The Welsh Borders: rugged countryside, rolling hills…and driving rain. The ideal windows for a stone cottage in this exposed environment are wooden stormproof windows.
What are stormproof windows?
‘Stormproof’ is a term used for a particular design of window that provides greater protection against the elements. In the case of casement windows, the opening casement has a lip that covers the static window frame (see picture below). Compared to conventional casements, which sit inside the window frame, this overlap provides a better seal. When made in a hard wood and double glazed, these windows should stormproof a cottage for many years.

The edge of an old stormproof (left) and standard (right) wooden casement window
Wooden stormproof windows
Oliver Gibbs Carpentry & Joinery was commissioned to make 7 casement stormproof windows in Oak. After producing drawings, the units were crafted by hand in our Shropshire workshop. The windows were glazed with thin 14mm krypton filled double glazing and finished with exterior grade oil, showing the character and beauty of the wood. A local blacksmith forged the ironmongery, which we fitted when installing the windows to the cottage. The natural warmth of the finished Oak windows nicely complements the cold grey of the Welsh stone.
The stormproof windows maybe well designed for the Welsh Borders, but we discovered our van is not – it broke down several times on our journey to and from Shrewsbury. If only vans lasted as long as English Oak!
For more information or a quote for making or fitting wooden stormproof windows in Shropshire, please contact our Shrewsbury Carpenters and Joiners.
Gallery
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Related pages:
Wooden sash windows and French doors
Tips for commissioning carpentry work
A brief guide to planning permission