to be mindful of when choosing and installing window units include Part L, which focuses on energy conservation and thermal efficiency, and Part Q, an updated piece of legislation which mandates the fitting of security-rated windows and doors in all new builds. Fire safety regulations may also need to be fulfilled, especially for multiple occupancy or public buildings, and this may impact upon the position, size, type and number of windows required. In some instances, window units may need to be fire-rated, which can be achieved through schemes such as FENSA.
Design versatility and aesthetics
Timber offers almost unrivalled versatility when it comes to style and design. Loved for hundreds of years for its flexibility and strength, with timber we can custom-create windows to most shapes and sizes, even the most unique specifications. Unlike PVC and aluminium which are usually available in a limited range of colours and finishes and tend to be set with one static colour throughout their lifetime, timber frames can easily be updated to suit a different aesthetic thanks to an extensive range of paints and stains. This means you can achieve the exact style you’re looking for with complete flexibility to refresh or change the finish in the future.
There has been a noticeable shift in recent years towards a more traditional, understated and organic feel – and timber frames are increasingly being used to enhance the architectural appeal of commercial buildings which previously were quite clinical or harsh in their appearance. Wooden frames can complement both traditional and contemporary design schemes and tend to improve or take on an attractive weathered appearance with age, where alternative materials may begin to look discoloured or tatty and can’t be refreshed or repaired and must be fully replaced instead.
Acoustic performance and ventilation
Acoustic performance is a critical consideration for projects in busy urban environments, where noise pollution is a key factor. Ventilation is also a concern for new construction projects, especially those with high occupancy rates such as domestic buildings. Although previously timber windows were known for being almost exclusively single glazed, wooden frames can actually be double or even triple glazed to support better sound insulation and help with energy efficiency. For ease of use and adequate ventilation, properly-designed modern timber window frames support both background and purge ventilation systems, and can also be fitted with integrated trickle ventilators to help further improve airflow and quality.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Buyers and developers alike are becoming increasingly concerned with energy efficiency and sustainability, both from a long-term costs and environmental perspective. Commercial buildings tend to be larger and are in use much more frequently, making energy consumption an even more crucial consideration. As a completely organic, renewable resource, responsibly sourced timber is naturally eco-friendly and aligns with sustainable construction practices. It has low thermal conductivity compared with other materials, helping to minimise heat loss, and can be paired with energy-efficient glazing to further reduce the impact wasted thermal energy. Life cycle analysis also shows that timber frames have a much lower environmental impact, especially compared with UPVC which is tough to repair and difficult to recycle.
Installation and maintenance
The installation and maintenance requirements associated with timber frames do differ compared with UPVC and aluminium. This normally doesn’t pose a challenge for commercial builds, but it does mean that some specialist advice or support may be needed during installation to ensure a perfect result.
With proper care and maintenance, timber window frames can last even longer than PVC or aluminium. For commercial projects where maintenance tends to be a more costly and potentially inconvenient prospect, the frames should be sealed with an additional agent to give them added protection against the elements. Once fitted, it’s also important to ensure that the property in question has a robust regular maintenance schedule in place to ensure that the window frames are well-cared for and will continue to function properly. This maintenance doesn’t need to be a lot of work – and generally involves re-staining or painting windows and carrying out minor repairs where needed to keep them in perfect condition. One of the most important things building managers and property owners can do is to schedule periodic inspections to help ensure everything is in good working order and there are no visible or early signs of wear and tear. These inspections help to identify and address any potential issues easily before they require major (and usually more costly) repairs.
Cost considerations and ROI
Costs are a key consideration when planning any commercial project – and this is where timber windows became untenable or simply weren’t considered in the past due to their generally higher price tag. It’s true that the initial upfront costs of timber window frames are generally higher compared with alternative materials – but there’s a trade-off with the lower price-tags associated with aluminium and PVC. The first trade-off is longevity – as durable timber frames made from robust hardwood can extend the life of your window units as far as 100 years, saving huge sums on costly replacements which also cause disruption to building occupants. Wooden window frames also offer significant potential savings on the overall energy bills associated with a property, thanks to their natural insulative properties and heat-conserving capabilities. Surveys also show that properties with well-maintained timber windows installed tend to attract a much higher valuation compared to those without, making them a savvy choice if you plan to sell your property at some point in the future.
The value of timber window frames in commercial construction
It’s easy to see why we’re seeing timber window frames being incorporated much more often within commercial projects. Alongside the many aesthetic and functional benefits they offer, they’re also an environmentally conscious and energy efficient choice.
Get in touch today to learn more about bespoke timber window builds for your commercial project.
