Blog

Environmentally Friendly
Environmentally Friendly
Award Winning Team
Award Winning Team
Made in Britain (1)
Made in Britain
Illustration explaining Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Scope 1 shows direct emissions from company-owned sources such as vehicles, forklifts, and on-site fuel use. Scope 2 shows indirect emissions from purchased energy, including electricity used to power buildings and machinery. Scope 3 shows other indirect emissions across the value chain, including raw materials, transportation, employee activities, product use, and end-of-life disposal.
The Truth About Sustainable Window Manufacturing 
The construction industry is currently lost in a thick, confusing green fog. But the time of vague environmental claims and green leafy logos is over. Specifiers today grapple with...
A timber-framed garden room extension featuring large glazed panels and double doors in a warm oak finish, showcasing how high-quality timber in UK housing enhances character, natural light and countryside views.
Is timber the future of UK housing?
Timber built Britain. From sash windows to front doors, it shaped our homes for centuries. Then, plastic arrived, and for a while, everyone thought that was progress. Fast-forward to...
Black-and-white historical photograph showing Royal Engineers of the British Army repairing or constructing scaling ladders near Arras, France, on 8 April 1917. Several soldiers in uniform are working with timber beams and tools in a trench or dugout area, surrounded by debris and construction materials. This is a wartime scene captured during World War I, used here for illustrative purposes.
Joiners at War: How Did Timber Craftsmanship Support World War I?
The joiners of World War I helped build the war effort from the ground up – and they did it under fire. Behind every line of defence and every...
Illustration comparing early and modern window definitions. On the left, a family sits inside a thatched-roof hut with a smoke hole above a central fire, labelled “Vindauga (Old Norse): Hole in roof for air and smoke.” On the right, a woman stands by a large glazed window in a bright modern room, labelled “Window (Modern): Opening in a wall for light and air, typically filled with glass.”
How Have Windows Evolved Over Time?
What defines a window? Windows are so commonplace now, that you may think that the meaning of the word is obvious. The Oxford Dictionary defines a window as: “an...
Two joiners working together in a workshop, lifting and inspecting a wooden window frame. One is wearing white overalls and safety glasses, while the other wears black workwear. Shelving, tools, and machinery are visible in the background of the busy joinery workshop.
Apprenticeships and the Future of Joinery
The skills crisis isn’t creeping up on us. It’s already here. Right now, there are more than 140,000 unfilled vacancies in the trades, including carpentry and joinery. By 2027,...
A sad face drawn on a window covered in condensation, illustrating the common issue of moisture build-up on glass.
Retrofit FAQ: Condensation, Dew Point & Damp
Older homes were built to “breathe.” They let air and moisture escape, which reduced damp but made them draughty and cold. Modern windows and insulation fix the heat loss,...
A sunlit room in a historic home shows extensive black mould on the walls and ceiling around timber-framed windows. The open French doors lead to a balcony overlooking green trees, contrasting the bright outdoor view with the dark, damp interior.
Retrofitting Historic Homes: A Guide to Preventing Damp and Mould
Modernising an old house sounds simple… until you end up with black mould behind the wardrobe. Older homes were built differently, which means that they need a different approach...
Heritage home featuring Richmond elevation stone off white Churchill front door
What Are the Best Cottage Windows for Traditional Homes?
Let’s be honest… some window types don’t belong in a cottage. You’re probably considering upgrading your cottage windows because they are past their best. Either that, or you are...
Window replacement progress pictures
How to Retrofit a Heritage Building Without Losing its Character
Retrofitting a period property is a delicate job. You want modern comfort without losing the charm that makes it special. When it’s done well, a retrofit brings older buildings...
Technician performing PAS 24 security test by attempting forced entry near the lock of a timber door using hand tools.
What Is PAS 24 and What Does It Involve?
Quick Guide to Enhanced Security Testing for Windows and Door Key Takeaways What Is PAS 24? PAS 24 is a UK security test that checks how well windows and...
A skilled craftsman at Gowercroft Joinery carefully applies the final touches to a white timber door in the workshop. The high-quality glazing is securely fitted into the frame, ensuring a precise and weatherproof seal. The background features neatly organised tools, materials, and workstations, showcasing the attention to detail and expertise in traditional joinery.
What Is the Best Method for Window Glazing?
When choosing window glazing, the way the glass is secured within the frame is just as important as the glass itself. The glazing method directly affects thermal performance, weather...
A five-panel Tutbury bifold door in painted Strutt Yellow, partially open, flooding a classic kitchen with natural light. The clear glazed panels create a seamless connection to the outdoor space, while the slim timber frames maintain a refined, traditional aesthetic. Perfect for blending indoor and outdoor living, this timber bifold door enhances both modern and period homes with its smooth operation and elegant design.
The Best Doors to Make the Most of the First Warm Days of Spring
After months of grey skies and chilly mornings, the first extended spell of sunshine changes everything. The garden is waking up, the days are stretching longer, and it’s finally...
Key Elements for a Sound Night’s Sleep
Soundproof Windows, Temperature Control, and Comfort Tips Do you want to transform your bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary? Especially during the hot summer months, many in the UK are...
The image depicts a busy urban street scene at night, with several cars and a large blue rubbish lorry moving along the road. The buildings lining the street are classic Victorian-style terraced houses with warm, glowing lights emanating from their large bay windows. Despite the hustle and bustle outside, with vehicles navigating the street and their headlights cutting through the darkness, the interiors visible through the windows appear peaceful and cosy. The residents inside seem unaffected by the noise outside, possibly due to effective window soundproofing, which contrasts the noisy, chaotic atmosphere outside with the calm, serene environment within.
How Do Sound Insulation Windows Improve Building Acoustics?
Acoustic Insulation Windows and How They Work Fed up with hearing noise from outside, even with the windows closed? From bin lorries to local pubs, external noise can make...
An image of a small oak sapling next to a full-grown pine tree, showing the contrast in their growth stages. The sapling represents the early stages of growth, while the mature pine tree towers over it, symbolizing the differences in growth rates between these two types of trees.
Accoya vs. Traditional Timbers: Why Accoya Beats Oak
Why is Accoya Superior to Oak for Windows and Doors? Wood choice is crucial to crafting high-quality timber windows and doors. At Gowercroft Joinery, we’re often asked if we...
An image split in half: Left Side - Conflict Timber/Over-Harvesting: Show a devastated tropical forest area with stumps, felled trees, and signs of illegal logging, such as makeshift unsafe equipment or paths. The scene should evoke the damage and environmental degradation caused by unsustainable practices. Right Side - Well-Managed Forests: Contrast this with a lush, thriving pine forest filled with healthy trees, with clear signs of sustainable management, such replanting efforts and wildlife.
Sustainable Timber Choices: Why We Avoid Certain Woods
Choosing the right timber is critical for both quality and sustainability. At Gowercroft Joinery, we are committed to using materials that meet high standards for durability and ethical sourcing...
A row of elegant heritage-style French doors with arched fanlights above, set in a traditional red-brick building partly covered in lush green climbing plants. The crisp white timber frames and clear glazing exemplify how modern vacuum glazing technology can be seamlessly integrated into classic architectural designs, marking a decade of innovation in enhancing energy efficiency without compromising heritage aesthetics.
10 Years of Pioneering Vacuum Glazing in Heritage Windows
The Power of Vacuum Glass Technology From Pilkington Spacia™ to LandVac At Gowercroft Joinery, we have always been at the forefront of innovation in heritage window design. In 2014,...
A beautifully restored traditional brick country house with a mix of pitched and flat roofs. The property features elegant timber sliding sash windows and a Churchill-style entrance door, blending heritage charm with modern craftsmanship. A large paved driveway leads up to the house, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and lush greenery.
Top 6 Reasons to Choose Accoya Wood for Your Custom Doors
When you’re choosing wood for custom doors, it’s important to pick a material that’s not just beautiful but built to last. That’s where Accoya wood comes in. At Gowercroft...