The importance of protecting timber windows
Barrettine Products, specialists in wood protection, offer guidance to window and door installers on incorporating protective treatments into their services to improve customer satisfaction.
Timber windows and doors are the epitome of timelessness, continually sought after across the UK for their unique beauty and traditional charm. Despite the development of manmade materials over the decades, timber continues to be chosen for its insulating properties, elegant aesthetics and, increasingly, its sustainability credentials.
However, as any seasoned installer knows, wooden windows and doors require upkeep, maintenance and protection if they are to maintain their strength and beauty.
This is where installers can play a crucial role. Steve Bailey, managing director of Barrettine explains: “By incorporating protective treatments designed specifically for timber, like UV protection oil, installers can demonstrate a level of customer care that goes beyond the finished installation.”
This, as Steve adds, “can help to set them apart from the competition in a competitive market.”
The beauty of natural finishes
Although painted timber windows and doors have long been a popular choice, there’s a growing appreciation for the timeless beauty of natural stained timber. These windows and doors are particularly sought after in traditional properties, cottages, and heritage buildings.
Additionally, the warm tones and natural grain of stained timber has become a popular choice for garden rooms, summerhouses and garden offices.
However, unlike their painted counterparts, stained windows are more susceptible to the harsh effects of UV rays, moisture, and general weathering. Over time, the timber can silver and suffer structural damage, leading to disappointed customers and potential damage to an installer’s reputation.
The solution is simpler than you might think, says Steve: “Specialised protection products for timber not only protect the wood but also set your services apart, showcasing your dedication to the long-term health of your customers’ timber frames.”
Lasting beauty
Timber windows are exposed to a harsh outdoor environment, including damaging UV rays that can cause the wood to grey and crack. This weathering can unfairly contribute to the perception that timber is less durable than other materials.
Armourflex Ultimate UV Protection Oil, an award-winning product from Barrettine, combines natural oils, waxes, and resins with cutting-edge UV stabilising technology. This formulation not only shields timber from damaging UV rays but also features excellent water repellence, creating a microporous finish that resists flaking, peeling, cracking, and blistering.
“We’ve poured years of research into Armourflex,” Steve explains. “It’s designed to not just bring out its natural beauty but also give it the strength to withstand whatever the British weather throws at it.”
For installers, incorporating UV protection treatments into their service offering presents a valuable opportunity to boost their professional credibility. Steve adds: “Recommending and applying UV protection oils is a simple step that can significantly enhance the perceived value of their service.”
Moreover, educating customers about the importance of ongoing maintenance provides an opportunity for follow-up services. “It’s not that homeowners aren’t willing to look after their timber windows,” Steve says, “it’s that they aren’t often sure of how or what products to use – this is where you can demonstrate your expertise.”
Maintenance should be carried out at least every year, but ideally twice-annually. A fungicidal wash like Barrettine Mould & Mildew Cleaner should be used to remove dirt and kill surface mould spores.
If windows have not been previously treated for protection against fungi and rot, a preservative like Barrettine Universal Preserver will need to be applied to the window frames first.
For optimal results, Barrettine recommends applying two to three coats of Armourflex UV Protection Oil evenly with the wood grain using a high-quality brush or roller, applying generously until the wood is saturated. Allow a minimum of four hours between coats.
As the popularity of timber windows continues to thrive, installers who can offer comprehensive protection solutions will stand out from the competition. Steve concludes: “In the end, it’s about preserving the natural beauty of timber windows whilst ensuring they stand the test of time. That’s a win for homeowners and installers”.