A Guide to Timber Casement Windows

Timber casement windows are an extremely popular choice of window style in properties ranging from new builds to old. They are one of the most cost-effective solutions and look stunning, with plenty of different styles available there is sure to be the perfect choice for your property. Check out this quick guide to learn more about this type of window and why you might consider casement windows for your home.

What are timber casement windows?

So, what is a timber casement window? The frames of the windows are made from timber as opposed to PVC to reflect windows that were installed during the 18^th century.

The casement window can open outward or inwards and has dividing glazing bars held together with glass panes. While there are many different designs, the most common is the six pane window; however, four and two panes have also become popular choices.

Styles of timber casement windows

Casement windows are the best-selling type of window in the UK today due to a large number of styles available. This makes them suitable for installation in a wide range of homes, both new builds and old.

The window styles can be traditional or contemporary, flush or lipped. The most suitable style may depend on your personal preferences or whether you own a new build or old property. Flush casements are usually found in pre-war properties and are considered to be more traditional than the lipped style.

Traditional casement windows – flush or lipped

Traditional casement windows are available in a wide range of stain options and generally mirror the styling of windows during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Of course, thanks to us using the latest modern technologies during manufacturing your windows are brought into the 21^st century.

As the name suggests the traditional flush timber casement windows fit flush to the windows face, with openers closing into the frame.

The lipped windows have openers which overlap the front face of the frame of the window. This type of window dates back to the 1950s and looks right at home in period properties.

Contemporary casement windows – flush or lipped

The contemporary window, as the name suggests, is a more modern take on the casement window. The design of the casement window is minimalistic featuring crisp lines. Contemporary casement windows are designed in many different configurations and colours, so are easily matched to modern homes.

We manufacture timber casement windows from sustainably sourced pine, oak, larch, mahogany and more.

As with the traditional type of windows, contemporary casement windows can be either flush or lipped.

Tilt and turn

Another style of timber casement window that has become popular in the UK is the tilt and turn. This style of window features a dual opening mechanism and opening function. This means the window can be opened in two different ways, allowing for the perfect ventilation.

Casement windows safety and security

Timber casement windows are extremely safe and secure as due to the design the window is impossible to open from the outside when the windows are closed and latched.

The casements windows are available as single, double or triple glazed, with security choices such as the use of toughened glass to boost strength and safety, laminated glass or obscure for additional privacy.

All of our casement windows are supplied complete with stainless steel multi-point locks. Choices of window locks include automatic, press button, swing locks, mortice security and pivot locks.

Benefits of timber casement windows

So, why should you choose timber casement windows over other types and styles of windows?

Highly energy efficient

To start with, casement window frames are one of the most energy-efficient types of window. This is thanks to the fact that when the windows are closed and locked the seal is extremely tight, more so when compared to sash windows, which have a track allowing the windows to open. With a tight seal, heat is kept inside and cold outside, while outside noise is greatly reduced.

Superb ventilation

Casement windows offer superb ventilation for those rare hot sunny days in the UK. The hinged frames, particularly the tilt and turn, allow for full control of how much ventilation, from just a small gap to pushing them open fully.

Suitable for all types of property

Timber casement windows are suitable for all types of property. They look perfectly at home in period homes such as Georgian or Victorian as well as more modern properties.

Whether you own a barn conversion, a Georgian style, country cottage or Edwardian property, there is a type and style of casement windows to suit. Our experts provide help and advice from styling choices to construction, architectural and environmental issues to find the perfect solution for your needs.

Our surveyors begin by measuring existing windows openings then architects prepare drawings in detail, which you approve before we manufacture and install your ideal casement windows made from sustainably sourced high-quality timber of your choice.

Easy to maintain

Casement windows are one of the easiest types of windows and frames to maintain and clean thanks to how they open. The opening of the window frame even ensures cleaning the exterior window panes is easy.

All you have to do is open the window to its full extent and clean both the timber frame and the glass panes on both the inside and outside.

As the frames are made from timber they can be repainted or stained as required to keep them fresh looking and ensure the elements are kept at bay.

Contact Green Home Glazing for bespoke timber casement windows

Green Home Glazing work directly with suppliers and manufacturers of bespoke made to measure, replacement timber casement windows along with a vast range of other styles of windows and doors.

We offer a full service providing you with help and advice in all aspects. This includes providing you with architectural advice, obtaining approvals for the installation of windows for listed buildings, the construction and expert installation of your new windows.

Give us a call on 0207 118 0388 or leave your details on our contact page and we will get back to you.  

A Guide to Traditional Timber Sash Windows

If you are looking for an ageless design for new windows for your home, you might be considering traditional timber sash windows. Sash windows look right at home in properties ranging from stately period to modern residential, Victorian, Georgian, Regency or anything in-between. Thanks to our expertise, you get the help required to choose the perfect solution for your home. So, if you are thinking about installing sash windows in your home, check the following guide to find out more.

Throughout the guide, we are going to take a look at the following aspects:

·         How sash windows work

·         Why choose timber sash windows;

·         Sash window styles – Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian etc.;

·         Maintenance of sash windows.

How sash windows work

A typical window opens outwards by using a handle, unlocking the window, pushing and/or tilting the window open. However, the sash window differs in that it opens by sliding the whole of the window frame up or down to allow in the required ventilation.

It does this via a clever and innovative pulley system which includes a hidden sash weight within the window frame. This is not visible to the eye, so does not detract from the aesthetics.

Each of the panels of the sash window is split into panes; the amount of panes is dependent on the style of window chosen, for instance, Georgian or Victorian. However, regardless of the style, all sash windows work in exactly the same way.

To open the window and allow air into the room simply pull the whole of the window frame up and it will slide up. To close the window, just pull it down again.

Why choose timber sash windows?

There are many different types of window to choose from so why should you choose traditional timber sash windows?

Some of the many benefits of having timber windows are:

·         Wood is durable and long-lasting;

·         Timber offers a superb tactile effect that PVC cannot match;

·         Wood is a great insulator, therefore offering better thermal efficiency than plastic;

·         Timber window frames usually have a longer warranty than PVC;

·         Timber frames help to retain the value of a property or add more value than PVC;

·         Wood helps to retain the authentic and traditional details of your property;

·         Many types of finishes, stains and colours to choose;

·         Many different styles to choose from to ensure the perfect match for any period property;

·         More secure than PVC thanks to sash locks and stops;

·         Environmentally friendly;

·         Reduces noise by up to 45dB.

If you live in a period property and wish to replace old sash windows, it goes without saying you will want to retain the aesthetics and style of the property and traditional timber allows you to do just that.

Our specialists will provide advice about which timber is best for your windows with choices being such as pine, mahogany, oak, larch and more.

If living in a more modern property but love the timeless design of sash windows your options are more open thanks to a huge variety of paint and varnish colours, plus hardware choices.

Of course, one of the biggest advantages of choosing timber for sash windows is the environmental advantages. The timber we use for our windows comes from sustainably managed forests. This means less environmental impact.

Plus, did you know that you can timber-framed windows are not just single glazed? You can have sash windows in wood and benefit from having them double glazed to help keep the heat in and the noise out.

Sash window styles

Your new sash windows should reflect the era in which your property was built unless of course, you are installing the windows in a modern property and then the style is solely down to personal preference.

This type of window is made up of small panes of glass and astragal bars and the period of the property reflects the design, with the main eras being:

·         Georgian;

·         Victorian;

·         Edwardian;

·         Queen Anne Revival;

·         Venetian;

·         Regency/gothic.

In the Georgian property, the window panes will generally be in the style of six over six. However, some Georgian properties have been known to have larger windows with eight over eight panes.

The most popular styling during Victorian times was two over two panes. However, there were exceptions to this, including just single panes and/or side panes.

Six over two panes was a very popular type of style for sash windows during Edwardian times, but again, there were variations to the styling.

The Queen Anne Revival style was made up of many panes in the top sash with only one or a couple in the lower portion.

The Venetian style of windows consisted of a sliding sash in the centre with two fixed panes to the sides.

During the Regency and Gothic periods, sash windows featured arches and it was common to have sashes that slid horizontally instead of vertically.

Are timber sash windows high maintenance?

Being out in the elements, any window frames are going to require maintenance to keep them like new.

Unlike PVC window frames, traditional timber does not yellow with age, nor does it fade or discolour due to exposure to the elements. The beauty of timber is that it can quickly be brought back to its former glory with a new coat of stain or paint. Providing good quality paint or stain is used upon installation, you may not need to worry about maintaining them for between five to eight years.

Contact us for your traditional timber sash window installation

Green Home Glazing has many years of design, construction, architectural and environmental expertise to help you choose the perfect timber sash windows for your needs.

We offer a full service from start to finish, including obtaining approvals required on your behalf, something which is essential for a period or listed property renovation or repairs.

Give us a call on 0207 118 0388 or fill in our quick and easy online form, telling us what you require and one of our experts will get back to you to discuss your requirements.