Independent TCO study confirms: 'Plastic window frames are the most economical choice'

VKG. The results of independent research, conducted by IGG Bouweconomie and verified by Ingenii Bouwinnovatie, into the lifetime costs (Total Cost of Ownership) of window frames are known. This study proves that plastic window frames are the most cost-effective choice in both the short and long term, both in terms of purchase and maintenance. The analysis compares the performance of various types of wood, aluminum and plastic over periods of 25, 50 and 75 years.

"There has long been a feeling in the professional market that plastic window frames are more economical than aluminum or wood, when looking at the total lifespan and maintenance," knows Albert Zegelaar, director of VKG. "As the trade association for suppliers and manufacturers of plastic window frames, we can only confirm this, but hard figures were lacking. The independent research TCO window frames initiated by us, conducted by IGG Bouweconomie and verified by Ingenii Bouwinnovatie, changes this. It shows remarkable differences that we believe are very newsworthy for clients, architects and contractor parties."

Substantiated insight

 "We designed our study with great integrity, broadly based and thoroughly substantiated. In a nutshell, we worked with independent parties to look at the purchase and lifetime costs of wooden, aluminum and plastic exterior wall frames over a period of 25, 50 and 75 years." The study focuses on five common house types, as described in the RFO report "Example houses 2022. "For the average purchase costs we lean on the expertise, knowledge and databases of IGG Bouweconomie. The reference date for this is November 1, 2023. For maintenance, just like the PCR from the National Environmental Database (2020), a life span of 75 years was assumed for all frame materials." However, the frequency of maintenance required varies by material. "These differences have been taken into account when preparing the TCO. The sources used to determine the maintenance requirements and maintenance frequency were industry associations and leading players in that specific industry. IGG Construction Economics linked the appropriate (average) costs to these."

52% saving

The main conclusion from the TCO report window frames is that plastic window frames are certainly the most economical choice over a longer period of time. "For example, the average savings of plastic over Meranti wood for all house types for life spans 25, 50 and 75 years is a whopping 52%." For example, when you add up the cost of purchase and maintenance for an average home over a 25-year period, the savings over Meranti wood is already €17,225. Whereas the purchase cost is "only" 15% different, the difference in the maintenance phase runs as high as 80%. "This has everything to do with the fact that you don't have to paint and sand plastic, but an annual cleaning and a drip of oil on the hardware will suffice. With emerging woods such as Accoya and Finti, the difference is less, but still present." Comparing the purchase of plastic window frames to aluminum, aluminum window frames 27% are more expensive, while maintenance costs with plastic and aluminum are nearly the same.

Cost-efficient and sustainable

Architects are often judged by cost in their designs. Also growing is the number of Design Build Maintain projects, in which contractors not only have a design and construction responsibility, but must also be responsible for maintenance. "By choosing plastic window frames, they can take a significant hit. This is because the budget they save as a result can be spent on other design choices." Importantly, moreover, plastic window frames meet all aesthetic needs and are a very durable choice. Not only when you consider longevity and maintenance, but also when it comes to the value of the material. "Our members have conformed to the VKG Recycling System, which is committed to a closed raw material chain. To make this possible, all end-of-life window frames are actively collected by us, recycled and returned to the chain at an equivalent level. During the VKG Architecture Prize 2023, winners Heren 5 and DOOR architecten aptly demonstrated how sustainable plastic window frames can become part of the architecture of today and tomorrow."

This research underscores the importance of conscious material selection for façade frames, where not only the purchase, but the complete lifetime cost is a crucial factor in cost control and sustainability.

For more information, you can access the report at vkgkeurmerk.nl/business