Timber Windows
Replacement Casement & Sash Windows
We can manufacture replacement casements or sash's in hard or soft woods. This is usually done because when our clients wish to have their original leaded lights encapsulated, the thicker double glazed unit is not suitable to install into the existing timber frame. Rather than to replace the entire window with modern materials that often don't compliment the glass such as plastic, we would renew the sash's or casements in the same style but with a suitable rebate and glazing system to accept the encapsulated unit. This preserves the integrity and aesthetics of traditional period windows, with the added benefits of insulation and security.
We are now being approached by many clients requesting to return back to traditional timber windows which were once thrown away in place of cheap modern materials that have not stood the test of time and subsequently spoiled the aesthetics of their home. We have worked on a myriad of period properties, giving us the experience to assist in designing timber windows that are suitable for the age of your property.
Traditional timber windows are timeless, and will add value to your property. Whether you choose us, or someone else - always aim to preserve or reinstate the charm and character of your period home with timber windows.
Renewing Sash's For a Sliding Sash
If you are lucky enough to have original sliding sash windows with stained glass in your property, then the chances are they are over 100 years old. This means the leaded glass will probably be in need of repair to some degree, and the timber will have some areas of rot. If you wish to keep them single glazed then we are able to repair and clean the stained glass, and renew or repair the sash's. We are able to repair any areas of the box frame such as the sill, pulley stiles and outer linings.
If you wish to encapsulate the the existing stained glass, then the sash's would need to be renewed to accommodate the thicker unit. This is done to match the original style (slim profile, horns & moulding). We would then re-cord the sash with high quality nylon sash cord, renew pulleys & hardware (if appropriate) and new lead weights. The parting and staff beads would then be renewed with draft proof brush pile beads, enabling smooth operation and are innocuous and sympathetic to the original style. Some clients opt to have the sash's fixed in position as they are never opened. This is a more cost effective approach as it involves a less work and materials. Besides, future homeowners can easily have them converted back to opening windows if they choose to. Such is the beauty of timber.
Renewing Casement windows
Casement windows are more common in properties circa 1900. They comprise of a frame which houses sash's (also called casements). If these sash's have stained glass which the client wishes to preserve and encapsulate, then the sash's or casement's would need to be renewed to allow for the extra thickness of the encapsulated unit. The sash's/casements can be removed leaving the window frame structure in place. The leaded lights can then be renovated and encapsulated, and the sash's/casements renewed to match the original style. The new sash's/casements can then be installed back into the original frame (with draft proofing for any that are opening). Any rot or damage to the original frame could be repaired. If not, a new timber window can be made to match the original style, even cleaning up and restoring the original hardware such as stays and latches (you'd be surprised at what beauty may lie underneath all that paint). Thus preserving the aesthetics of the window with all the added benefits of insulation and security.
What are the advantages to timber windows?
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Traditional and timeless appearance
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Excellent insulation properties
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Can be redecorated by the homeowner or tradesperson
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Repairable and will last a lifetime when maintained properly
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Environmentally friendly (just think of all those plastic windows and doors that will inevitably end up in land fill)
Case Study
Please see the blog post here, in which a client rescued a leaded light from a skip next door (yes, a travesty I know!). We were able to repair, resize and encapsulate the leaded light. We then made a new hardwood frame, which was to replace a cheap plastic window in their 1930's semi.