Wooden & timber apertures

Timber is the original Maltese aperture: the painted windows, doors, persjani and closed balconies that give a village core its look. In a house of character it is often the only finish that looks right, and in scheduled buildings or buildings the Planning Authority considers of conservation value it can be a requirement rather than a choice.

The Development Notification Order (S.L. 552.08, Schedule I, Class 1(ii)) treats replacing apertures as permitted development as long as the work does not materially alter the character of the building — but in scheduled buildings and buildings of conservation value, original timber apertures and balconies that are in good enough condition to restore must be kept and restored, not replaced. So the first question on an old house is whether the existing timber can be saved.

We survey the existing timber first and tell you honestly which of three it is: restore (strip, cut out rot, splice, re-glaze, repaint), remake to match, or — where the building allows it — replace in another material. Surveyed by us, then delivered either by us as your contractor with CheckYourTraders-verified joiners and installers, or by a vetted partner who contracts with you directly.

What this covers

• Survey of the existing timber: what can be restored, what has to be remade
• Restoration: stripping, splicing in new timber, re-glazing, new ironmongery, repainting
• New timber windows, doors and persjani made to match the originals
• Double glazing in timber frames where the profile allows it
• Timber balconies (gallariji) repaired or remade
• Paint or stain finishes chosen on the quote

What it costs

Timber apertures are made one opening at a time and no Maltese joinery publishes a price we can stand behind, so both lines are quoted after the survey — itemised, with restoration and remaking priced separately where both are possible.

A band, not a quote: the low end is a straightforward job with clear access, the high end is the same job with the complications a site visit finds. Materials are included where the line says so.

How it works

You deal with us. We survey and measure free, quote from a published rate card, then either deliver the job ourselves with CheckYourTraders-verified installers or introduce a vetted partner who contracts with you directly — and we stay your point of contact throughout.

Questions people ask

Can I replace old timber windows with aluminium or PVC?

In most buildings, yes, as long as it does not materially alter the character of the building and its surroundings. In a scheduled building or one the Planning Authority considers of conservation value, original timber apertures in good enough condition have to be retained and restored. If you are in an Urban Conservation Area or the house is scheduled, check with your architect before ordering.

Can timber windows take double glazing?

New timber frames can be made to take a double-glazed unit. Old frames often cannot without changing the glazing bars, which on a protected façade may not be acceptable. The survey tells you which applies.

Is it worth restoring old timber apertures?

Often, yes: well-made old timber in hard-wearing species can last another generation once rot is cut out, joints are re-glued and it is properly painted. Where the bottom rails and sills are gone, remaking those parts or the whole aperture is the honest answer — the survey says which.

Related

• Double glazingDouble-glazed windows and doors, or new double-glazed units in frames that can take them — low-e, laminated and acoustic glass.
• Shutters & persjaniTraditional louvred persjani in timber, aluminium or PVC, roller shutters and security shutters.
• Repairs & replacementSticking sliders, draughts, leaks, broken glass, failed seals and worn hardware — fixed where it is worth fixing, replaced where it is not.

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