The history of Accoya windows and doors

Accoya was created through the acetylation wood modification process, a process that has been studied since 1928. But it wasn’t until 2007 when the first commercial Accoya sale took place.

But what is Accoya?

Accoya is actually a brand name, and the product is created by taking sustainably sourced fast-growing pine and carrying out a process called acetylation on it. This process increases the quality of the wood to a superior level as it turns free hydroxyls in the wood into an acetyl group. The process is forced through the entirety of the wood causing it all to be treated.

What are the benefits of Accoya?

Accoya has all the technical properties of standard wood, but they’re greatly improved due to the acetylation process that it undergoes.

Thermal properties

Accoya is naturally very thermally efficient this is because it acts as a natural insulator. Meaning it is a great material for windows and doors as it will help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Security

Traditional timber is already one of the strongest materials which is why it is used so broadly for windows and doors. Accoya takes this to a new level with its extreme hardiness and inability to be damaged by the elements.

Maintenance

When you have an Accoya product installed it will be guaranteed for 50 years and can last over 60 years after installation. It’s extremely durable making it resistant to dents and damages, keeping the maintenance very minimal.
The process reduces the wood’s ability to absorb water by 80% which means it is rot resistant and requires significantly less maintenance. Accoya can’t be recognised as wood by fungi or insects which makes it completely resistant to fungi and immune to pesky insects.
Accoya is even more low maintenance due to its UV resistance, because of this any coating you add to Accoya will last a number of years more than its alternatives.

Is Accoya good for the environment?

Due to the current climate everyone’s focus has shifted to being more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Sustainability

The fast-growing pine is grown in New Zealand and is sustainably grown and sourced specifically for creating Accoya. Its carbon footprint is significantly lower than other popular alternatives. Across its lifetime Accoya works out to be carbon negative and the acetylation process is completely non-toxic.

Recyclable

As Accoya lasts for such a long time the waste production is very minimal as the turnover rate is very small. If that’s not enough, at the end of its life it can be fully recycled.

Why is Accoya a good choice for windows and doors?

Due to its thermal insulation, durability, and security, timber has been a popular high-quality material for windows and doors for many decades. Accoya is the advanced alternative to traditional timber, taking all of its naturally occurring properties and altering them to create a ‘super wood’.

Benefits of an Accoya home improvement product:
• Durable
• Weatherproof
• Insect and fungi repellent
• Anti-rot and warp
• Low maintenance
• Incredibly secure
• Thermally efficient
• 50+ year life span
• Sustainable and recyclable

Who can work with Accoya?

In order to manufacture Accoya, you need to be recognised and granted permission. Reddish Joinery is an Accoya official joinery manufacturer meaning we can produce any of our timber products with it and we have it readily available for all our customer’s home improvement needs.

Accoya windows, doors, and glazed extensions from Reddish Joinery

Whether you’re looking for an Accoya door, replacement windows, a new conservatory, or a bespoke orangery, you can be assured that Reddish Joinery are able to assist you. Get a free, no-obligation quote today by calling us on 01619697474 or contact us online.

Check out some of our Accoya case studies:

Our top 3 favourite Accoya case studies
Accoya porch replacement in Mottram Saint Andrew
Accoya orangery in Cheshire
Green oak and Accoya orangery in Marple