Aluminium window frames are a low maintenance product and are very durable and known to last for many decades without repair or re-finishing. A majority of new commercial buildings and also large installations in flats or apartments use powder coated aluminum windows for this reason, along with the structural qualities of aluminium. However some infrequent cleaning and maintenance will help to ensure that painted/powder coated aluminum windows remain looking clean, bright and complimentary to your home for a long time.

This blog advises on the cleaning/maintenance for modern polyester powder coated windows. High quality and painted aluminum windows are finished with a process called Electrostatic powder coating, whereby  the finish is sprayed electrostatically onto the window section (causing the paint powder to stick) and then baked onto the aluminum itself (at around 200°C – the heat of a conventional home oven!) This powder coating is very durable and achieves a hard coating, with good coverage and which is very tough and resistant to the elements. However no paint coating can be 100% maintenance free – and you can extend the lifespan of windows considerably by following some basic, infrequent maintenance/cleaning. Here are some guidelines which we recommend for our aluminium windows:

 Environment and regularity of cleaning:

-  In areas with the influence of salt water (coastal houses or adjacent to a busy, gritted road) or nearby to other scources of heavy emissions (motorways, industrial areas) we recommend that windows should be cleaned at least every three months. In a cleaner environment cleaning every six months would be sufficient.

-  When carrying out external cleaning, internal surfaces are sometimes missed – over time tobacco, coal or wood smoke can discolour even hard powder coated windows. We recommend cleaning internally at least once a year in a smoke-free home.

 Recommended cleaning procedure for new aluminum windows with gloss coating:

-Wash window frames in warm water solution with a non-alkaline liquid detergent. This can be either a specific window frame cleaning detergent/soap or a normal household detergent/soap with a PH value of less than 7 (or a general PH neutral soap-based detergent available in most supermarkets.)

-Use a non abrasive cloth or sponge or a very soft bristle brush. Wash frames to remove grime and any deposits. Wash out all ridges, grooves and joints, where salt and dirt can collect – which prevents corrosion from occurring in the future.

-Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry using a soft cloth or chamois leather.

-For maximum protection and shine, a window specific or automotive/car wax product can be applied once a year, but be sure to test on an area of the frame before use.

 For older aluminum window frames / restoration (gloss coatings):

-For older window frames, if any reduction of the gloss/shine is observed or if “chalking” is evident, then a window renovating cream can be used. Which is a very mild abrasive and polish. Use caution to make sure the cream purchased is recommended for powder coated / polyester finishes. Automotive colour restoring creams can be used sparingly, but its important to use only “non abrasive.” automotive colour restoring products.  We advise caution and wherever possible, a specific window product should be used. Older style automotive colour restoring creams (such as basic T-Cut) may be too abrasive and could permanently damage the powder coated finish.

-If using a colour restoring product, which may have a mild abrasive action, take extra caution on any ridges or sharp corners (on beads for example) where the paint finish may be thinner more prone to wear from over-polishing. This procedure should not be carried out or required often, even on older powder coated window frames.

-Polish with a soft cloth

-For the utmost protection, an window specific or automotive wax product can be applied once a year.

 Durability, Textured and Wood Grain Effect Finishes:

Stanbrook and Nicholson have recently started to supply aluminium windows with a range of thicker, matt and textured frame finishes. This range of finishes look great in both modern houses and restoration projects but are also highly resistant to corrosion, dirt build up and are very scratch resistant (like a household non-stick finish.)

Recently, very realistic wood grain finishes have also become available, which have similar hard wearing properties to our standard polyester powder coated finishes, but very accurately replicate the look of wooden windows.  Please click here for further information about any of our aluminium window products.

To underline the durability of modern powder coated aluminium windows. All aluminium windows supplied by Stanbrook and Nicholson are covered by a  paint finish guarantee against; peeling, powdering, blistering, corrosion, chalking, fading and loss of sheen. Demonstrating that aluminium windows can last and look good for a very long time if properly maintained!

We hope you have found this information helpful.

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However what we are really excited about is the new product to be launched at the show!  We have redesigned our flush window so that now it is swung on a concealed pivot hinge. There are many pluses to this style of design including ease of fitting, security, aesthetics and the combined added bonus of being able use some hardware from a German company.  The system can lock when the window is open and therefore hold the window in an open position without the need for a casement stay.

Both Directors are excited about the prospect this new window gives customers of Stanbrook & Nicholson.

“I for one am very positive as I now believe we are offering a truly market leading product that holds up to companies far larger than us,  I feel my company has made a very important step forward.  This window should prove to be our best seller”

Simon Nicholson

“This pivot hinge casement window has been in our plans for a while,  it is nice to be able to take it to the homebuilding show and let our customers see how we are really progressing in this market.  We have also made some very good improvements to our sliding box sash and I believe people will be able to really see these against our competitors”.

Ben Stanbrook

With all these things happening it has been a very busy time at Stanbrook & Nicholson,  two weeks ago we welcomed Stephen Smart our new factory manger.  Stephen has extensive experience in the joinery business having run his own firm and been a timed served bench joiner for some very high end companies.  We are very pleased to welcome him to our growing family and look forward to the further improvements in production and design he is going to be able to offer us.

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Often people make the mistake of assuming that condensation signifies a problem with their window, but this is usually not the case. In fact, condensation on the outside facing window can signal that your windows are well insulated, preventing enough heat from escaping and causing the condensation to evaporate.

Condensation on the inside of your home, however, can be a problem. Whilst small foggy patches in the corner of a window that quickly evaporate will not necessarily be cause for concern, excessive condensation can run off windows and cause damage to timber frames.

One of the main causes of condensation is that water vapour in your home is unable to escape into the outside air. Water vapour is present in just about all types of air, but it can vary in density. Water vapour will naturally try to dilute to an even balance across a body of air; heavier concentrations of vapour will try to disperse into lighter concentrations. The walls and windows of your home prevent the vapour from easily dispersing into the outside air, causing it to build up inside the home.

Human activity contributes greatly towards increasing the amount of water vapour inside the home. Cooking, cleaning, showers, bathing and other various activities all cause humidity. Without proper ventilation, it can build up and cause condensation. Whist water vapour can naturally pass through building materials such as bricks, plaster, wood and mortar to a degree, it cannot pass through glass, which is why you can often see it condensing on your windows. Furthermore, many modern building materials can go further towards sealing the home to prevent heat loss, but at the same time they can prevent water vapour from escaping. Many modern homes are also smaller and trap the same amount of water vapour you would expect in a larger home into a smaller space, increasing the chances of condensation.

Wood has the ability to store up moisture. Many people will see condensation for the first few weeks of winter. This can happen when a home has had its heating off for the summer and moisture has built up in the wood. When the heating is switched back on, the wood begins to dry out releasing more water vapour into a home.

Simple steps can be taken to reduce vapour content in the air and lessen the chances of condensation forming in your home.

• Switching the heating on after a humid summer, and ventilating the home at the same time, will help to dry out any wood and avoid condensation.
• Using extractor fans when cooking helps and ensuring that you have enough ventilation in places such as your bathroom or laundry room, where appliances can add more water vapour to your home.
• Opening doors or windows for a few minutes a day can also help water vapour to escape into the outside air.

It is a good idea to remember that properly installed double glazed windows are not likely be the source of a condensation problem.

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Companies like ours join the BWF to connect with other companies and offer our customers a guarantee of good workmanship.

As members of the BWF, we’re listed as suppliers on their website. This gives prospective clients the chance to check up on our credentials and verify that we can carry out the jobs we’re quoting for.

BWF members cover all kinds of woodwork and joinery tasks, from doors and timber windows to orangeries and conservatories. Joiners also take on a high proportion of shopfitting jobs and create bespoke designs for clients. The BWF provides members with a number of training schemes, including health and safety training, but also training for the equipment we use. This ensures we’re always safe and working within safety guidelines. Training protects us, but it also gives you peace of mind that we take care to do things properly when we’re working in your home and garden. Joinery firms can also take up training if they have managers, or if they supervise people working on projects for them, to make sure staff are given the best support.

There are a number of restrictions in joinery and glazing, particularly when it comes to things like access, or the way in which a staircase has to be made. When we fit windows, we need to ensure they are secure but provide adequate ventilation. We also need to ensure that any windows which unexpectedly break do so safely and without posing a risk to occupants. Through our BWF membership, we ensure we’re meeting (or even exceeding) regulations around energy efficiency, security and safety. We can ensure we’re always on top of the latest laws and regulations and check up on developments in the law.

Finally, one of the important aspects of BWF membership is sustainability. We know this is an area important to our clients, and we strive to obtain wood from renewable sources. The BWF offers online courses to keep our knowledge fresh so we’re always working to the very latest guidelines around sustainability. Our membership helps us to creatively re-use and recycle timber waste wherever possible. Through e-learning and workshops, we ensure all our staff strive to keep carbon emissions low, reduce waste at every stage of manufacture and use only the best wood from the most ethical sources available.

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Here are a few other things you need to look for when choosing a supplier for your oak windows.

Do they make bespoke designs?

Rather than buying standard windows in unsightly uPVC, why not work with a specialist oak window company on a bespoke timber window shape? An experienced window supplier will have a range of standard frames, but they should also be able to manufacture bespoke windows in flush or stormproof timber casings. This allows you to place new, modern windows in awkward spots.

The stormproof window we produce is a modern, popular take on the classic window, giving you supreme protection against the elements without looking out of place, and we can customise it to fit the building too. Experienced oak window manufacturers know how to fit custom windows that have the necessary space to allow the wood to move and breathe.

Will the windows be suitable for a listed building?

Timber windows can look just as modern as uPVC or aluminium frames, but in some situations, you need windows which are suitable for older buildings. A good oak window supplier will be able to duplicate the design of box sash windows, giving your building the same traditional look but updating the energy efficiency and security of your windows.

Replacing sash windows can help to keep drafts out, and in high winds, your windows won’t move or rattle. Modern box sash windows can even be fitted with weights and pulleys for a completely authentic look and feel. If you prefer, update the windows with spiral balances. Quality window makers will be able to make thin glazed sash windows that are almost indistinguishable from the originals.

Will the windows be durable?

Purchasing new windows is a big investment, but the improvement to your property can be dramatic. Of course, you’ll want to make the investment last as long as possible. Well-made timber windows should last a lifetime, so make sure your supplier or carpenter has a track record of providing high quality windows before you put down that deposit. Ask to see examples of previous work, or check picture galleries on their website for examples that you can chase up and verify.

How much time and money will be needed for maintenance?

Choose a supplier who can reassure you about the maintenance period for your new windows. All timber frame windows, including oak windows, need to be maintained, but normally you won’t need to treat the wood for a certain number of years; the exact amount of time will vary depending on the finish you choose, with stained windows needing maintenance sooner than solid colours. Once the time comes to treat your oak windows, you should be able to do this yourself or call the manufacturer for advice.

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Wood is more attractive than plastic

If your property has striking period doors, an expert bespoke window manufacturer will be able to produce wooden window frames to your exact custom specification. This ability to exactly match old and new, and create totally custom shapes and sizes, sets wood apart from lesser window frames made from metal and plastic.

In contrast to plastic uPVC windows, timber window frames are more suitable for older properties. In fact, timber is generally a more attractive solution than plastic in any home, but this is a vital consideration in listed buildings. When choosing a window manufacturer, bear in mind that uPVC can lower the value of your home if it looks out-of-place, whereas timber window frames will almost always blend in and look natural.

Wood is easy to care for

 Timber frames are low-maintenance, particularly when made from hardwood such as oak, maple or walnut. Hardwood window frames can last a lifetime with minimal maintenance, and if you choose a quality manufacturer, your window frames won’t warp or split. Don’t worry about natural movement or swelling of your wooden frames: the timber will expand and contract, but wooden window frames are actually far less prone to this than plastic window frames. On average, a plastic window will expand twice as far as a wooden window, and in very hot weather, plastic can actually soften and distort. This massive expansion and twisting can result in splits in the sealant that holds the glass in the uPVC frame.

Wood does need to be checked and maintained: usually this involves treating the wood every 5-10 years, or asking your window manufacturer to carry out the maintenance on your behalf.

Wood is greener

 Timber windows are environmentally friendly to produce, and most credible bespoke window manufacturers source their wood from sustainable forests, ensuring minimal environmental impact in the production of their frames. The manufacturing process doesn’t involve harmful toxins, and there is less waste overall.

If a window frame should become damaged, it’s relatively easy to repair the frame to ensure your home is secure and insulated: plastic windows usually cannot be repaired and need to be taken out and replaced.

Although wooden window frames are long-lasting, they occasionally need to be removed. If this is necessary, the process of disposing them is very eco-friendly when compared to wood or aluminium. Disposing of uPVC window frames releases damaging chemicals and toxins into the environment, whereas disposing of wood is simple and safe, and much of the wood can be recycled. Timber is a naturally insulating material, so wood window frames also help to improve the energy efficiency of your property.

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A roof lantern is a really stylish alternative to a skylight and can be designed to fit any flat roof. In fact, a roof lantern looks like a traditional conservatory ceiling. They are typically made from wood (such as solid oak) and incorporate large glass panels to allow daylight to flood into the room from the sky above. This can help you to utilise ‘lost’ space in your home which is currently lacking in natural light. Roof lanterns can also be fitted to modernise a property or highlight a particular space within the home.

Roof lanterns can be fitted with motors so that they can open and close at the touch of a button.  These motors can have rain sensors fitted so they close automatically when it rains.  This can give a tired room a completely new lease of life, turning it into a well-ventilated summer house in warm weather and a cosy den at night.

Where might I install a roof lantern?  

A roof lantern works well in any room that would benefit from more light, particularly if you can’t add a conservatory or orangery to your property. If you have a dining or reception room with a flat roof, a roof lantern will help to brighten the area and give the illusion of space. An expert window manufacturer can help you to design a bespoke roof lantern for almost any area or shape of roof. The only consideration you need to make is the building style you already have.

It’s a good idea to work with your bespoke window manufacturer to design a perfect structure which makes the most of your space without dwarfing the existing structure or looking out of place. Of course, if your home is modern, there’s the option of designing a striking, unique shape and size to match the rest of the glazing.

Are roof lanterns prone to problems?  

As with any modern glazing, roof lanterns are more robust than they ever have been. The chance of any leaks or other issues is minute. The glass and sealing methods used in a roof lantern are of the same standard as that used in conservatories and orangeries: all the parts are fit-for-purpose and have been tried and tested in thousands of roof lanterns. Modern glazing and timber frames are hard wearing and offer superior insulation compared with old-fashioned conservatory glazing.

Will my roof lantern be easy to maintain?  

Yes! The maintenance routine for a roof lantern is similar to the maintenance you need for any timber windows. Materials such as oak always need to be treated every four years to keep the frames strong. You can do this yourself, but in the case of roof lanterns it’s sometimes safer and easier to employ someone to do this for you. You can visit our timber roof lantern page by clicking this link

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What is European Oak?

 European oak is a type of hardwood that naturally insulates any property and acts as an ideal companion to modern double and triple glazing. It is versatile, durable and attractive, and it resists rotting and decay extremely well. Unlike UPVC windows, oak blends in to the surroundings and looks much more pleasing, particularly in listed buildings and rural areas where white window surrounds would look out of place. We find that it’s ideal for window frames: it’s strong and easy to work with, and it resists common afflictions like fungi and woodworm incredibly well.

European oak accepts a wide range of different finishes and can come in various different shades and colours.

All of this makes European oak an extremely popular material in British homes; it’s often used to make staircases, doors, cabinets, skirting boards, ceiling beams and other objects which need to be tough and hard-wearing. It’s also very good value for money, and windows made from oak should last a lifetime.

All the oak we use at Stanbrook & Nicholson is sourced from sustainable forests, and we take care to ensure the felling and processing of our wood is completed in an eco-friendly way.

European Oak: Things to remember

 European oak is a fantastic material for windows. It looks wonderful in any setting, and it gives you a solid, secure window frame in a variety of styles and shapes. Although it is relatively low maintenance compared to other materials, you do need to remember to look after it over time.

Our European Oak windows are initially guaranteed to be maintenance-free for five years, but beyond this point, you should ensure any external oak is treated annually with a fresh finish to protect it against the elements. You can do this yourself or employ a tradesmen to do it for you. Of course, our skilled staff would be pleased to return and complete the job for you when the time comes.

Oak will naturally swell and move slightly with the weather, but with the right treatments, this need not be a problem. All of our bespoke windows are designed to incorporate the natural, subtle changes in size and shape without affecting your timber window frames.

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