Accoya wood is an increasingly popular choice for timber windows and doors, especially for homeowners seeking a high-quality finish that complements their property. However, using the wrong cleaning products or methods can damage its finish and affect its appearance.
In this guide, we cover how to correctly care for and maintain Accoya wood windows and doors, with practical advice to keep them in good condition. Woodcock Sash Windows is an approved manufacturer of Accoya sash windows, helping homeowners maximise the beauty, character, and value of their home.
Key Takeaways
- Accoya wood offers exceptional durability, a lifespan of up to 50 years, dimensional stability, longer-lasting finishes, a natural timber appearance, suitability for traditional designs, and sustainability benefits.
- To clean and maintain Accoya wood windows and doors, choose cleaning products that are suitable for the paint or coating, wash away loose dirt with clean water, gently apply the cleaning agent, rinse thoroughly to remove any residue, and finish with a suitable water-based care or restoration product.
- Top tips for maintaining Accoya wood windows and doors include checking the finish regularly, cleaning away dirt, keeping hinges and handles clean, checking the weather seals, opening and closing them carefully, taking care when decorating, and preventing water from collecting.
The Benefits of Accoya Wood for Windows and Doors
Accoya is a specially treated timber that undergoes a process called acetylation. This changes the wood’s structure, making it more stable and resistant to moisture. These properties make it an excellent choice for windows and doors exposed to changing weather conditions throughout the year.
Also read: What Is Accoya Wood?
Did You Know? Alongside our Accoya timber frames, Woodcock Sash Windows also install K Glass glazing to further improve your windows’ energy efficiency. This combination offers the durability and stability of Accoya, plus better heat retention, helping to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, without compromising on natural light.
There are several benefits to choosing Accoya wood for your windows and doors, including:
| Benefit | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Exceptional Durability | Accoya is highly resistant to rot and fungal decay, helping it withstand the demands of outdoor use. |
| Long Lifespan | Accoya wood can last for up to 50 years, making it a long-term choice for your home. |
| Dimensional Stability | Accoya experiences less swelling and shrinking as moisture levels change. This helps windows and doors retain their shape and fit over time. |
| Longer-Lasting Finishes | Its dimensional stability helps exterior coatings last longer, potentially reducing how often your windows and doors need repainting. |
| Natural Timber Appearance | Accoya retains the character of real wood and can be finished in a range of colours to complement your home’s style. |
| Ideal for Traditional Designs | Its stability and workability make it suitable for bespoke windows and doors, including traditional sash windows where precise measurements and detailing matter. |
| Sustainability | Accoya is produced using sustainably sourced wood and a modification process designed to improve its performance and longevity, perfect for homeowners looking to make more environmentally conscious material choices. |
How to Clean and Maintain Accoya Wood
Keeping Accoya wood windows and doors in good condition doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular cleaning helps remove built-up dirt and maintain the appearance of the surface coating, while using suitable care products can help extend its life. Follow these five steps to look after your Accoya wood correctly.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cleaning Products
Before cleaning your Accoya wood windows and doors, seek advice from the coating manufacturer about suitable cleaning and care products. Choosing products that are appropriate for the finish will help you maintain its appearance without risking damage.
Depending on the products recommended, you may need a cleaning agent, a water-based restoration product, and a suitable cloth. Always follow the instructions provided with your chosen products.
Please Note: If you’re unsure what products to use to care for your Accoya wood, our knowledgeable team at Woodcock Sash Windows can also provide expert advice on the best products and maintaining your finish.
Step 2: Remove Dirt and Dust
Start by washing the window or door with clean water to remove loose dirt, dust, and other surface debris. This prepares the surface for cleaning and helps prevent dirt from being spread around when you apply the cleaning solution.
Step 3: Clean the Surface Gently
Apply the recommended cleaning agent using a brush, sponge, or cloth, as appropriate for the product and finish. Work gently across the surface, avoiding aggressive scrubbing that could affect the coating. Follow the product instructions for the correct application method.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. This is particularly important because some cleaning products may contain ammonia, so it’s essential to remove any residue rather than leave it on the coating.
Step 5: Apply a Suitable Care Product
After cleaning and rinsing, apply a suitable water-based care or restoration product to help refresh the coating and maintain its appearance. Check the product instructions for guidance on application and whether it needs diluting before use.
How Often Should You Maintain Accoya Wood?
Accoya recommends cleaning its windows and doors twice a year to help maintain the appearance and condition of the surface coating. Ideally, schedule one clean in spring, before the warmer, sunnier summer months, and another in autumn, ahead of the colder temperatures and increased rainfall of winter.
Additional maintenance, including recoating, may be needed over time. How often this is necessary will depend on the type of coating used, the manufacturer’s recommendations, and the condition of the finish. Checking the surface regularly can help you identify any areas that need attention.
Tips for Keeping Accoya Wood Windows and Doors in Good Condition
Alongside regular cleaning, a few simple habits can help protect your Accoya wood windows and doors from everyday wear and keep them looking their best.
- Check the finish regularly: Look for peeling paint, cracks, or scratches so you can spot signs of wear early.
- Clean away dirt promptly: Remove accumulated dirt, dust, and debris before it builds up on the frames.
- Keep hinges and handles clean: Wipe away dust and grime around moving parts to prevent dirt from accumulating.
- Check the weather seals: Look for visible cracks, tears, or gaps around the edges of your windows and doors.
- Open and close them carefully: Avoid forcing stiff handles or pushing windows and doors beyond their intended movement, as this can put unnecessary strain on the fittings.
- Take care when decorating: Protect Accoya wood surfaces from paint splashes, scratches, and knocks when carrying out decorating or other work nearby.
- Prevent water from collecting: Keep drainage channels clear of leaves and debris so rainwater can drain away freely rather than collecting around the frames.
Bespoke Timber Windows & Doors from Woodcock Sash Windows
At Woodcock Sash Windows, we have 20 years of experience crafting bespoke timber windows and doors, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create products that suit your home. As approved manufacturers of Accoya wood sash windows, we can help you enjoy the character of traditional timber alongside the durability and stability that make Accoya such a popular choice.
Every property is different, so we create bespoke designs to suit your home. Alongside Accoya sash windows, we craft and install French doors, bi-fold doors, and timber front doors in London.
“Accoya is a great choice for timber windows and doors, offering excellent durability and stability while retaining the natural beauty of wood. We use Accoya at Woodcock Sash Windows to create bespoke windows and doors that are built around each property’s needs and made to look great for years to come,” says Ben Woodcock, Woodcock Sash Windows.
Get in touch with Woodcock Sash Windows in Surrey to discuss our bespoke Accoya sash windows and doors, and create a lasting feature that complements your property for years to come.
