Wooden windows guide

Wooden windows, often celebrated for their natural beauty and timeless appeal, are a popular choice among homeowners seeking to enhance the aesthetic and value of their homes.

Though initially more expensive than uPVC or aluminium options, wooden windows justify their cost with superior durability and value. Properly maintained, new double glazed timber windows can surpass 60 years of use, offering exceptional thermal insulation and repairability. This investment enhances a property’s character and energy efficiency and boosts its market appeal. Ultimately, the combination of long-term durability, aesthetic benefits, and energy savings renders timber windows a wise choice for any home.

This cottage’s original windows have been carefully renovated and restored over the years, prolonging their lifetime. (Adobe)

Timber windows are window frames constructed from wood, one of the oldest, most versatile building materials used in window design, and many double glazing installers supply them. 

Timber windows are favoured for their natural good looks, warmth, and timeless elegance, bringing craftsmanship and character to a property that is hard to replicate with synthetic materials.

Wood’s natural versatility allows for a wide range of styles, from traditional sash windows reminiscent of Georgian and Victorian eras to contemporary casement double glazed windows. Timber can be shaped, carved, and painted or stained to match any architectural style or personal preference. 

Most double glazing companies included wooden windows in their frame material catalogue. 

Long-lasting

Timber windows are renowned for their durability. When properly maintained, they can last several decades, with many looking good for over 60 years. The robust nature of wood, combined with modern preservative treatments, allows timber windows to withstand the test of time, maintaining their structural integrity and beautiful looks far longer than many synthetic alternatives.

Environmentally friendly

Wood is a naturally renewable resource, making timber windows a more sustainable choice. Forests can be managed and replenished, ensuring a continuous supply without depleting resources or harming the environment. Moreover, timber production has a lower carbon footprint than the manufacturing processes of materials like uPVC or aluminium, further reinforcing the eco-friendly credentials of wood.

Energy efficient

Timber has excellent natural insulating properties, contributing to better home energy efficiency. Timber windows can help reduce heat loss in winter and keep interiors cool in summer, leading to lower energy consumption and savings on heating and cooling bills. This thermal efficiency makes wood ideal for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s energy performance.

More suitable for listed and conservation properties

For properties in conservation areas or those that are listed, timber windows are often the preferred, if not the only, option permitted by planning regulations. Wood windows can be crafted to match the historical architectural details of older buildings, preserving their character and complying with strict heritage conservation standards. This makes timber an unrivalled choice for restoring or maintaining the authenticity of traditional properties.

Improved acoustic insulation

Wood naturally dampens sound, making timber windows an excellent choice for homes in noisy areas, as they can help reduce the impact of external noise.

Aesthetic appeal

Timber windows offer a timeless beauty that enhances both traditional and modern homes. They can be easily painted or stained to match any exterior design, adding to the property’s kerb appeal.

Repairable

uPVC or aluminium window units may require replacing if they become damaged, while timber frames can be repaired and refurbished, which extends their lifespan and enhances their appearance without the need for complete replacement.

While wooden windows offer numerous benefits, they also come with some downsides:

Cost

Initially, wooden windows can be more expensive than their uPVC or aluminium counterparts. The higher cost is due to the materials and craftsmanship required to produce them

Maintenance

Timber windows require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, particularly in damp or humid environments. This typically involves sanding, painting, or staining every few years to protect against weathering, rot, and insect damage

The cost of timber windows varies widely based on several factors, including the window design, type of wood, finish, size, and glazing type, while specific prices can fluctuate depending on the supplier, location, and market conditions. 

As a rough guide, timber double glazed windows are approximately three times the price of uPVC windows of the same style and size.

Type of wood

The type of wood significantly influences the cost of timber windows due to differences in durability, availability, and aesthetic appeal. Hardwoods like oak and mahogany, known for their longevity and premium look, are typically more expensive than softwoods such as pine, which are more readily available but less durable.

Finish

Standard single-colour finishes are usually included in the base price of the window. In contrast, a dual-colour finish – where the interior and exterior colours differ, will increase the cost due to the additional labour and materials involved.

Size

Larger windows require more material and labour, significantly impacting the price. Custom sizes will also be more expensive than standard sizes.

Glazing type

The choice of glazing type directly affects the cost of timber windows. Double glazing, standard for its energy efficiency, raises the price compared to single glazing. Opting for triple glazing or specialised options like low-emissivity or acoustic glass increases costs, reflecting their superior energy performance and additional benefits.

A good maintenance routine is necessary to retain timber windows’ longevity, attractiveness, and energy efficiency. 

It’s important to regularly clean the window frames, using a soft, damp cloth to remove any accumulated dirt and debris. Harsh chemicals can damage the wood, so avoiding these is best.  

Additionally, a routine inspection for any signs of wear or damage, including cracks, rot, or peeling paint, is crucial. Identifying and addressing these issues early on can help prevent more significant problems.

Periodic maintenance

Timber windows should be repainted or stained every three to five years, depending on the exposure to weather and the quality of the previous finish. This refreshes their look and provides an additional layer of protection against the elements.

Check the sealant and caulking around the window frames annually and reseal as needed to ensure no draughts or moisture can enter, which helps maintain energy efficiency and prevents water damage.

Costs

Expenses can be relatively low for those opting to do the work themselves, primarily covering materials such as paint, stain, sealant, and caulking. These supplies can cost from around £20, depending on the quality and quantity needed.

Hiring a professional to repaint or reseal timber windows can vary widely based on the size, condition, and location of the windows. Prices range from £150 upwards per window for a full repaint and reseal service. It’s advisable to get quotes from several providers to find the best price for the services you need.

Maintaining your timber windows with these tasks will enhance their durability, functionality, and appearance, making the investment in time and cost worthwhile for the beauty and performance they add to your home.

The lifespan of wooden windows significantly depends on the type of wood, the quality of construction, maintenance practices, and environmental conditions. 

Softwood windows can last around 20 to 30 years. Their longevity is less than hardwood because softwood is more susceptible to the elements and requires frequent maintenance to prevent damage.

Hardwood windows have a longer lifespan, typically 40 to 60 years or more. The natural resilience of hardwood against weathering and insects contributes to its extended durability, especially with regular maintenance.

Engineered wood windows can last 30 to 40 years, thanks to their construction, which combats the natural tendencies of wood to expand and contract. However, their performance is closely tied to the quality of the materials and the engineering process.

Warranties 

Many manufacturers offer warranties that reflect the expected durability of their products. Warranties for wooden windows can range from 10 to 40 years, depending on the type of wood and the manufacturer. High-quality hardwood and engineered wood windows often come with more extended warranties, sometimes up to 30 years, indicating the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s longevity. 

It’s crucial to check the warranty details when purchasing wooden windows, as they can provide added peace of mind and protection for your investment.

While timber windows in older homes can often be repaired and restored, evaluating their condition thoroughly is important. Understanding when to repair versus when to replace can save time, preserve historical value, and ensure your home remains energy efficient and secure. Consulting with a professional can provide guidance tailored to your situation for significant issues.

Repairing timber windows in an older property

For those who have purchased an older house equipped with timber windows, the charm and character of original woodwork are irreplaceable. Fortunately, wooden windows can be repaired, often restoring them to their former glory or improving their functionality and energy efficiency. The most common repair methods include:

• Refinishing: Stripping old paint or varnish and applying a new finish can protect the wood and refresh the window’s appearance.
• Weatherstripping: Adding or replacing weatherstripping can improve energy efficiency by sealing draughts.
• Glazing: Replacing or repairing the putty that holds the glass panes in place can improve insulation and prevent moisture ingress.

Replacing timber windows

If you’re assessing timber windows that may have reached the end of their lifespan, consider a few key indicators:

• Extensive rot: If the wood is soft and crumbly in numerous places, repair might not be cost-effective.
• Structural integrity: If the frame or sash is significantly warped or doesn’t hold its shape, it might be beyond repair.

When these issues become pervasive, replacing the windows might be more practical. Modern timber windows can offer the look and feel of traditional wood but with better energy efficiency and lower maintenance requirements.

Common timber window faults 

Sticking sash

• Cause: Paint buildup, swelling from moisture, or warped wood.
• Fix: Cleaning the tracks, sanding down the areas of friction, and applying a lubricant like wax can often resolve sticking issues.

Warped wood

• Cause: Moisture exposure leading to uneven drying.
• Fix: Minor warping can sometimes be corrected by adjusting or replacing hardware. Significant warping may require professional repair or partial replacement of the affected parts.

Cracked glass

• Cause: Physical impact or stress fractures from temperature fluctuations.
• Fix: Individual panes in timber windows can often be replaced without needing to replace the entire window, preserving the original frame.

Timber windows stand out for their unparalleled natural beauty, adding a timeless elegance to any property, which synthetic alternatives struggle to match. Beyond aesthetics, their environmental credentials are compelling, with wood being a renewable resource contributing to better home insulation and energy efficiency. 

Though the initial cost and maintenance requirements are higher than uPVC or aluminium windows, the durability and longevity of well-cared-for timber windows can offer a return on investment in energy savings and increased property value. For those valuing aesthetics, sustainability, and thermal performance, timber windows are well worth considering.