Guide To Double Glazed Heritage Windows
For homeowners who love the classic elegance of heritage styles, replacing aging timber windows can pose a conundrum. Do you sacrifice traditional timber style for the thermal performance of modern uPVC, or compromise on practicality for period aesthetics?
Fortunately, with the advancement of technology in double glazing there is a solution: wood effect uPVC windows. At Timberlook, we are experts in helping those with period homes (or those who just love the heritage aesthetic!) the perfect windows. Read on to learn all you need to know about double glazed heritage windows.
The trouble with timber
Timber, beautiful as it is, comes with strings attached. The most expensive window frame material from the outset, timber window frames also require costly ongoing maintenance if they are to last and look beautiful for years to come.
However, for those who live in period properties or who are looking to bring the aesthetic of traditional timber windows to their home without the hassle and cost of ongoing maintenance, there is another option: wood-effect uPVC.
Why opt for wood effect uPVC instead of timber?
In recent years, wood effect uPVC has stolen the spotlight from timber. While traditional timber frames offer heritage aesthetics that appeal to many, there are benefits to choosing modern materials like uPVC.
Unlike real timber, uPVC boasts superior durability, resisting warping, cracking, and rotting – even when exposed to harsh weather. uPVC also requires minimal upkeep to maintain its finish and performance.
Perfect for both period properties and modern homes alike, double glazed heritage windows bring together the very best of tradition and modernity. Wood effect uPVC truly offers the best of both worlds!
Heritage uPVC window design: the flush sash
For heritage double glazed windows to truly look like authentic replicas of traditional timber designs, the finer details matter more than you might think.
Most uPVC windows feature a diagonal weld in each corner of the frame where the material is welded, however, true timber designs feature mortise and tenon joins. At Timberlook, we use Timberweld joins in our range of wood-effect uPVC windows to replace the tell-tale diagonal weld with an authentic timber joint.
We’ve also designed our range of windows incorporate a flush sash reminiscent of historic designs – this means that the sash sits completely flush with the outer frame when closed. Our flush casement windows are so authentic, they are perfect as replacement windows in conservation areas!
The importance of double glazing
Maintaining the heritage character of a building doesn’t have to mean compromising on thermal performance.
Double glazed units, which feature two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar and insulating gas cavity, help to minimise heat transfer from the interior of your home to the exterior. This means that your heating and cooling systems won’t need to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures.
With a double glazed glass unit, your wood-effect uPVC windows can minimise heat loss, reduce energy consumption and even minimise energy bills.
Can double glazed heritage windows reduce noise pollution in a historical building?
Yes, double glazed heritage windows are effective in reducing noise pollution in historical buildings. The combination of two glass panes with an insulating layer minimizes sound transmission, providing a quieter indoor environment without compromising the architectural integrity of the heritage building.
Do timber effect window finishes look real?
Modern wood effect finishes for uPVC windows can be exceptionally realistic, replicating the grain and texture of real wood with impressive detail.
At Timberlook, we offer a range of high quality timber effect foils for our flush sash windows including traditional classics such as Irish Oak and Rosewood. We also offer sophisticated heritage-inspired colours like Pebble Grey and Painswick!
Double glazed heritage windows: thermal performance
Timberlook windows aren’t just all style and no substance; windows such as these are made with insulating uPVC frames, which means your wood effect double glazing will offer exceptional levels of energy efficiency.
Our Timberlook flush sash casement windows can reach U-values as low as 1.2. This means that choosing Timberlook for your new windows means comfortable, consistent temperatures in your home, reduced energy consumption and lower heating bills!
The perfect finishing touches to your wood grain effect uPVC windows
Timber effect foils look best when perfectly complemented by heritage hardware and cill options. At Timberlook, we offer a range of customisable options that you can add to your wood effect double glazing, such as the deeper cills that are often seen in historical window designs.
We also have a range of elegant hardware options, such as classic ‘Peardrop’ and ‘Monkeytail’ handles in textured finishes to bring your wood effect windows to life.
Complete the look: heritage doors
As well as wood effect double glazed windows, we also offer both flush French door and single door options– the perfect doors to complement your heritage windows. Crafted with discreet hinges to maintain traditional aesthetics, our Timberlook door system comes in the same range of colours and finishes as our flush sash windows. We are constantly improving our Timberlook range, and so we now also offer a newly engineered midrail section to our flush doors. This adds to the timeless design and means you can enjoy equal sightlines!
Timberlook: heritage double glazing
Looking for unparalleled authenticity in your wood-effect windows?
At Timberlook, we’ve crafted one of the most authentic heritage wood effect windows on the market – they have even been approved for use in conservation areas. For homeowners looking for a window system that balances style and practicality, Timberlook is an ideal choice.
If you would like to see for yourself what makes Timberlook windows so popular, please get in touch with our dedicated sales team by emailing sales@timberlook.com or calling us on 01253 888 222. We can provide a free quotation or answer any questions you may have – we can even connect you with a local Timberlook installer in your area!