When you live in an older, maybe even historic or listed building, the right window choice may well be pre-determined, but owners often struggle to know exactly what that should be.
STYLE
The basic style should be something that’s appropriate for the age of the building. So Victorian house, Victorian style, Georgian house, Georgian windows, etc Sometimes previous owners may have adopted the wrong style, based on anything that fits, personal preference, cheapness, etc, however with just a very small amount of research on the internet you will see the kinds of styles that are correct.
Using timber as a basis, as would often originally have been used, offers a lot of opportunity to create custom timber windows in the precise form you desire. It’s generally pretty easy to make bespoke timber windows to exactly suit your property. You really don’t have to choose from a few typical styles you may be offered, to make the joiners life easier.
TIMBER CHOICE
Original timber windows could have been made from all sorts of timber. Oak, Elm, Slow Grown Baltic Pine, etc. We can advise you as to the best to use in your bespoke timber windows. Often there’s just paint applied over the top of any timber, so the choice should then be made upon what lifespan is desired. Often the longer lasting, the more expensive the timber, but if you’re going to stick around or want to do the right thing, the choices abound including Accoya, which is the longest lasting, guaranteed, sustainable and ecological choice.
FINISH
Paint is the most common choice. That can be gloss, matt, silk, water based, oil based, even lead based for certain buildings. The choice of colour is wide, but any colour choice is personal obviously, but can and should be in keeping with the age and style of your property, we can guide you with that choice.
It may be you want to see the timber in which case oils, waxes and varnishes allow that too.
HARDWARE CHOICES AND ACCOMODATING REGULATIONS.
Custom timber windows on properties that aren’t listed need to have certain features to comply with building and fire regulations. Custom timber windows can easily accommodate trickle vents, flying mullions and opening restrictors. Locking handles or locks generally can be accommodated. Hinges, fasteners and stays of all shapes and sizes and in different colours can be chosen by you and fitted. We will again guide you what’s right in terms of style for your bespoke timber windows. FENSA standards could be employed or simply meeting the building regulations is enough.
If you need to renovate the windows in your heritage home, timber is often the most attractive and in keeping option you can choose, which comes as a surprising for some. Timber may have had a bad press in recent years, but here’s why it’s often the better option. In this blog, we will elaborate on why you should choose bespoke timber windows to better provide you with what you need and improve your property’s value in the process.
You may of course be forced by the listing of your property to choose timber, if this is the case then use the article to take guidance and reassurance.
However, even if there’s no listing, bespoke timber windows may well still be the best option you could choose.
Often it is felt that timber is inferior to modern, uPVC windows, but that really does not have to be the case. With proper care, use of the right materials and with a good design, timber can be a very long-lasting material. The arm of our group that deals with numerous heritage building projects, encounters many timber windows that are literally hundreds of years old and are still very serviceable.
Material choice:
Choice of material is crucial. We can manufacture using timber that is guaranteed for 50 years! Longer than uPVC. Accoya say is processed in a way that makes it very resistant to any insert attack (woodworm) or any fungal attack, (wet rot etc).
These are the usual causes of timber window failure, alongside a lack of maintenance.
Choosing the right material, even if it costs a little more is of course the best long term solution for your building and your budget.
Designed well:
Good detailing and design in how your windows are manufactured, means water ingress is minimized. And maintenance and Decoration is easier. The finished product looks right and is perfect for the aesthetics of the building you’re looking for. We wouldn’t try to offer you an off-the-shelf design, that’s “almost” right for you. Our professionals create customized styles of timber windows based on your property’s look and requirements. Ready-made windows of course are less likely to offer the best fit as most houses have unique window sizes and shapes. When your window frames perfectly match your home’s, it obviously provides a much better effect.
As a reliable timber window manufacturer, we craft different types of timber windows based on the precise measurement of your property. You get the perfect look and fit.
In choosing to install custom timber windows on your property, there is no doubt it enhances the property’s aesthetics and value.
Paint and Finish
Unlike off-the-shelf, or uPVC options, bespoke timber windows offer different colours and finishes. By choosing an appropriate colour and finish for your home’s windows, you can take your home’s appearance to the next level. As an experienced bespoke timber windows provider, we take time to understand our client’s needs and requirements and therefore, we offer many attractive colour or finish options for our bespoke timber windows. Oiled, Waxed, Natural, Matt, Gloss, etc.
Eco-Friendliness
The right timber is a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for your windows and the material doesn’t use fossil fuels. Other options, like aluminium-framed windows, have a very high high carbon footprint.
Choice of joinery
If you choose to install top-quality bespoke timber windows in your home or office, it’s important to choose a reputable joinery company . Joineries are very definitely not all the same. Choose wisely. Don’t but buy cheap. Don’t just buy off an internet advert, do your research or arrange a trip to the workshop to see things first hand.
In a Nutshell
If you like this blog, don’t forget to share your thoughts with us. To get our bespoke timber windows manufacturing and installation service, contact us directly or leave a comment below!