Frequently asked questions

In our timber window restoration projects we use Accoya and Tricoya wood.

Yes, we regularly work with Grade 2 listed buildings and conservation area properties. We do like-for-like timber frame repairs. They do not require planning permission as we do not change the look of the windows.

If your sash windows are stuck or painted shut we can unblock them, either by removing the problem paint during the restoration process, or by changing sash cords, pulleys and rebalancing weights if needed to return windows to full functionality. We do these repairs as a part of larger window restoration projects.

We can replace broken or cracked glass. We also ensure that the new glass thickness and texture match that of the original glass.

For your peace of mind, we offer a 20 years guarantee on all Tricoya and Accoya timber repairs, which means no rot on parts that we repair during the next 20 years or we will come and fix the rot for free.

Generally speaking, a 15 window project will take us 5-7 days.

Sash window refurbishment work starts at £500 per window. The cost will depend on a number of factors such as the size of the window, whether it requires glass or sill replacement, draught-proofing installation, functional restoration etc. The cost also depends on the number of windows and access to them. If you live in a busy high street with limited access to the windows, the cost per window will be significantly higher.

We offer 5 or 8-year guarantees on paintwork if the timber renovation was done by us. This is 5 years on darker colours and 8 years on white. The guarantee covers flaking, bubbling and peeling paint issues.

We only work with the exterior side of the windows. If a window is rotten throughout, we will carry out repairs on both sides, leaving the interior part of the repairs ready for painting.

We are able to paint windows throughout the year. We can operate in temperatures as low as 0 °C giving us the flexibility to carry out work as and when it’s required.

We can match a required paint colour with a 90-100% accuracy. Most trade decorating centres only have 1 paint tinting machine. We work with paint suppliers with 3 different machines, each covering a wide range of colours and shades. If we cannot match your colour, it is very unlikely anyone else can.

Yes, we can remove old single glazing and replace it with ultra-thin double glazing. Single glazed windows can now be converted to double, without changing the frames. 

We carry out the retrofit installation of double glazing into all types of timber frame windows and doors, including box sash windows, casement windows, bay windows and french doors.

We repair rotten windows frames prior to double glazing installation by removing and replacing rotten timber frame parts with new solid Accoya timber. Here you can see a range of before and after timber frame repair photographs.

We can double glaze period Georgian sash windows, please check a case study: Georgian sash window double glazing installation.

FINEO glass is the latest generation of vacuum-sealed double glazing units, which have equal properties to triple glazing. To find out more information about fINEO glass, please follow the link.

We do not, we only work with FINEO because it gives 15 years guarantee on double glazing units and has life expectancy of 25+ years while regular heritage double glazing manufacturers only give 5 years guarantee, this is due to some key issues with slim double glazing.

Yes, the FINEO vacuum slim-profile glazing we use offers soundproofing qualities to other insulating glass products available on the market such as double or triple glazing. In relation to traffic noise specifically, Fineo glass provides around a 10 dB reduction, which translates to a perceived decrease in noise by around half.

Due to the thickness of vacuum double glazing, which is only around 4 mm thicker than single glazing, you will not notice the difference. After restoration, double glazing and re-decoration, your windows will look new and refreshed but crucially not lose any of their original characters. Visit our projects gallery which has many photographs of windows after double glazing was retrofitted.

The most time-consuming stage is the FINEO glass production itself, which takes place in Belgium. From placing the order to delivery, the lead time is 8-16 weeks at present (Summer 2021). We work around the glass delivery schedule, so we get the glass installed into your windows as soon as it arrives in the UK. The typical 15-20 windows double glazing project will take us, on average, 2 weeks.

We can install double glazing into windows in grade 2 listed properties, but you will need to apply for planning permission prior to any work commencing.

Yes, but they will be reinstalled into the frame on the same day before night.

When we do double glazing installation, the restoration, draught-proofing, functional restoration and windows painting all come as a part of the full window upgrade service package. 

No, we do all work onsite in our mobile gazebo workshops.

Our public liability insurance: £5m

Just get in touch with us by filling out the contact form on our website or simply call us on 01223504315

CDC RESTORATION LTD VAT number: GB 270216336

Chameleon Decorators & Windows Restoration is the trading name of CDC RESTORATION LTD, Company number 06539664. Registered office address 3 Harness Close, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 9PS.