Replacing your timber windows

Richard Dollar, managing director at The Sash Window Workshop, explains what to consider when replacing windows in your period home

Retain the correct period style

It is important to install windows that suit your period property. Replacement windows with the wrong material or style can drastically reduce the value of your home. A specialist traditional window company should be able to work with you to design and manufacture timber windows to meet your requirements.

Glazing options

When choosing the type of glass, you need to consider what you are looking to achieve – for example, the thermal, acoustic, and aesthetic requirements. There are lots of different glass options to choose from, covering a wide range of applications. Don’t be misled into having a standard type of glass if there is something specialist that needs to be achieved.

For example, did you know that simply replacing single glazing for double glazing doesn’t necessarily reduce noise? Also remember that there are legal requirements that need to be met with regards to safety glass.

Planning permission

If you live in a listed building or Conservation Area, you may require planning consent to replace your windows. If there is any doubt, speak to your local council. You will often be required to submit detailed technical drawings with your planning application. The Sash Window Workshop can supply technical drawings of proposed windows to support an application once an order has been confirmed.

Obtaining quotations

Check whether the company manufactures its own windows and employs an installation team. This helps ensure that the product and fitting is to a consistent, high standard.

There are many different types of timber with different durability, so be sure to check what timber is being quoted. The Sash Window Workshop recommends using Accoya, which is extremely durable, has a 50-year anti-rot guarantee, and requires minimum maintenance.

With over 20 years’ experience, The Sash Window Workshop has a wealth of experience replacing bespoke, timber windows in period homes across London and the South. To obtain a free site survey and quotation, contact 01344 868668; sashwindow.com

Above: Threepart Accoya casement window frame, £2,520 Top right: Victorian timber windows and doors. Victorian bay sash windows start from £6,600 Above left: Two-over-two Accoya sash window, £2,160 Twopart six-overnine Accoya sash windows, £4,560...