Approximately 4.4 million homes in the UK are classified as‘ heritage’, including listed buildings and conservation area properties. These structures, mostly built before 1919, boast historic charm and intricate design, but they come with a unique set of maintenance challenges.

Historic England has highlighted the critical role of windows in maintaining a heritage building’ s architectural significance. Yet, for homeowners, architects and installers, balancing aesthetics, functionality, energy efficiency and upkeep can be tricky.

Traditional timber-framed windows have been popular choice for older and listed properties, due to their flat and flush design. But maintaining timber involves significant time and cost. Regular re-painting, sealing and weather proofing are necessary to prevent rotting, warping or splitting. Achieving any longevity from timber frames comes with a significant time and cost commitment.

In the past, replacing traditional timber frames with PVCu alternatives in this type of property would mean homeowners had to compromise on the classic aesthetics and detail – and in some cases even violating conservation rules. In order to

benefit from the energy efficiency and ease of maintenance that PVCu windows provided.

That’ s now changed. For homeowners seeking an alternative option that both preserves the charm of timber frames and provides a‘ fit and forget’ peace of mind, VEKA’ s OMNIA range offers the solution. But the time for compromise is over. VEKA have answered the call for alternative option that both preserves the charm of timber frames and provides all the benefits of PVCu.

VEKA has long championed innovation and consumer-focused design, and the OMNIA range is no exception. Engineered for both heritage and modern applications, it is the first-ever, complete double flush range of windows and doors. With a range of finishes like wood grain, OMNIA can resemble the classic, aesthetic appeal of timber while offering the practicality, thermal efficiency and acoustic performance of PVCu.

In fact, in designing OMNIA, we had the authentic detailing needed for conservation projects in mind.

The range encompasses casement windows, tilt and turn, residential doors, and French doors, meaning that there is a huge range of possibilities all in one suite.

While PVCu windows have traditionally raised environmental concerns regarding raw materials use, removal and disposal, VEKA leads the way in sustainability. The company has invested heavily in recycling facilities to grow its annual recycling capacity to 25,000 tonnes of PVCu, ensuring that end-of-life products are repurposed into new, instead of contributing to landfill waste.

While VEKA is ensuring that end-of-life concerns about PVCu systems’ sustainability are a thing of the past, OMNIA proves

its staying power as the market-leading solution, by providing homeowners with long-term environmental and financial advantages.

The performance-based payback of PVCu when compared to timber should never be in doubt. With a U-Value potential as low as 0.9 W / m 2 K, timber frames – even with a thicker frame – cannot compete, falling anywhere between 1.0 – 1.4 W / m 2 K. In terms of energy savings, OMNIA windows can payback homeowners up to four years sooner than its timber alternative.

For developers focused on operational cost, durability and compliance efficiency, OMNIA is the optimal choice.

While timber once held aesthetic advantages over PVCu, VEKA’ s OMNIA suite has put the competition to rest by seamlessly replicating the look with all of the environmental and financial benefits already associated with the material.

The development of OMNIA puts timber frames in a significant deficit to PVCu, and it’ s time to have the best of both worlds.

If you’ re working on a project to upgrade a heritage property’ s windows, then speak to VEKA about the OMNIA range.

www. vekauk. com