Timber - PVC - Aluminium - Windows, Doors & Conservatories in Hampshire
Timber vs. Residence 9: The 10-Year Cost Comparison
Timber vs. Residence 9: The 10-Year Cost Comparison
Category: Buying Guide / Cost Analysis
Reading Time: 7 Minutes
📌 The 10-Second Summary
- The Reality: Timber windows add authentic charm but require costly maintenance (sanding/painting) every 5-7 years.
- The Alternative: Residence 9 offers a near-identical heritage aesthetic with zero maintenance.
- The Verdict: When calculating the “Total Cost of Ownership” over 10 years, Residence 9 is significantly cheaper than real timber.
There is no denying that traditional timber windows are beautiful. KJM has been installing hardwood windows in Hampshire for over 40 years, and for Grade II Listed buildings, they are often the only legal choice.
However, for most homeowners in Andover and Winchester, the choice between Real Timber and Heritage uPVC (Residence 9) is a battle between the Heart and the Wallet. With modern enhancements in technology, the gap in aesthetics has closed significantly, but the gap in cost remains huge.
Table of Contents
1. The Upfront Cost Difference
Let’s start with the invoice price. Because timber is a natural material that requires extensive processing, treating, and hand-finishing, it carries a high premium.
Cost Rating: £££££
Requires sustainable sourcing, anti-rot treatment, priming, and multiple coats of high-performance microporous paint.
Cost Rating: £££
A premium composite product, but significantly cheaper than hardwood because it is manufactured consistently in a factory environment.
Immediate Savings: On an average 10-window house in Hampshire, choosing Residence 9 over Hardwood could save you between 30% to 40% on the initial installation cost.
2. The Hidden Cost: Maintenance
This is where the gap widens. Timber is organic; it moves, swells, shrinks, and degrades if unprotected. To keep a manufacturer’s warranty on timber windows, you are often required to maintain the paint finish religiously.
The Timber Maintenance Cycle (Every 5-7 Years)
- Scaffolding: Unless you live in a bungalow, you will likely need scaffolding to safely reach upstairs windows for sanding and painting. Cost: £800+
- Decorator/Painter: A professional will need 3-5 days to sand, fill cracks, prime, and topcoat 10 windows. Cost: £1,500+
- Materials: High-quality microporous exterior paint. Cost: £200+
1. Bucket of warm soapy water.
2. A sponge.
3. Wipe down frames (20 mins).
Cost: £0.
3. The 10-Year Calculator
Let’s look at a hypothetical scenario for a detached home in Hampshire with 10 windows to see the true cost of ownership.
| Cost Item | Real Timber | Residence 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Installation | £25,000 | £16,000 |
| Maintenance Year 5 | £2,500 (Paint & Scaffold) | £0 |
| Maintenance Year 10 | £2,800 (Inflation adjusted) | £0 |
| Time Spent Cleaning | High | Low |
| TOTAL 10-YEAR COST | £30,300 | £16,000 |
*Prices are estimates for comparison purposes only. For an accurate quote, please contact us.
The Result: Over a decade, Residence 9 could be nearly half the price of timber when maintenance is factored in.
4. Security & Efficiency
Beyond cost, how do they perform? Residence 9 has been designed to overcome the natural flaws of wood.
- Security (Timberweld®): Unlike traditional putty-glazed timber which can be vulnerable, R9 windows utilise modern Timberweld® technology for incredibly strong corners.
- Energy Efficiency: R9 features 9 internal chambers. These trap pockets of air, creating a thermal barrier that outperforms solid timber. Combined with 44mm triple glazing, R9 achieves market-leading U-values.
- Durability: Timber can swell in winter (sticking) and shrink in summer (draughts). R9 is a composite material that remains stable in all weathers.
For more technical details on the manufacturing process, you can visit the Residence Collection website.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In the past, “plastic windows” devalued period homes. However, Residence 9 is accepted as a premium heritage product. It restores the character of a property (removing 1980s plastic) without burdening the new owner with timber maintenance.
It is very difficult. R9 features mechanical joints (just like wood), a flush sash, and even woodgrain foils that feel like painted timber. We encourage you to visit our showroom to try and spot the difference yourself!
If you live in a Grade II Listed Building, timber (or secondary glazing) is often the only legal option. For non-listed homes in conservation areas, Residence 9 is usually approved. See our Conservation Area Guide for details.
Yes, we offer a stunning range of solid timber doors if you want to maintain an authentic entrance while upgrading your windows to low-maintenance R9.
📚 Explore Our Heritage Hub
More guides to help you choose the right windows:
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
- Industry News: The Future Homes Standard 2025 & What It Means for Your Windows - 1 December 2025
- KJM Group MD Attends House of Commons Event to Champion UK Glass Industry - 14 November 2025
- Industry News Alert: Pilkington Discontinues Classic Flemish Glass - 14 November 2025
