The essential checklist for timber windows and doors

Whether you have a period home or a character conversion, timber windows offer an unmistakable, timeless appeal that is hard to beat.

Traditionally this beauty meant high maintenance, but chosen carefully, today’s timber windows and doors can combine classic looks with minimal maintenance and modern energy efficiency.

To make the right choice, it’s important to understand the design features that make the difference between a sound investment and a high maintenance liability.

It starts with the timber. To prevent any warping or swelling, timber windows and doors must be made from best quality, FSC-sourced, sustainable, engineered timber.

Don’t like painting? Opt for weather-treated timber and there will be no need to re-paint for at least eight years.

When it comes to glass, thermally insulating, argon-filed, double-glazing offers 80 per cent better energy efficiency than single glazed units and a 45 per cent improvement on normal double-glazing.

Best of all, this kind of glazing will maximize the natural light into your home – essential for period cottages and conversions.

To further improve energy efficiency, opt for windows that offer low conductivity spacer bars, which have the added benefit of reducing condensation levels on the inner pane.

Finally, whether your home is old or new, security is vitally important, so look for internal beading to show that the glass is fitted from the inside.

To find out more about Securahome’s range of timber windows and doors, visit our showroom or call 0800 808 3224.