Frequently Asked Questions
Which material is best? Plastic or wood? With a doubt, wood. A naturally sustainable product that will last for years with proper maintenance.
Which is the best timber?
Basically there are two types to initially choose from; Softwood or Hardwood.
Softwood requires Double-Vac pressure treatment before it is painted, for environmental reasons, spirit treatments are being phased out, and water-based preservatives are not as effective.
Hardwood is more naturally resistant to weathering; natural oils & tannin mean that hardwood is far more durable and long lasting.
Why should I install timber instead of uPVC windows? Timber windows will enhance the look of your home, provide years on service and maintain, possibly even increase the value of your property. uPVC windows have a finite lifespan, double glazing seals can rot and cause premature failure & the windows may well discolour. It is unlikely that plastic windows will have a positive effect on property value.
Can you really manufacture double glazed windows that will look the same as existing windows? Yes - Double glazed units can be fitted to virtually every design of window, with careful attention to glazing bars and astragals, new double-glazed windows will maintain the character of your home.
Are you a member of FENSA? There are three companies who oversee the correct installation of windows and doors. The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme is a way that a householder can be sure the company installing their new windows is complying with building regulations. Companies who are registered with either Certass Ltd, British Standards Institute or Fensa Ltd are self-assessing and overseen by the relevant body. Upon completion of a job, you will receive a certificate of compliance from your contractors governing body. Willowside Joinery Ltd subscribe to the Certass scheme.
How effective is your draught-sealing? Draught-sealing can transform a home without the need for costly replacement. Apart form the elimination of draughts, you'll notice a reduction in noise, less dust and dirt coming from the window and of course the window will now operate correctly.
Do you give a guarantee? We offer a ten-year guarantee on all new joinery. This guarantee can be underwritten for ten-years through insurers at Lloyds of London. We offer deposit protection insurance to cover the time between deposit being paid and window installation. We offer a three-year guarantee on draught-sealing work.
Is the work messy? Replacement of windows can be messy, often the window being removed is original and this can lead to dust and soot being disturbed. Our fitters will cover your carpets and furniture with clean dustsheets and polythene as necessary. Once they've vacuumed up at the end of the job, you'll only know they were there by the beautiful new windows.
Do you use sub-contractors? No. All of our staff are full time employees of Willowside Joinery Ltd. All manufacturing is carried out by our own skilled staff at our workshops in Dunsden. We only install our own products.
How long does it take to make new windows? Lead-times can vary although we normally expect to install windows about eight weeks from receipt of deposit.
Do you employ salesmen? No. After you initial enquiry, we'll give you a call to arrange a convenient time to come along and survey your windows, once we have all the details, a comprehensive quote will be posted out to you. Once you have our quote any decisions are yours, we don't believe in pushiness or pressure selling.