Background
Wood is a natural, sustainable material with desirable design, performance and environmental properties that make it ideal for making windows and doors. Correct installation with due care and ongoing maintenance has shown that historically they have a life of many generations. Many Georgian and Middle Ages buildings still have original timber products bearing testimony to the durability of wood.
Updated designs and technology incorporated into traditional construction with modern production means that timber window and door performance equals that of newer materials. Where wood excels is in appearance and longevity with the ability to repair making for low whole life costs.
Environment, aspect, choice of design and materials will all have an impact with guarantees representing a minimum from our suppliers that will be greatly extended by following these guidelines.
- Storage, Handling & Installation
- Care & Maintenance
Manufacture in a controlled environment means moisture levels are kept low and use of engineered timber minimises the risk of warping and rot. Factory spray painting avoids trapped moisure and evenly coats all surfaces including hidden internal parts. We use the latest microporous acrylic three coat paint system that allow the wood to breathe to minimise the risk of peeling but we will apply stains and non standard coatings if requested. Fitting of seals, glazing and ironmongery is done after painting.
Care and Maintenance
Factory finished timber windows and doors will have a longer trouble free life than unfinished and assembled and coated on site. Similarly, products kept clean will require less maintainance, have an even longer life and more likely to be trouble free.
Resin rising to the surface of wood can cause leakage or a discoloured patches. All wood contains resin which acts as preservative often concentrated around knots. Hardwoods like oak are more likely to suffer. Product integrity or future appearance are not compromised as it is part of the long term seasoning process that is easily rectified.
Sticky resin seepage should be allowed to dry before treating. Recoating of a micro porous paint may not be required if the surface is undamaged. Where there is damage or discolouration, the surface should be carefully abraided and refinished in accord with the coating manufacturers instructions. Normally a clean and touch up with a brush is all that is required and may be covered by Guarantee.
An annual Spring inspection is recommended to check that everything is operating properly, not damaged, clean and is working order in a good state of repair. Glass, frames, ventilators and seals should be kept clean and washed with soapy water. Hinges and ironmongery needs to be checked for function and coated in light oil where there are signs of corrosion.
This should be continued throughout the lifetime of the products for many trouble free years. Modern semi-porous paint systems mean repainting can usually be carried out with a simple clean and rubbing down. Older sealed paint systems can create moisture bubbling and require stripping back to bare wood before priming, undercoat and top coats. Always check with your coating specialist.
Signs of wear need to be addressed. Faulty seals replaced. Restorative or repair work at this stage will ensure continued performance of products, maintain appearance and improve their lifespan far beyond any guarantees.
