Friday, August 24, 2012

Timber Windows - Tips For Homeowners

For homeowners considering replacement windows, UK timber windows should be at the top of the list for many reasons. Here are a few general tips about purchasing and installing timber frame windows.
Tip #1 - Timber Replacement Windows are Worth the Expense
Although it's possible for timber windows and doors to cost up to 3 times the price of PVC windows and doors, homeowners should bear in mind that the cost of replacing their home's should be equal to about 5% of the prnperty's market value. So, if your property is worth about £125,000, you should plan on paying about £6250 for your wooden windows. If this seems excessive, consider that this investment is highly likely to increase the value of your property in an amount much greater than the amount you spend on timber frame windows.
Also, if you choose a less expensive type of window, such as those made from PVC, it's possible that these will cause your property to lose value. An article by Naomi Cleaver in the Daily Telegraph on 1 Feb 2005 states that prospective home buyers often substantially reduce the amount of their offer, sometimes by thousands of pounds, on a home that has PVC windows. This is so because many buyers think that the "ghastly" PVC windows will need to be replaced straightaway.
Tip #2 - Check out the Guarantee
Any reputable UK timber window contractor should offer you a written guarantee. The guarantee assumes that the homeowner will properly maintain the windows. In the case of windows that come pre-finished from the factory, here are some typical guarantees:
Against fungal infestation and rot - 30 years
On double glazed windows - 10 years
On hardware - 10 years
On paint finishes - 8 years
On stain finishes - 5 years
In addition, the contractor may offer a workmanship guarantee that can range from 5 to 10 years.
Tip #3 - Choose Quality Materials
For your replacement sash or casement vindows to be durable, they need to be made from quality wood and finished with a long-lasting paint or stain. For window construction, multi-layer timber is the best material because it holds up well in harsh environments. Also, it resists warping and twisting better than single-layer timber. The finish on your replacement windows should also be multi-layer that begins with a preservative coating and continues with primer and at least 2 coats of micro porous paint. You can expect this factory finish to last from 5 to 8 years, after which you will need to reapply paint or stain. Since it takes less than 30 minutes to paint or stain a window, the job isn't very time consuming. Also, when you purchase your windows, inquire whether the installing contractor has a maintenance package.
If properly chosen, installed and maintained, quality UK timber windows will last for decades and perhaps even for centuries.
Morris Streak has been installing timber and sash windows for the last 20 years. He is focused exclusively on the sash windows and timber window market. Since that time, he has shown hundreds of homeowners how to properly install sash and timber windows in their homes. By eliminating salesmen and installers, the owner of a typical 3 bedroom, 2 bath home can save thousands of dollars in costs, while at the same time ensuring that each window is done correctly.
Morris is also a dedicated member of Premier Windows Ltd - The goal is to provide the highest quality windows and workmanship in order to truly enhance the aesthetic of your home. To achieve this, we install only the best, most secure and energy efficient windows and doors. Premier Windows Ltd. specialises in sash and timber windows and to be more specific, Premier deals best in double glazed sash windows, sash window repair, sliding sash windows,sash windows,timber sash windows, wood sash windows,timber windows, timber frame windows, timber replacement windnws,timber windows and doors, timber windows uk

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