Retro Wood provides double glazing units to replace single glazed windows, ensuring you get the full benefit of latest double glazing technology! Double glazing provides two sheets of glass separated by a space bar with different options of Argon gas filled to produce higher insulation qualities. Depending on the windows use, location and height it may also be required to be safety glass to meet the building code requirements. The glazing units are supplied by local glass supply companies who also provide a 10 year warrantee against faulty workmanship or leakages.  Retro fitting your existing wooden windows provides the same benefits of a new double glazed window, but retains the original character and save on price. 

There are a number of new processes used to prevent future moisture damage from water getting inside the frame. Retro Wood cuts out the old window and prepares the new window cavity by first priming the exposed timber, then placing a full moisture barrier along the bottom sill. The moisture barrier is the same as those used in wet areas like bathrooms and showers and is designed to stop water penetration as well as drain water away from the high risk areas. The glass is sealed into the sash unit using special foam rubber tapes and bitumen adhesives.These provide moisture deflection away from the inside of the frame. The edge of the glass and glazing beads are fitted with a silicon seal that prevents water entering between the glass and the beads. 

One of the biggest drawbacks of timber frames has been the high level of maintenance required to ensure that moisture doesn't damage your frames or structure. Often once the paint layer has failed water is free to penetrate the timber and can cause damage. Timber shield is a fibreglass and emulation layer normally used to waterproof external flat roofs and gutters. We offer this service as a way of protecting the critical bottom window sill with an extra reinforcement layer that will deflect water rather than allow water to seep into cracks and cause rot. While the timber shield will need a regular maintenance coat of paint every 6-10 years, it offers a higher level of moisture protection compared to a regular paint finish without the protective barrier.

If a window is a double or single hung and uses counter weights to open and close then it will be necessary to add further weights to balance the increased weight of the double glazing units. This process requires the window sashes to be removed and re-roped with new weights. Hardware can be re-used or replaced depending on your preference. We can provide you with various hardware replacement options.