Restoring your Wooden windows as part of installing double glazing
If your wood windows are showing their age, that doesn't necessarily stop them from being suitable for retrofit double glazing. Frames and sashes can move over time, gaps can develop, timber can deteriorate and windows that once opened easily may begin to stick or stop working properly.
Our qualified timber joiners assess the condition of your existing windows and carry out the restoration work required before the new Thermawood double glazing system is installed.
You may be surprised by what we can be repair and restore! If your timber windows or doors are showing their age, talk to Thermawood Otago before deciding what to do. We'll take a look, explain your options and provide a quote for the work required.
Repairing rotten or damaged timber
Finding some rot doesn't automatically mean the whole window needs replacing. Where practical, damaged or rotten timber frames or windows can be repaired while retaining the sound parts of the existing joinery. If a section is too badly deteriorated to save, replacement timber components can be made to match the existing window and fitted as part of the restoration. A complete sash can also be replaced where necessary.
The aim is to repair what we can and replace only what we need to, leaving you with sound timber joinery ready for its new double glazing.
Getting your windows in good working order
There's little point improving the glazing if the window itself doesn't work properly. As part of the restoration, we can address windows that stick, have been painted shut or no longer sit correctly within their frames. Double-hung windows may also need attention to their operating mechanisms and sash weights so they move smoothly and stay where they're supposed to.
Adjusting and restoring the window before the new glass is installed means we're upgrading the whole window, not simply changing the glass.
Draught sealing for timber windows and doors
Draught sealing is an important part of getting the best performance from your newly restored and double-glazed timber windows.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Years of movement within a building can leave frames and sashes slightly out of square, with gaps that vary from one window to the next. Our timber joiners assess each window or door and fit the appropriate seal for the way it opens and the gaps that need addressing.
Rather than simply sticking seals onto a surface, Thermawood draught seals are precision machined directly into a timber carrier or the window frame, creating a discreet, secure and long lasting seal that becomes part of the window itself. Casement windows can be adjusted where required before sealing to help achieve the best possible fit. For double-hung windows, purpose-designed seals allow the sashes to continue sliding smoothly.
As well as reducing unwanted draughts, the sealing can help reduce rattles and outside noise. Once the windows are finished and painted, the seals are barely noticeable – but you'll notice the difference they make.
Hardware for timber windows and doors
Where existing handles, catches, hinges and other fittings are in good condition and working as they should, we can often retain them as part of the retrofit.
When replacement hardware is required, we have a wide range of options to suit different window and door styles, from traditional and heritage homes through to more contemporary properties. This includes heritage-style hardware and a choice of designs and finishes, allowing us to select fittings that complement the age, character and existing features of your home.
We understand that the small details matter, particularly with villas, character and heritage homes. Our aim is to upgrade the performance and operation of your windows and doors without losing the features that make them unique.
Hardware requirements are assessed as part of the retrofit process, and we'll discuss the most suitable options with you before installation.
Ready for the finishing touches
Once the timber restoration is complete, bare timber is primed and pin holes are filled, leaving the windows ready for their final paint finish. You can arrange your own painter, or we can recommend one.
Don't let tired wooden windows put you off double glazing. We can assess your old windows and talk through your options. Get in touch to arrange a quote for your timber windows in Dunedin, Otago or Southland.
We carefully assess your timber windows when preparing your quote, but sometimes rot or other damage isn't visible until a window is opened up as part of the retrofit process.
If we uncover additional damage, we'll stop and let you know. We'll take photos of the affected area, explain what we've found and provide a price for any additional repair work required before proceeding.
Where timber needs to be replaced, new components can be made to match the existing joinery as closely as possible, helping retain the character and integrity of your windows.
Hidden rot can affect the original quoted price, but we'll always discuss any additional work and costs with you first so there are no unexpected charges.
Yes, provided it's still in good working condition and suitable for the retrofit. There's no need to replace perfectly good window hardware simply because you're upgrading the glazing. If something does need replacing, Thermawood Otago has a range of new hardware that can be selected to suit your existing windows and fittings.
Adding double glazing increases the weight of the sash, so the existing counterweights may no longer balance it correctly. As part of the Thermawood process, sash windows can be reweighted to accommodate the new double-glazed unit, allowing them to continue opening, closing and staying in position properly.
Yes. Thermawood Otago can draught seal opening windows, including double-hung windows, but if there's a window you don't want to open, it can also be sealed shut to prevent draughts coming through the joins.
Timber windows still need normal ongoing maintenance. Thermawood recommends keeping an eye on the condition of the timber and maintaining its protective finish. Depending on the type of finish, timber can be protected with suitable paint, varnish, oil, wax or timber preservative.
Recommend highly for anyone replacing or having windows fixed
"Speedy response for quote and actually did the job earlier than expected. The two builders were chatty and worked really quickly and professionally on getting the windows out, removing all the rot from the sills and mullion and replacing with new timber that when undercoated you couldn’t see the patches at all.
The new double glazed windows look great. They cleaned up all the building work really tidily and no damage to my lillies under the windows they were repairing! Recommend highly for anyone replacing or having windows fixed."
L Newell
Thermawood gives a great service and pricing
"As a landlord I am always repairing windows so being able to simply call in and know that the work will be done on time is a big help. I highly recommend them to other people who prefer to repair instead of replacing their windows."
S Bryant
I was amazed...
"We have two huge glass slider doors that were bowed and creating big draft gaps. I was skeptical this could be repaired, but Thermawood took them away for 3 hours and returned them 100% repaired. I was amazed :)"
S Ross