The Benefits of Timber Windows in London: A Timeless Classic

However, if you're looking for a timeless classic that brings warmth and character to your home, timber windows are an excellent choice. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of timber windows in London, and why they're still a popular choice for homeowners today.

Timber windows offer a unique blend of traditional aesthetics, energy efficiency, and durability that can't be matched by other materials. Plus, they add value to your property, making them an excellent long-term investment.

Introduction

Timber windows have been a popular choice for London homes for centuries, thanks to their beautiful appearance, natural insulation, and long-lasting durability. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of timber windows, as more and more homeowners realize the many benefits they offer.

One of the most significant advantages of timber windows is their energy efficiency. Unlike many other materials, timber is a natural insulator, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can help to reduce your energy bills, making Timber windows a cost-effective choice in the long term.

Quality engineered timber windows are 20 - 60% warmer than aluminium or uPVC in the same styles and have a u-value of only 1.0 compared to 1.2 - 1.6. In simple terms this means that only one watt of heat escapes per square meter per hour.

But energy efficiency isn't the only reason why timber windows are a great investment. They also offer a timeless, classic aesthetic that can add value to your property. Whether you're renovating an older home or looking to add character to a new build, timber windows are an excellent choice.

Durability and Longevity

Timber windows are incredibly durable and long-lasting, especially when compared to other materials such as uPVC and aluminium. With proper care and maintenance, timber windows have a service life of 60 - 80 years and even longer, making them an excellent investment for homeowners who are looking for a long-term solution. uPVC and aluminium windows and doors are generally replaced after around 25 - 35 years.

One of the reasons why modern Timber windows are more durable than other materials, is that they are put through an additional manufacturing process, either acetylation or 'cross grain lamination’. This low cost upgrade known as ‘engineered timber’ has several durability and longevity benefits. Firstly the frames are 60% stronger and are dynamically stable, that is they wont twist or warp during seasonal and temperature fluctuation’s. This benefit means the locking and draught proofing can be to much tighter tolerances making the windows 100% draught proof and superior for soundproofing. Secondly the frames, when factory sprayed with four coats of water based microporous paint, wont need repainting for around 10 years.

With water based paint you can repaint straight on top of the old paint when the time comes.There is no need to burn off the old paint and apply multiple coatings like you did with the old oil based paint. This means maintenance is quick and low cost and your windows look brand new again for many more years with each repaint.

Finally because the engineered fames are dynamically stable, the gaskets, joins, seals, ironmongery and double glazed units are under minimal stress, which in turn reduces wear and tear over the decades.

In addition, timber windows are easy to repair and maintain, thanks to their simple construction. If your timber windows become damaged or worn over time, it's usually possible to repair them rather than replacing them entirely, saving you both time and money.

Energy Efficiency

As we mentioned earlier, one of the key benefits of timber windows is their energy efficiency. Timber is a natural insulator, which means that it helps to regulate the temperature inside your home. This can help to reduce your energy bills, as you'll need less heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Timber frames are around 50% warmer than aluminium or uPVC and better for soundproofing also.

In addition, timber windows are now double-glazed under building regulations with the exception of some listed buildings, which provides an additional layer of insulation. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with a layer of gas between them, which helps to trap heat inside your home. Also with the latest generation of double glazing, invisible metallic low-e coatings reflect most of the heat back into the room.

This can help to further reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable all year round. What is more the use of low iron glass for the outer pane uses the suns short wave radiation to further warm each room even on a cold cloudy day. Of course you can opt to have solar reflective coatings on the outer pane if you have any rooms that get too warm in the summer. Acoustic glass is also available for the outer pane reducing outside noises by a significant 40 decibels.

Aesthetics and Customization

Finally, one of the main reasons why homeowners choose timber windows is for their beautiful appearance. Timber has a warm, natural feel that can't be replicated by other materials, making it an excellent choice for homes that want to create a traditional or rustic look. Simply put with timber windows you will love coming home.

But the benefits of timber windows don't stop there. Timber windows can be customised and made bespoke to any match any period style or design, be it contemporary or traditional. This makes them an incredibly versatile choice for homeowners who want to create a unique, period or contemporary look for their home.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a window solution that is durable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, timber windows are an excellent choice for your London home. With their long-lasting durability and customizable aesthetics, timber windows offer a timeless classic look that can add value to your property for years to come.