Technical Information

Double glazing

Most styles of timber windows can incorporate double glazing. 14mm or 16mm thick individual double glazed units can be used in windows with slim glazing bars. However, you can also have a single 24mm thick double glazed unit with applied glazing bars. With listed buildings and properties in Conservation areas it is advisable to make an initial enquiry with your local Planning Department as to what they will allow.

Building regulations

Since 1 October 2010, all new and replacement windows and door installations have to comply with changes to Part L of the Building Regulations for England and Wales for the Conservation of Fuel and Power. In summary, this means that replacement timber windows and doors will need to achieve a thermal insulation rating (U value) of 2.0W/m2 with new installations needing to achieve 1.8W/m2. We can provide a calculated U value for your door or window if required. Another requirement of Approved Document L1 is that both new installations and replacement windows & doors will need to have either Building Regulation approval from the Local Authority or the installer must be a member of a body which allows them to certify that the product installed meets the Building Regulations.

Zero rating the VAT for work on Listed Property

We can zero rate VAT if you provide us with your VAT exemption number (applicable where work is considered an "alteration" rather than "repair or maintenance").

Should I use hardwood or softwood?

The hardwoods that we use are generally more stable and durable than joinery quality softwoods. Our softwood windows are generally manufactured with hardwood cills as it is this is subjected to most of the effects of weathering.

Maintenance of joinery

Properly maintained, your timber joinery will last far longer than its competitor products. Our products are supplied bare (white), with preservative and/or primer, according to our individual customers' requirements. Products supplied in the white should be primed or stained immediately. Where products are supplied/fitted with a base coat stain or a paint primer it is recommended that the final finishes are applied within three months.

Where external hardwood joinery is treated to preserve its appearance, we recommend the use of Danish oil and, where required, will have coated your joinery with one coat of Danish Oil. It is recommended that it receives at least two more coats of oil once installed.

General cleaning should be carried out regularly using a non-abrasive cloth with mild detergent and warm water. During cleaning, if any damage is noticed, then this should be repaired immediately. To ensure that your sliding sash windows operate smoothly, apply a silicon spray or candle wax to the pulley stiles regularly.