Nowadays, homeowners on the hunt for new windows have a long list of ‘must-have’ qualities. Not only do they want a window which is low maintenance, a fantastic insulator and delivers exceptional performance, they also want to make sure it looks great and complements the existing style of their home.
In the last few years, people have become more environmentally conscious so they’re also after sustainable and energy-efficient building products to use in their homes.
While it may seem like an impossible task to find a window that successfully fulfil these needs, there is one material in particular that ticks all of the right boxes.
Used widely in construction for hundreds of years, timber is a fantastic replacement window material. It’s a fully sustainable resource and when carefully crafted its incredibly energy-efficient and high performing.
Plus, as an extremely versatile product, it can be designed to perfectly match the aesthetics of either a contemporary or more traditional property.
At Bereco we offer a range of wooden windows including timber sash windows, flush casement windows and lipped casement windows. All of which can be specially customised down to the smallest details from everything to the paint stain or finish to the type of hardware and ironmongery used. Our customers also have the option to pick between double glazing or triple glazing for their windows.
Why is timber a heavy-duty window material?
As a natural material there is an existing perception that timber may not be as durable as alternative window materials like uPVC or aluminium, but this isn’t the case. When properly preserved and maintained timber windows can last up to 60 years which is actually twice as long as other materials.
The secret behind the longevity of the timber comes down to the steps taken during the design and manufacture process.
At Bereco we understand that what happens at our production facility is key to making sure that our wooden windows last a lifetime. So, we follow a comprehensive process to make sure we produce high quality robust windows every time.
Take a look at what steps we take to make carefully crafted timber windows by reading our ‘at the factory’ page.
How do you preserve timber windows?
All timber window frames must be coated with a specialist preservative treatment, which is water based, which allows the wood to absorb but also expel water to avoid twisting and warping. This is an incredibly important step of the production process because it helps to stabilise the wood and guarantees the finished product can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.
For additional protection, we also offer a care set which we recommend is applied every six months to our timber windows. The set works incredibly well to firstly remove any dirt on the window and then it adds a thin repellent coating over the finish. This is a fantastic way to not only prevent excess absorption of water into the wood but also makes windows look as good as new.
Which timber is best for wooden windows?
The type of timber used will also have a big impact on the durability and longevity of wooden windows.
High quality timber windows will often be constructed from redwood like Scots Pine which is more readily available from sustainable sources compared to hardwood.
We predominantly work with laminated engineered defect-free redwood timber which is more dimensionally stable, giving our customers the confidence that they’ll have a product that can truly stand the test of time.
Part of our commitment to delivering the best products and services to our customers means we undergo annual tests by a third-party. One specialist scheme we’ve been involved with for many years is BlueSky.
Successfully achieving the BlueSky certification means our products have been verified to maintain high standards in weather performance and security and also recognises the standards we work to during the manufacturing process, paint application and even looks at how we source our timber.
We encourage anyone who wants to invest in timber windows to do their research before making any final decisions. This will help to reassure them that they’re buying a quality product which has been made to the highest standards and can perform exceptionally well time and time again.
Timber windows are a truly sustainable replacement window
In a time of increasing environmental awareness, timber stands out as a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Unlike UPVC windows, the timber is replenished naturally, has the lowest embodied carbon rate and actually removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
From when we started our business in 2003 up until February 2022, we have supplied over 261,000 timber windows and doors which has helped to save over 66 million kgCO2e. This is the equivalent of removing more than 22,000 cars off UK roads.
Additionally, our wooden windows are made from FSC® 100% timber. This means the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensure the highest standards are achieved in the forest where the wood is being harvested – something that’s essential in the fight against deforestation.
Finding durable wooden windows for your UK home
Ultimately timber ticks many boxes for those on the hunt for durable, long-lasting and sustainable wooden windows. When it’s properly made and maintained, timber is the perfect choice for those on the hunt for a high performance window which lasts a lifetime and achieves exceptional energy efficiency.
What’s more the material is incredibly versatile so it can be customised into a number of different window design and styles. It also comes in a variety of paint colours and finishes so you can create a truly unique set of windows for their home.
If you’re working on a renovation, remodel or self-build project get in touch with our team of experts today. With almost 20 years’ experience in the home improvement industry, they have the knowledge and skills to help you find your dream windows.
At Bereco we also supply a range of beautifully bespoke wooden doors including entrance doors, French doors and sliding patio doors. Check out our full range of wooden doors here.