Wood has been the natural choice for windows for centuries and there are many excellent examples of wooden windows which are over 100 years old and still perfectly serviceable today. Wood is a natural renewable resource and, when adequately and appropriately maintained, can give many years of useful service. Additionally, when wooden windows shows signs of weathering, they can be sympathetically repaired to extend their life. This option is not available with man-made alternatives which will fade and discolour over a period of time.

Inevitably, however, windows reach the point where they are beyond repair and require replacement at which time it may be possible to incorporate modern technology to upgrade their performance whilst maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the originals. Alternatively, you may wish to take the opportunity to replace the windows with something that is more in keeping with the period of the building, where uPVC or aluminium replacements have been used in the past, or for a design that is more aesthetically pleasing.

To ensure that you achieve the maximum life from any external joinery including windows, it is very important to instigate a regular maintenance routine which will involve inspection and cleaning on a quarterly basis after the final protective covering (paint or stain) has been applied in accordance with the paint manufacturers’ instructions. Additionally, to enable sliding sash windows to operate smoothly, apply a silicon spray or candle wax to the pulley stiles regularly and always treat your windows with care, avoiding slamming them shut or forcing them open and always use the window furniture provided


Replacement of sliding sash box windows in a terraced property in Lewes, East Sussex.