Most frequently asked questions about buying new timber windows

Who is John Mumford and what, exactly, is fenestration? We provide the answers to the questions our clients ask the most.

When it comes to home renovation, fitting new doors and windows can be one of the quickest ways to transform a property. A beautiful timber window that has been designed well and looks perfectly balanced in terms of proportion, shape, and colour is a thing of real beauty. You might not think that windows and doors can have too much of an aesthetic impact, but the reactions that our products usually get when seen for the first time prove that they most certainly do.

When looked after as recommended, our quality timber windows have a lifespan of 50 years or more, so our clients regard it to be a long-term investment for their home, and they want to be sure of everything before they make the final decision and order from us. Offering an exemplary service is at the heart of what we do, and we’re always happy to answer their questions. So, what do we get asked the most often? Here are our most frequently asked questions:

Why should I choose timber windows over other materials?

Unfortunately, timber didn’t have the best reputation in the past. Many builders and installers may well advise you against opting for timber windows as it’s likely they’ve had to replace plenty of rotting timber window frames in their time. However, with modern technologies and techniques, timber windows crafted from Accoya timber will last even longer than uPVC products and will most certainly provide a better aesthetic to your property. The two things you need from your timber are stability and durability, which prevents the wood from moving and cracking to result in water ingress. Our blend of engineered Redwood and Accoya is the perfect combination, resulting in a stable and robust window that will never move nor rot.

What kind of wood is Accoya?

Accoya is a highly innovative timber material which has been a real game-changer in the industry. What’s more, it’s also highly sustainable and environmentally friendly. We discuss the benefits of Accoya considerably in our blog articles – take a look at The sustainable life cycle of a timber roof lantern. 

What is engineered timber?

Engineered timber is made by combining three thinner sections of wood. The sections are laid in alternative grain directions to give added strength and stability, bonded using high-tech glue and compressed under immense pressure. What you end up with is a superior timber material which is exceptionally reliable and performs flawlessly.

Can I choose my own paint for my doors and windows?

We have a colour range that you can choose from, or we can also mix a custom colour for you in our workshop. However, we only use Teknos paint systems for all our joinery. Teknos is a fantastic water-based, microporous paint system. We spray-apply three coasts of the paint onto the joinery, and as the water evaporates the wood is left with a highly durable and protective coating. Three spray-applied coats are about the equivalent of 9-12 brush coats and leave a flawless finish.  

How long do your products last?

Providing you give them a little bit of care and maintenance on a bi-annual basis (see our Autumn maintenance guide) you won’t need to worry about replacing them for decades to come . Accoya is guaranteed to last for up to 50 years, and you won’t even need to worry about repainting your joinery for at least 10-12 years.

What does fenestration mean?

Fenestration means the way the windows are arranged or designed on a building – from size and shape to positioning. It’s essential to take this into account if you want a beautiful house as a window has the power to make or break the architectural integrity of your property.

Do you only supply to properties in the UK?

Whilst the majority of projects we work on are domestic properties in the UK, we have installed our products into domestic and commercial buildings all over the world, including France, Denmark and Turkey, as well as in the United States & Asia. Our first international project was the renovation of a penthouse apartment in Paris in 1996.

I’ve got an architect working at my house – can you collaborate with them?

Whether you have a new build or renovation project, we’re happy to work alongside other architects and construction professionals. For all our windows, doors and roof lanterns, we provide full written specifications. They are welcome to submit your project details to us by email or post, or we can arrange to visit them at The Building Centre, at their office, or at your property to discuss the project’s details. 

Do I need to make sure my installers are FENSA registered?

Yes, there’s no doubt about it. Every FENSA Approved Installer, from large national brands to small local companies, is assessed regularly to ensure that standards are continually maintained. Replacing doors and windows is no small undertaking, and you want to make sure that you are hiring a responsible firm that prides itself on its performance and wants to leave your home in a pristine condition.

Where are your products made?

All our products are bespoke and manufactured in our factory in South Woodham Ferrers, in the middle of the Essex countryside. We love inviting our clients to visit our workshop to see the action for themselves. We utilise the latest high-tech machinery in the market to create consistency and efficiency in our processes. At the same time, our highly skilled craftsmen take the time and care needed to hand-finish each product to the very highest of standards. You’re welcome to come and take a look. Find out more about our bespoke joinery workshop here. 

Who is John Mumford, and why does he appear on your website?

John is an innovative pioneer in the timber doors and windows industry. His knowledge of doors and windows is second to none, and he was the first to create a fully factory finished double glazed timber sash window at a time when uPVC windows were dominating the market. At the time, timber had a bad reputation as a material, and John’s designs effectively changed the game for UK timber window manufacturing. Westbury Windows and Joinery teamed up with John Mumford, bringing our attention to design detailing and elegant aesthetics to the mix.

At Westbury, we want our customers to feel assured that their bespoke joinery has been built to the highest of standards while causing minimal damage to the environment.  If you’d like to take a tour of our factory in Essex, then contact us today to book your appointment.