Accoya wood for Windows and Doors
Why should you use Accoya wood for windows and doors?
The joinery world has been transformed by a game changing high-performance modified timber product called accoya®. Over the years, we’ve come to appreciate this genuinely amazing timber and the benefits for customers needing new or replacement timber windows or doors. that’s why accoya® is one of our favourite joinery timbers at Cambs Windows and Doors and why we want to share its benefits with you. Read on to discover more…
There are many decisions that need to be made when it comes to developing a residential property. From structural and architectural considerations to key design features and which materials will be used.
Wood remains a popular choice, thanks to its versatility, the attractiveness and uniqueness of each piece, and the fact it is generated from a natural source.
But strong aesthetics alone is not enough – especially when it comes to doors and windows. Any material used needs to be highly robust, long lasting and durable. Whether it’s external windows and doors that need to withstand the elements or blocking sound and conserving heat, it is the quality of the wood that counts.
Issues surrounding sustainability and other environmental issues are also important to consider and opting for a product that is harvested and produced in an environmentally-sound way remains a top concern for many customers.
Accoya is a type of timber we use here at Cambs Windows and Doors, for exactly these reasons. It’s natural characteristics and charm, along with strength and durability, have seen it has taken pride of place in many client projects – from the rural to the urban, and from traditional conservation projects to modern new builds.
What is Accoya wood?
Accoya timber is the world’s leading long-life wood. It is timber that has been modified via a process called ‘acetylation’, which increases its durability, enabling it to resist rot, defy the elements and stay strong and resilient for decades to come. All without effecting its natural appearance.
The treated wood is thoroughly tested for dimensional stability, durability, paint retention and in-ground conditions, ensuring it achieves the optimal performance. The result is wood that can be used on land or in water and for a wide variety of applications, coming with a 50-year guarantee above ground and 25 years in ground or freshwater.
Here are 8 good reasons to use Accoya timber for windows and doors.
Accoya timber.
Offers several significant benefits over uPVC and aluminium for windows and doors:
Durability and Longevity.
Accoya timber is exceptionally durable, with a guaranteed lifespan of 50 years above ground.
With a durability rating that surpasses even teak. This means Accoya windows and doors will last for decades, reducing the need for replacements.
This far surpasses the typical lifespan of uPVC windows, which generally last 20-30 years. Accoya’s longevity is comparable to or even exceeds that of aluminium frames.
Dimensional Stability.
One of Accoya’s key advantages is its high dimensional stability. It resists swelling and shrinking in changing weather conditions, reducing the risk of windows and doors sticking or warping. This stability is superior to traditional timber and comparable to aluminium. This means Accoya windows and doors will open and close easily year-round, without sticking or warping due to moisture changes.
Environmental Benefits.
- Accoya is a highly sustainable choice:
- Made from FSC-certified timber
- Non-toxic manufacturing process
- Readily recyclable at the end of its life
This gives Accoya a significant environmental edge over uPVC and aluminium, which have higher carbon footprints.
Thermal Performance.
Accoya provides excellent thermal insulation, outperforming both uPVC and aluminium. This can contribute to improved energy efficiency in buildings. Accoya provides better thermal insulation compared to other wood species. This improves the energy efficiency of windows and doors, helping to keep homes better insulated.
Aesthetic Appeal.
Accoya offers the natural beauty and warmth of wood, which many find more attractive than the artificial look of uPVC or the industrial appearance of aluminium. It can be painted or stained in any colour, offering great versatility in design.
Low Maintenance.
While traditional timber requires regular maintenance, Accoya needs minimal upkeep due to its enhanced properties. This makes it competitive with uPVC and aluminium in terms of maintenance requirements.
Coating Longevity, Versatility in Finishing.
Paint and other finishes last longer on Accoya compared to other materials, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Accoya takes finishes and coatings extremely well, allowing for a wide range of aesthetic options. It can be painted, stained, or left natural to suit any design preference.
While Accoya windows and doors may have a higher initial cost than uPVC, their long lifespan, performance benefits, and reduced maintenance needs often make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. For those seeking a blend of durability, sustainability, and natural beauty, Accoya presents a compelling alternative to uPVC and aluminium.
Strength and Hardness.
The acetylation process increases the wood’s strength-to-weight ratio and hardness, making it suitable for demanding applications.
By combining durability, stability, energy efficiency and sustainability, Accoya provides an excellent high-performance timber option for windows and doors that will look great and function well for decades with minimal upkeep.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Add up all the above and you’ve got a durable, high-performance product that looks great and is environmentally friendly. Windows and doors will typically last longer, perform better throughout their life, need lower maintenance and be readily recycled if needed at the end of their (long) service life. What’s not to like?
As with doors or any other joinery product made with this high-performance building material, Accoya windows cost a bit more, but we genuinely believe the benefits outweigh this for many customers.
Where Can I Discover More About Accoya®?
Whether you are thinking about a stunning new Accoya front door or some durable Accoya wood windows, you can discover more about Accoya® and its manufacturer Accsys Technologies here or talk to us about choosing Accoya sash windows, casement windows or doors.
Call 01480 584 194 or Get in touch
