The Ultimate Guide To Timber Casement Windows

Wooden windows have a timeless appeal. Timber casement windows have strong aesthetic and practical benefits and with the use of contemporary timbers, treatments, and manufacturing techniques, they are a sustainable and long-lasting choice.

If you have a period property or you’re looking to add character to a more contemporary home, then timber casement windows can make a real difference. If you already have timber casement windows in a property, then you might be wondering if renovation, restoration, or repair of your wooden windows is possible, or whether it’s time to consider an upgrade to new windows.

At Joinery Solutions SW, we support specifiers, property developers, builders and homeowners who appreciate the aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability of traditional timber casement windows.

What are timber casement windows, why is timber such a great material for window frames, and what are the benefits of opting for timber casement windows?

What Are The Components Of A Timber Casement Window?

A timber casement window is made up of a number of elements. These include:

• Window Frame

  This frame is a collective term that’s used to describe the outer surround of the window.

• Cill

  The window cill runs horizontally along the bottom of the outside of the window frame.

• Jamb

  The jamb is two vertical sections that run on each side of the outer edge of the window frame.

• Casement

  The casement of a timber casement window is the part of the window that opens where the glass sits.

• Top Rail

  This is the horizontal bar that runs across the top of the casement.

• Bottom Rail

  This is the horizontal bar that runs across the bottom of the casement.

• The Stile

  This is the vertical edge of a casement

• Mullion

  The mullion is the vertical bar within a window frame that separates two casements.

• Transom

  The transom is a horizontal bar within the frame that separates two casements.

Timber Casement Styles And Designs

Timber casement windows are available in a range of styles and designs to suit different properties and personal tastes. They can be classic, heritage styles or ultra-modern. Some of the possibilities include:

• Traditional single-frame casement windows
• Flush casement windows
• Push-out casement windows
• Top-hinged ‘awning’ casements
• Storm-proof casements
• Bottom-hinged ‘hopper’ casements
• Double casement windows (‘French casements’)

Is Timber A Good Material For Windows?

Timber is a classic material for making windows. It has been in use for centuries, holding its own against more modern materials. Not only is wood a great natural insulator, but it can also add a feeling of extra warmth to your home all year round.

Some of the reasons why timber is such a great material for windows include:

A Sustainable Choice

Timber is a natural and sustainable material. When it’s properly maintained it can last for decades. The timber that is used to create high quality timber casement windows will usually come from FSC accredited, sustainably managed sources. This means that any trees that are cut down to create timber products will be replaced with newly planted trees. Each tree will absorb up to a tonne of carbon dioxide over the course of its life.

Durable

Timber is a highly durable material and when timber casement windows are properly maintained they can last for decades. While UPVC windows will have a realistic lifespan of over around 15-25 years, their energy efficiency performance will deteriorate over time.

UPVC windows are difficult to repair and will frequently end up in landfill. If timber casement windows are repaired and repainted, they can last for decades. When timber windows finally need to be replaced, the wood can be recycled or allowed to decompose naturally.

Natural Insulation Properties

Draughty windows can be a major source of heat loss in the home. In an older period property, it can contribute to a poor energy performance overall. Poorly insulated properties are more expensive to heat, and the costs can mount up over time. Timber is a fantastic natural insulator and will help to keep warm air inside your property.

New timber windows can improve your overall draught-proofing helping to keep your home warmer for longer. Timber is a long-lasting, thermally efficient solution and can bring your bills down.

Low Maintenance

Many people have a mistaken belief that timber windows are difficult to maintain so instead opt for UPVC alternatives. In reality, timber windows require the minimum of maintenance.  Over recent years many of the historical problems associated with timber windows, including peeling and blistering have been eliminated.

Timber casement windows have been developed to minimise water retention and damp penetration. They will benefit from periodic cleaning to ensure they are free of dirt and dust.

Structural Integrity

Timber contains strong fibres and natural cellulose that allow it to withstand whatever the weather throws at them. Properly constructed timber casement windows will retain their structural integrity for longer than the alternatives.

Strong Aesthetic Appeal

It can’t be denied that timber as a material is highly attractive. That’s why it’s the material of choice for thousands of homeowners across the UK.

What Timbers Are Used To Make Timber Casement Windows?

A huge choice of timber is available for your new or replacement wood casement windows. At Joinery Solutions SouthWest, we can help you choose a suitable sustainable wood from softwoods, hardwoods, and advanced timbers such as:

• Kiln-dried Scandinavian Redwood
• Yew
• Iroko
• Oak
• Merenti
• Idigbo
• Accoya® advanced timber (a durable, strong and rot resistant advanced timber)

The most appropriate timber for your design and property will vary. We can advise you on your options.

How Are Timber Casement Windows Finished?

After thorough timber preservation and priming, timber windows can be sprayed to give beautiful, long-lasting finishes. These finishes include oiling, staining, varnishing, and painting. When timber casement window frames are painted with microporous paints, they need less maintenance while allowing the timber to breathe.

What Are The Advantages Of Bespoke Timber Casement Windows?

Bespoke timber casement windows give the property owner a number of key advantages. The window that is fitted is exactly the window you want. It will be made to measure and to match with existing windows or other features. You have a much more extensive choice of both timber and finish. You can specify the choice of glazing option and window furniture. The windows are manufactured to last and will be completely unique to your property.

What Are The Advantages Of Double-Glazed Casement Windows?

Double glazed casement windows have a number of advantages when compared to single glazed windows. They immediately improve energy efficiency, reducing your energy costs and eliminating draughts. They provide better sound insulation and can be easier to maintain. They also provide enhanced security.

When you upgrade your old casements with bespoke replacement windows you can benefit from the greater strength, longevity, and other positive characteristics of modern advanced timbers such as Accoya®

Renovation, Repair, And Upgrade

Many older properties will have pre-existing timber casement windows and owners may be wondering whether or not it’s time to replace them. If you live in a listed period property, replacing timber windows with an alternative may not be possible.

If the windows are still in reasonably good condition, it may be possible to renovate, repair or upgrade the windows. This can improve their structural integrity, ensure that the draught-proofing elements are intact and that the windows provide effective insulation for years to come.

A casement window restoration company such as Joinery Solutions SouthWest can carry out a thorough assessment of your windows. We will look at key elements of your windows and advise as to whether or not casement windows restoration is an option or whether window replacement and refurbishment will be required.

Bespoke Timber Casement Windows From Joinery Solutions SouthWest

At Joinery Solutions SW, we are a leading timber casement window manufacturer. We can repair, upgrade, and manufacture new timber casement windows for your property.

Every window we make or repair in our South Devon joinery workshop is bespoke. Each carefully crafted piece is designed specifically for you, then lovingly handcrafted in our FENSA-approved workshop. The manufacturing process is completed in the dedicated joinery spray booth and drying room.