Comparative Costs of Timber Window Painting and Maintenance Cycles

For building contractors and property developers, understanding the long-term costs of painting timber windows is important for making informed specification decisions. While initial installation costs often drive window selection, the ongoing maintenance requirements and painting cycles can significantly impact the total lifetime cost of different timber options.  

Understanding Timber Window Maintenance Cycles

Traditional hardwood windows typically require repainting every 5-7 years to maintain their protective coating and aesthetic appeal. However, modern timber technologies like Accoya can extend these maintenance intervals to 12-15 years, dramatically reducing lifetime costs. 

Traditional Hardwood Maintenance Requirements

• Full external repaint every 5-7 years  

• Minor touch-ups every 2-3 years  

• Regular inspection for damage or decay  

• Potential repairs to degraded timber sections  

Accoya Timber Maintenance Profile

• Complete repainting every 12-15 years  

• Minimal touch-up requirements  

• Enhanced resistance to decay and warping  

• Reduced risk of paint failure  

As you can see, Accoya is an excellent material that provides far more longevity than traditional hardwoods. Over time, this can significantly reduce overall maintenance costs across the lifespan of a window. 

Breaking Down the Costs: Labour and Materials

Traditional Hardwood Painting Costs (Per Window)

• Professional labour: £85-£120  

• Premium exterior paint: £25-£35  

• Preparation materials: £15-£20  

• Average total: £125-£175 per window  

Accoya Maintenance Costs (Per Window)

• Professional labour: £85-£120 per window  

• Premium exterior paint: £25-£35  

• Preparation materials: £15-£20  

• Average total: £125-£175 per window  

While the individual painting costs are the same, the extended maintenance cycle of Accoya creates significant savings over time. Please remember that these figures are based on an average estimate and should not be used for accurate quotations. Factors such as paint cost and labour rates in different locations can affect overall costs. 

30-Year Cost Comparison

Traditional Hardwood

• 6 painting cycles required  

• Total cost per window: £750-£1,050  

• Additional repair costs likely  

Accoya

• 2-3 painting cycles required  

• Total cost per window: £375-£525  

• Minimal repair requirements  

As you can see, over a 30-year comparison, Accoya windows work out significantly more cost-effective than traditional hardwoods windows. There are, however, other factors to consider with regards to wooden window maintenance. 

Factors Affecting Maintenance Cycles

Several variables can impact the frequency of timber window painting requirements. Some things to consider include: 

• Local climate and exposure  

• Window orientation  

• Paint quality and application  

• Installation quality  

• Regular cleaning practices  

All these factors can impact the level of maintenance needed to keep wooden windows in the best possible condition. 

Best Practices for Extending Paint Life

There are certain best practices to follow to maximise the lifespan of any timber window coating. By following these procedures, any timber windows can be kept in excellent condition for many years to come. 

1. Use high-quality microporous paints 
2. Ensure proper surface preparation 
3. Apply recommended coating thickness 
4. Maintain adequate ventilation 
5. Address any issues promptly 

Professional Installation Impact

Quality installation by experienced specialists can significantly extend maintenance intervals. As a building contractor working with GB Joinery as your dedicated timber window specialist, we recommend that you always adhere to the following measures when installing timber windows: 

• Proper sealing and weather protection  

• Correct glazing techniques  

• Appropriate drainage and ventilation  

• Expert finish application  

We hope that this guide has been useful for gauging how to best maintain timber windows. While Accoya windows may have a higher initial cost, the reduced maintenance requirements and extended painting cycles can offer significant lifetime cost savings. For contractors and developers, these long-term considerations should factor into specification decisions alongside initial purchase price.  

Remember to always consider both immediate and long-term costs when selecting timber windows and always factor in the local environment and specific project requirements. Professional installation and high-quality materials will always deliver the best return on investment through extended maintenance cycles and reduced repair needs.  

Contact GB Joinery today for expert advice on timber window specifications and maintenance requirements for your next project. Call us on 0161 477 1818 or send us a message online and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.