Why choose a Scheme member?
Certified timber
TWA Scheme windows are made from independently certified timber from sustainable and legal forests as recognised by CPET, the Government's Central Point of Expertise on Timber.
Wood is the most sustainable material. It is naturally renewable, carbon neutral, and can be recycled or used as a biomass fuel. Wood windows help reduce a building's carbon footprint because of their low embodied energy and because of wood's thermal efficiency.
Stringent Criteria
TWA Scheme windows are manufactured to meet set criteria to raise the performance of window and door products, including a higher timber specification and a minimum factory finished coating.
High performance
TWA Scheme windows are independently tested to ensure they exceed BS644, the British Standard for performance against the air, wind and water, and the operational mechanics of opening, closing and general security. They also exceed the NHBC guidelines and basic level Kitemark requirements.
TWA Scheme fully factory finished windows are double or triple glazed for energy-efficiency. Ask members about their energy rated windows.
Kitemarking
TWA Scheme fully factory finished windows are Kitemarked with our partner BSI Product Services. This involves independent auditing, rigorous regular factory assessments and annual product audit testing.
Performance warranties
Kitemarked TWA Scheme windows come with unbeatable warranties:
- 30 years on the timber
- 10 years on glazing, ironmongery and seals
- 8 years on the paint finish
- 5 years on the stain finish
Service life
Timber is durable and simple to repair. There is no reason why, with a sound maintenance regime, and appropriate repairs, timber windows should not last a lifetime.
The BRE's Green Guide to Specification assesses the relative environmental performance of over 250 materials and components, using quantitative data derived from the BRE Environmental Profile Database. Currently BRE are in the process of revising the current Green Guide which is scheduled to be released online in April 2008. In the new version Environmental performance will be indicated by an A+ to E rating system.
The Code for Sustainable Homes (a single national standard for the design and construction relating to the sustainability of new homes), requires that products / building elements should have a minimum 'D' rating shown in the Green Guide to Housing Specification.
The BWF's TWA Scheme in conjunction with wood for good, has sought to use this review opportunity to investigate and update the current predicted service life of softwood windows, their environmental impact and whole life cost over a window's lifetime.
An announcement by Jane Anderson, author of the Green Guide, made at the 21st Century Timber Windows Conference, indicated an increased service life of at least 30 years for typical softwood windows and at least 35 years for TWA Scheme softwood windows. The increased service life prediction for BWF TWA Scheme windows arises from the stringent manufacturing criteria which members follow, and which leads to enhance the durability and service life of their products.
The environmental profiles of wood windows and other fenestration materials are currently being reviewed by BRE. BRE Assessors are able to advise on ratings from interim data. If you require advice under the CSH, please refer to a BRE Assessor for guidance on window ratings. We will update this website in 2008, when new ratings for wood windows become publicly available.
Maintenance
Kitemarked TWA Scheme windows have long maintenance intervals and simplified maintenance routines.
Re-coating requires just a simple rubdown and application of a single coat of paint or stain.
Good looks
Wood is the natural material for windows. Nothing else looks or feels right. TWA Scheme members make a wide range of styles, from contemporary 'tilt and turn', to the traditional sliding sash.
Optional extras
SBD, Enhanced security, Chain of custody, acoustic windows fire resistant windows, energy rated windows.
Research: BWF-BRE Showcase Project
TWA Scheme members actively participate in a project with the BRE that monitors the weathering of Scheme windows and experimental windows in a south facing exposure.
