Replacement windows are new, made-to-measure windows fitted into your existing openings when the old ones have reached the end of their life. The tell-tale signs are draughts, condensation between the panes, rotting frames and energy bills that creep up each winter. For many homes, timber replacement windows are the ideal choice, pairing the charm of a traditional frame with the warmth and efficiency of modern double glazing.

Key takeaways

  • Draughts, condensation between panes, rot and rising energy bills are the clearest signs it’s time for replacement windows
  • New, energy efficient windows help cut heat loss and keep your energy bills in check
  • Timber windows offer period character with A-rated thermal efficiency, and they can be repaired rather than replaced

brick house with sage green windows and doors

Signs it’s time for replacement windows

Windows rarely fail overnight, and the warning signs are easy to spot once you know what to look for.

Draughts and cold spots

On a windy day, try holding the back of your hand close to the window frame. If you can feel air moving, the seals or the timber have usually worn beyond what a fresh coat of paint can fix. Every draught lets warm air out and pushes up your energy costs.

Condensation between the panes

A little condensation on the inside of the glass on a chilly morning is perfectly normal. Misting that’s trapped between the panes is a different matter. It usually means the seal has failed and moisture has found its way in, taking much of the insulating value of the glass with it.

Rot and decay

Gently press the sill and the bottom of the frame with your thumb. If the wood feels soft or spongy, or looks darker than the rest of the frame, rot may well have set in. Surface damage can often be repaired, but once rot reaches the structure of the frame, a new window tends to be the better investment.

Rising energy bills

Windows are one of the main routes for heat transfer in a home. According to government figures, around 18% of the heat lost from a home escapes through its windows. If your heating seems to work harder every winter, older windows could be part of the reason.

Other signs worth checking

  • Sashes that stick or casements that have dropped on their hinges
  • More traffic noise than you remember, which is common on busy streets
  • Black mould around the frame, which can affect indoor air quality
  • Locks and catches that no longer close as they should

Why timber replacement windows outperform uPVC

uPVC windows are popular largely because they’re cheap to mass-produce. Timber often proves the better long-term choice, as this comparison shows.

Timber windows uPVC windows
Appearance Natural grain, slim profiles and a traditional look Uniform plastic profile, often bulkier
Repairs Damaged sections can usually be repaired Usually replaced as a whole unit
Colour choice Wide range of paints and stains, with a different colour inside and out if you like Limited, factory-applied colours
Sustainability Renewable material, with FSC-certified European oak available Plastic-based
Period properties Ideal, and often expected in conservation areas Can look out of place on older homes

 

Timber is a natural insulator, so a well-made wooden window frame works hand in hand with the glass to reduce heat loss. Our casement windows are rated A+ with double glazing and A++ with triple glazing.

Looks matter too. uPVC casement windows can sit awkwardly on a Victorian terrace, and aluminium windows rarely feel at home on a country cottage. Quality wooden windows add genuine kerb appeal, which you’ll enjoy every day and which buyers will notice if you ever decide to sell.

Choosing the right type of window

The right window type depends on the age and style of your property. Every window we build is made to measure to fit your openings exactly.

Flush casement and stormproof casement windows

Casement windows open from the side or top and suit almost any home. Flush casement windows sit level within the outer frame, giving clean lines and a lovely period feel. Stormproof casements overlap the frame for added weather protection. We manufacture our casements to PAS 24:2022 security standards, with multi-point locking for extra peace of mind.

Casement Windows

Timber sash windows

Sash windows are a much-loved feature of many Georgian and Victorian homes. We make box sash and sliding sash windows, with night vent locking so you can let in fresh air while staying secure.

Sliding Sash Windows

Bay windows and custom windows

Bay windows bring extra natural light and a real sense of space to a room. We also build custom windows in non-standard sizes where off-the-shelf frames won’t fit.

Georgian Bay Windows

Glazing options for comfort and energy savings

The right windows make a big difference to how warm and quiet your home feels. Ours come with a choice of glazing options:

  • Double glazing as standard, with a low-E coating and argon gas filling
  • Triple glazing for better insulation and the highest thermal efficiency
  • Pilkington Optiphon acoustic glass for noise reduction
  • Solar control to limit heat gain in sunny rooms
  • An easy-clean coating for low maintenance windows

Do replacement windows need to meet building regulations?

Yes. Building regulations set minimum energy efficiency standards for new windows, so they keep your home warm and help lower your heating bills. Your new windows should also let in enough fresh air to help control condensation, often through small trickle vents built into the frame.

The good news is that all our replacement windows meet current building regulations, so you won’t need to worry about the technical detail. If you live in a listed building, a conservation area or a flat, it’s worth checking with your local planning authority before ordering, as extra rules may apply.

The replacement window process, step by step

Here’s what to expect, with our team on hand every step of the way.

  1. Free quote. Tell us about your project through our enquiry form or by phone, choosing supply only or supply and install. Our window prices page gives a guide to window replacement cost, which depends on size, timber, glazing and style.
  2. Measuring. Accurate measurements help prevent the gaps that lead to damp and heat loss. For supply and install projects, one of our professional window installers will advise on the best approach. If you’re using your own fitter, our measuring guide explains what to do.
  3. Drawings and specification. We produce CAD drawings showing the dimensions, design and function of each window. Manufacture begins once you’ve approved them.
  4. Bespoke manufacture. Your windows are made in our UK joinery. We offer a short 10-day lead time, although exact timings depend on your specification and order size. Every product is inspected thoroughly before it leaves us.
  5. Delivery and window installation. Your windows arrive on a scheduled date, and our specialist team of window and door fitters takes care of the installation, which is available nationwide.

Get a free quote for your replacement windows

Replacing old windows is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can take on. You’ll enjoy warmer rooms, less outside noise and windows that bring out the beauty of your home.

Our experienced team is happy to talk you through your options. Call us on 0333 335 5416 or request your free, no-obligation quote online. It’s the first step towards replacement windows made to last.

House with windows new windows

Frequently asked questions

Do you install replacement windows in the London area?

We do. We work across London and much of the South East, and our installation service is available throughout the UK.

Are timber windows hard to look after?

Not at all. Our microporous paint and stain finishes are designed to keep maintenance simple, helping your windows stay in good condition for longer.

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