Professional wooden window restoration and renovation, particularly valued in historical buildings. Preserving original character while restoring full structural and thermal performance.
Wooden windows in older and historic buildings often develop defects over time - rotting timber, failing paint, draughty seals, broken hardware, and condensation between glass layers. But replacing them is not always desirable or permitted, especially in listed buildings or conservation areas.
Our restoration service addresses each defect individually, preserving the original window’s character and craftsmanship while bringing its performance back to modern standards. We repair or splice damaged timber, strip and refinish surfaces, replace seals and hardware, and upgrade glazing where possible.
The result is a window that looks and operates as originally intended, but with the thermal performance, weather resistance, and longevity of a properly maintained unit. Restoration is often more cost-effective than full replacement and always preserves the architectural heritage of the building.
Historic windows are part of a building’s architectural identity. Original profiles, proportions, and detailing are impossible to replicate exactly with modern manufacturing. Restoration preserves what replacement cannot.
Restoring existing windows avoids the environmental cost of manufacturing new ones. Well-maintained timber windows can last well over a century - far longer than modern alternatives.
The choice depends on the structural condition of the joinery, conservation requirements, and the thermal performance you need. A side-by-side comparison of the key criteria:
| Parameter | Restoration | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Original character | Fully retained - profile, proportions and craftsmanship stay intact | Partially retained - the silhouette can be matched, but the original joinery cannot be reproduced |
| Thermal performance | U-values improve by 40-60% compared with the unrestored baseline | As low as Uw 0.67 W/m²K (quadruple glazing; Passivhaus-grade) |
| Heritage approval | Generally permitted and welcomed by conservation authorities | Requires separate listed building consent; sometimes refused |
| Project duration | 1-2 days per window; 2-4 weeks for a 20-50 window building | 1 day per building (see window replacement) |
| Cost | Typically lower than replacement when the frame is sound | Higher, but includes new window manufacture |
| When to choose | Listed buildings, structurally sound frames, irreplaceable joinery | Severe damage, Passivhaus targets, no conservation status |
One of our landmark restoration projects involved 180 historic wooden windows in a heritage building on Baznicas iela 5 in Riga. The building’s original windows, dating back over a century, required comprehensive restoration while maintaining their architectural authenticity.
Each window was individually assessed, repaired, and refinished using Swiss-sourced paint systems selected for their durability and heritage-appropriate finish. The project preserved the building’s historic character while restoring full weather protection and operability to every window.
This project demonstrated our capacity for large-scale restoration work and our commitment to using the highest quality materials, regardless of project size.
For every restoration project, we specify premium finishes from TEKNOS and sealants from Remmers - brands trusted for heritage timber work across Northern Europe.
We work with listed buildings across architectural periods - from early-20th-century Art Nouveau to 19th-century eclecticism. A few recent commissions:
Art Nouveau, 1900-1910. Restoration preserving original proportions and decorative detailing. Heritage-grade Swiss paint system.
Tenement house, 1914, in Rationalist Art Nouveau by architect Bernhards Bīlenšteins. Careful restoration of historic sashes.
Apartment building, 1906. Reinstated authentic window profile with decorative capitals. Triple glazing fitted without altering the external character.
Tenement building, 1891, eclectic style. Restoration with period-matched ironmongery and a paint system colour-matched to the original.
Former Kymmel brewery, 1872 (Milla quarter). Triple glazing in traditional rectangular and arched openings, with decorative capitals matched to the original.
Apartment building in the historic centre. 30 mm decorative glazing bars; thermally efficient profile, black exterior with a white interior. Our largest commission of recent years.
In most cases, yes. If the timber frame is structurally sound, restoration brings even century-old windows back to full working order. Decayed sections are spliced with matching timber; minor decay is consolidated with epoxy resin. Each window is assessed individually before we commit to an approach.
It depends on the condition and the building. If the timber frame is structurally sound, restoration is often more cost-effective and preserves original character that cannot be replicated. For listed buildings or conservation areas, restoration is usually required. If frames are severely damaged or you need significantly better thermal performance, replacement may be the better option.
Yes. We have experience restoring windows in heritage buildings including the Baznicas iela 5 project in Riga (180 windows). We understand the requirements of conservation authorities and use materials and techniques that meet heritage standards.
It depends on the number of windows and extent of work needed. A single window might take one to two days. A full building with 20 to 50 windows typically takes two to four weeks. We provide a detailed schedule after the initial inspection.
Restored windows will not reach the Uw 0.67 of our new quadruple-glazed units, but significant improvements are possible. Adding draught seals, upgrading to slim-profile double glazing, and repairing all gaps can reduce heat loss by 40 to 60% compared to the unrestored state.
The cost depends on the condition of the joinery, the scope of the repair work, whether re-glazing is needed, and the project location (Latvia or another EU country). On average, restoring a single window costs less than manufacturing and installing a comparable new one. We provide a detailed quote after inspection - request one for your building below.
Fill in your project details and we will prepare a tailored proposal within 48 hours.
Thank you! Kristiana will review your request and respond within 48 hours.
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