Top Five Misconceptions About Timber Windows

Whether you’ve just moved to a property with sash or casement windows that need some tlc, or
you’re thinking of replacing your windows, you may have come across bad press about wooden
windows, which are making you reluctant to keep them. But should you believe everything you hear?
We dispel some of the common myths and explain why wood’s a winner.

Wood windows, are they as bad as some people might say?

1. Wood rots, it doesn’t last!
Poorly maintained wooden windows, which are left to deteriorate, may be the root cause of this bad
press. But if you keep on top of the treatment and ensure the frames and sills are properly protected –
whether that’s through varnishing or painting – you’ll find that timber windows can reward you with as
long as one hundred years of life. But this doesn’t mean that they’re high maintenance. How often they
need repainting depends on how harsh the weather is and where your home is located, so check them
every year to be safe, but you may be able to go between five and ten years between repainting.

2. Timber windows are expensive
On paper, uPVC may look like a cheaper option. But when you factor in how many times they will need
replacing in contrast to their wooded counterparts (often lasting no longer than 20 years), timber
windows are definitely an investment worth making. Plus, well‐constructed or cared for timber windows
actually add to the aesthetic and financial value of a property and are often a sought‐after feature which
can make your home easier to sell when you move on.

3. Wood windows are cold and draughty
If you don’t look after wooden windows, then over time they can become prone to draughts and rattles,
letting in dust, water and noise, too. But innovations, like Ventrolla’s Perimeter Sealing System (tested to
withstand winds up to 71 mph) can ensure that original or replacement timber windows keep your home
warm and cosy, all year round. Better still, discreet draught‐proofing techniques ensure your windows
retain all their period charm, at the same time enhancing the energy efficiency of your home and cutting
your fuel bills.

4. If I have wood windows, I can’t go for double glazing
You can! Experts like Ventrolla offer two options to ensure your sash and casement windows retain their
authentic charm, while adding to your home comfort and reducing energy loss. You can opt for slimline,
double glazed sashes which they will install into your existing sash box, or they can manufacture new
hardwood double glazed sash windows. But if double glazing isn’t an option, you can add secondary
glazing which is not only discreet but offers excellent acoustic insulation. It doesn’t require planning
permission, either, so it’s a great option for listed buildings.

5. Wooden sash windows aren’t secure
With a range of window locks or devices available for your original or replacement timber windows, you
can sleep easily at night knowing that your windows are secure from unwanted visitors. The most
popular of these are sash restrictors. Small and cylindrical, they screw into the side style of the top sash
(approx. 100mm from the mid‐rail) and restrict the height the bottom sash can travel to. They’re a
popular choice for windows at height, windows in children’s rooms or floor‐ and low‐level windows.
Secondary glazing is an excellent way to improve your security, too, creating an extra layer of protection.