Timber windows are among the most important architectural features of a house, and play a vital role in letting in light and air. They can also help improve energy efficiency.
With rising energy bills, extreme weather warnings, and an increased desire to improve sustainability, it is more important than ever that our homes are as energy-efficient as possible. This challenge becomes particularly pronounced in notoriously draughty period properties. Thankfully there are multiple remedies: from draughtproofing, to adding secondary glazing, to installing new double-glazed windows.
If you are fortunate enough to still have your home’s original timber windows, and they are in a good condition, you should make every effort to preserve them. There are companies, including The Sash Window Workshop, who will carry out draught sealing to make your original windows as energy-efficient as possible.
Invest in traditional timber windows
If your windows are beyond repair, or if they have been replaced with uPVC, then installing new timber windows will bring enhanced thermal efficiency and will also be an asset to the appearance of your home.
The many benefits of timber windows are endless. High-quality, double-glazed traditional timber windows can help to reduce the cost of heating, while complementing your property’s aesthetic. However, any replacement windows should be period-appropriate and made to suit the style of your home.
When obtaining quotations, always ask whether the company has experience working on similar properties. Request to see where and how the windows are manufactured. Seeing the windows being made for other customers will be more valuable than visiting any showroom. Anyone can make a nice-looking window for a showroom, but you want to check that the windows the company makes for its customers look beautiful, both up close and at a distance.
Depending on the condition of your windows, you may be able to just replace the sashes (the moving parts of the window) while preserving the window frame.
Listed buildings and Conservation Areas
If you live in a listed building or a Conservation Area, you may be restricted on the type of work that can be carried out.
It is important to check whether you are required to obtain planning permission before proceeding with any work. It is also important to check whether the company who are working on your windows have experience working on these types of properties.
Standard double glazing often isn’t allowed in listed buildings, but you may be able to have heritage double glazing or secondary glazing instead.
Heritage double glazing uses a slim profile double-glazed glass unit. The glass units are also traditionally glazed with putty. It is therefore more likely to be approved by planners.
Secondary glazing involves installing a window behind the existing window. This means that to have secondary glazing you will need the existing windows to be set back in the brickwork, leaving space for another window to be installed in front. Both secondary glazing and heritage double glazing will help to improve energy efficiency while retaining the aesthetic appearance of your home.
Expert service
The Sash Window Workshop specialises in improving the thermal efficiency of timber windows in period homes, without compromising the property’s charm.
Established in 1994, The Sash Window Workshop has a wealth of experience working on period homes, including in Conservation Areas and on listed properties, helping customers identify the right traditional windows to suit their property. All their windows are bespoke and made in their workshops in Bracknell, Berkshire where they can manufacture windows to your exact requirements.
The company offers installation and repair services across London and Southern England, with a supply-only service nationwide. As well as its timber sliding sash windows, it also offers casement windows, fixed windows, and external doors.
The Sash Window Workshop’s timber windows come double-glazed as standard (where permitted) and are draughtproofed to further improve energy efficiency. The company also uses Accoya for its windows, which comes with a 50-year anti-rot guarantee.
The Sash Window Workshop is proud to be a multi-award-winning company. It is also a Which? Trusted Trader and has a 5-star Trustpilot rating. Many of the company’s orders come from previous customers or recommendations, highlighting the excellent customer service provided.
Get in touch
For more information, or to obtain a free, no-obligation visit and quotation, call The Sash Window Workshop on 01344 868 668 or visit sashwindow.com.
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