Sash Windows Guide

Safety Features of Double Glazed Sash Windows

Sash Windows — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:53:18 +0000

Improving your home means taking every aspect into consideration. The aesthetic appeal of a sash window makes them a popular choice for many homes across the UK, but with so many other features that need to be considered, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Security and the economical advantages of replacing old windows for double glazed sashes are just two factors that a homeowner considers, but there is a third; the safety features.

Sash windows can include a variety of safety features that ensure occupants and belongings are secure. Depending on the company that provides the sash windows, there are certain features you can make sure are included during the installation.

Limit Stops; It isn’t just specific windows that are replaced when a remodelling project is undertaken; the whole home undergoes a transformation. Whether a certain room requires constant ventilation, or a child’s room needs extra safety features, Limit stops are the ideal choice of additional features. They are installed within the window and prevent the window from being opened more than 100mm; perfect for all manner of reasons.

This safety feature can prevent many accidents occurring and also ties in with the security advantages that double glazed sash windows are known for. Of course, planning an escape route is crucial and all homes (whether replacing their windows or not) should ensure this is so.

Cam Catches; Many sash windows are built with this feature for extra security. However, specialists have developed these catches to further prevent intrusion due to their advanced mechanism which could previously be opened by simply using a slim knife. The claw cam, which is suitable for both right and left handed users, also possesses a key locking feature and has now been reinforced with nylon to prevent the wear and tear which can occur with metal to metal contact.

Of course for those people that require two cam catches, opposite working catches will be installed to prevent the window being manipulated to allow side access. With all of these advancements combined, the cam catch is the ideal safety feature to prevent damage to your window and unwanted access on your property.

Safety Stays; Regardless of the size of your sashes, safety features need to be present because of the nature of how a sash window operates. Many accidents have occurred due to sash windows suddenly shutting which has called for a safety feature to be implemented at a homeowner’s request.
Safety stays are known for preventing accidents due to their unique mechanism. They work by restricting the sash windows from titling inwards more the 45 ° if accidentally opened preventing any sudden closing and major accidents or damage to a person or property.

This blog post was written by Bygone Collection, specialists within the manufacturing and installation of all double glazed sash windows. The aforementioned products are supplied by Bygone Collection and for the full range of security and safety features visit their website.

Timber Sash Windows

Sash Windows — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:29:31 +0000

Whether you have a property that already has sash windows that you need to replace, or you are planning a new build project and are looking at different window styles that might appeal to you, there is no doubt that timber sash widows are an option that you should consider. There are advantages and disadvantages to these windows, as with any other window product, and eventually it may come down to a matter of preference. However, by outlining the beneficial properties and characteristics of wooden sash windows below, we may be able to help you make an informed decision.

· Timber has a natural beauty that is very difficult, if not impossible to replicate. With the benefit of modern technology, uPVC manufacturers are able to produce windows with wood-grain effects, but inspection makes it quickly obvious that they are not the real thing. The natural grain of the timber can be picked up and enhanced by the use of clear stains or varnish, and over years of multiple coats, the patina of the timber darkens and becomes enhanced. This effect can be further enhanced with window dressings such as bamboo blinds or timber Venetian blinds.
· On balance timber windows are the choice for environmentally conscious buyers. There are various well-known arguments regarding the un sustainability of uPVC and there are lesser known arguements regarding the toxicity of frequent painting of timber windows, but to date timber windows appear to be more environmentally friendly.

The Beauty Of Timber Sash Windows

· If your home is in an area where the residential properties have a heritage value, it is quite likely that the planners will insist or look much more favourably on an application that includes windows made of timber. Added to this is the fact that if your house is of a period vintage, then it is unlikely you will want to look beyond timber as being the material for your windows anyway.
· A well-constructed timber sash window has more strength in the frame than a similar uPVC window. This is especially important with respect to sash windows, which can comprise large areas of glazing. A Georgian, two-sash, six over six window would be one such example.
· If your sash windows are of a certain age, be they comprised of timber or some other material, they are going to need certain levels of maintenance and repair. It is easier for a carpenter to repair portions of a wooden sash window frame, or to carry out repairs to a wooden sash window, than it is to get someone to carry out repair work to a uPVC or aluminium window.
· If you are considering purchasing new sash timber windows, then you have a full range of glazing options open to you. If you already have single-glazed wooden sash windows in your home, there are still many ways you can improve the thermal efficiency of these windows by introducing such things as secondary glazing, heavy interior drapes, etc.
· Timber windows can be painted, over-painted, varnished and stained and you can always clean them down and start again if you wish. This is in sharp contrast to uPVC windows, which come in a certain colour that you cannot alter for the lifetime of the windows.
· Contrary to what you may be told by uPVC salespeople, timber, if properly maintained and cared for in a window, can last for many years and even centuries. Given that uPVC is a relative newcomer to the market, it is difficult to gauge the absolute extent of its lifespan, but seeing as uPVC manufacturers are reporting that much of their present business involves replacing first generation uPVC windows, it would appear that this lifespan is definitely limited.

As we mentioned at the beginning, you can be assured that there are also disadvantages to sash timber windows, and similar to any product, you need to purchase quality timber windows from a reliable manufacturer in order to expect your windows to withstand the test of time. However timber sash windows have proven, due to the mere fact that they have survived for so long as part of our architectural heritage, that they are a window option worth consideration.

Purchasing Sash Window Locks.

Sash Windows — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:53:45 +0000

If you have elegant sash windows installed in your home and you want to improve on their appearance, as well as providing improved security, you can consider installing ornate sash window locks throughout the home. As well as looking well on each window, a brass sash window lock, if replicated throughout the home, provides a theme to your windows which look really well.

Homeowners may shy away from such an idea, thinking that seeking out and purchasing window locks from antique shops and salvage yards would be an expensive way to go. However, you can purchase very good reproduction antique sash window locks, which will look the part but will not cost you the earth.

Brass sash window lock

Installation of these locks when you get them is not too difficult once you follow some basic guidelines. Be sure to purchase window locks that correspond with the windows that you have in your home and also try to get locks that compliment any existing hardware that you already have on your windows. For instance if you already have brass furnishings on your windows, stick to this look for your new window locks. You could also use the opportunity to replace any interior or exterior hardware that has become worn or faded.

It is hard to overstate the importance of the need for security with regard to the windows of your home. If you were to install uPVC window, you would probably have very secure multi-point locking systems in each window frame. Having a window lock on each of your timber sash windows at least helps to stop the window being opened from the outside. The basic lock will be keyless, but you can opt for a lock with a key for each window also, which does give added security. One has to note that windows that have key locks can have the disadvantage of being hard to exit during times of emergency.

Probably the best place to start your search for sash window locks would be online, as you can look at a large range of available locks from different manufacturers, all from the comfort of your home.

Consider Double Glazed Sash Windows.

Sash Windows — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:50:44 +0000

You will come across sash windows everywhere. They have made a modern day resurgence, so you will see double glazed sash windows in many housing estates, but as they have been around for a long time you can see them in houses up to five centuries old. If they are in an old residence and are in need of repair, they may be contributing greatly to heat loss in the home. Added to this, it is quite possible that the house will have rooms with high ceilings and other factors that are reducing it’s thermal capacity.

Consider Double Glazed Sash Windows

Much as a homeowner that has old windows with sashes in his or her home may love them, the fact that they are losing heat from the home and thereby adding to the fuel bill means that their poor insulation problems have to be tackled.

One of the most effective remedies is to install double glazed sash windows into the residence. A quality window of this type will have a high R-value, meaning that it’s insulation properties will be excellent and it will greatly increase the ability of the residence to retain heat. In environmentally conscious times this will make your home more eco-friendly as well as being kind to your pocket.

There are other advantages to double glazed sash windows including the fact that a double glazed window will always be more secure than an old timber framed window. Old window were built for a different time, a time when burglaries were quite uncommon. However, in these less secure times, it brings greater comfort and security to a homeowner to know that their windows have a mulit-point locking system and that an individual window, or all of your windows can be locked if you are leaving your home for any period of time.

Double glazed sash windows also block a lot of noise pollution from entering a home. This can be particularly important in a location that suffers from motorway noise, or a residence that is located in an area close to an airport. Added to the fact that you can keep noise pollution at bay, these windows will also help keep air pollution from entering your home also, in a way that your old timber sash windows were not able to do.

When you consider all of the above benefits that can be received by changing an old window to a double glazed sash window, then you do have to seriously consider your options. There is such a range of quality double glazed sash windows out there, that you should have no difficulty finding replacement windows to suit your residence.

Sash Window Upgrading

Sash Windows — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:14:01 +0000

If you have wooden sash windows in your home and are unsure whether to replace with pvc sash windows or upgrade them, then this article will be of tremendous value to you. We will tell you why you should in fact upgrade a sash window, and how to undertake that project, from glazing to draught proofing and including ventilation and security. After you have finished this article you will have no fear of upgrading your windows.

Upgrading or replacing your windows has many economic and living benefits. It will increase the security of your home, halt the heat loss process and make your home more sound proof. It is definitely more cost effective to upgrade your sash timber windows rather than replace them and in these modern times , the procedures are there to allow you to upgrade your windows effectively. Sash window repairs and upgrades are easily carried out by a qualified handyman or carpenter.

The Beauty Of A Sash Window.

The best option for upgrading a sash window with regard to double glazing is to have secondary glazing put in place. This usually means having a secondary sheet or pane hung inside the existing window, that is side-hung. This is a much cheaper option than installing double glazed sash windows throughout your home, or trying to upgrade by double glazing each panel of a sash multi-paneled window and it is a very effective way of enjoying the energy saving benefits of double glazing.

Upgrading your traditional sash windows by draught stripping is another procedure easily carried out that will unobtrusively stop cold air from entering and circulating in your home. It is a cost effective heat-saving task that involves lining the sashes with strips of a draught proof material and it will cut down on noise from the outside and will also stop dust from entering your home. This is another step in the process of upgrading your windows and is as effective as putting in replacement sash windows.

Adding ventilation devices to your windows is usually unnecessary as it is easy to open one or both of the sashes slightly in order to allow air to circulate. If, in order to vent a gas appliance or stove, you need to have fixed ventilation in your window, you can simply put a block on the top sash of the window and this would mean that the sash is kept open at whatever size is required for ventilation purposes. Placing vents in window frames is not advised as it could lead to a weakening of the frames.

Even old timber sash windows are renowned for excellent locks and given that sash windows only open or close with a vertical action does help when it comes to security. Additional locks can be added to existing security devices and again block can be put in place on the sashes in order to allow the window to be opened a certain amount , but not enough for an intruder to enter. This option is only suitable where an emergency exit from the window is not required.

By using the above methods to upgrade your existing windows means that you will have tackled heat and energy loss, put up an effective barrier to external noise, tackled any ventilation issues and improved the security of your home. All of this will have been carried out at a fraction of the cost that would have been incurred if you had chosen to install uPVC sash windows. So do not stand back from the prospect of having to upgrade your sash windows, but embrace it instead.

Painting Timber Window Sashes

Sash Windows — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:42:20 +0000

Before you commence painting a window sash in sash windows, it is important to prepare properly – the amount of work you will have to do in this regard will depend on the state of the existing paintwork. Remember that repairing sash windows can be a slow task, but it is a necessary task unless you are debating between uPVC or timber sash windows. Replacement sash windows may not need to be painted , but they will be expensive to purchase and install.

If the existing paintwork is reasonably sound, you can probably repaint a window sash without stripping the old paint from the frame. In this case unscrew or take off any metal clasps or sash window locks that are removable, (besides hinges), brush and rub down the frames in order to remove any dirt and repair / fill any small dents, old screw holes, etc, that are apparent. One other point we would like to make. It is best to remove any blinds, curtains, voiles and other close hanging fabrics before you commence. You do not want your beautiful fabric gold curtains to be damaged by paint striper or putty. Any damaged paint work, blisters, knotted areas, etc, should be sanded down, filled with a suitable filler and rubbed down again in order to get a smooth finish. The entire frame should then be sanded with a medium sandpaper and finished with fine sandpaper.

In cases where the paint has deteriorated to the point where is has to be removed completely, again take off all possible additions from the window sashes, before stripping the old paint from the frame. For this operation there are various methods that can be employed, (i.e. a chemical paint stripper or heat gun / blow torch). Once all of the paint has been removed, use firstly medium sandpaper and then fine sandpaper in order to achieve a smooth surface for painting.

When you commence painting the wooden sash windows, first apply a primer coat and when this has dried you should rub the frame with a fine sand paper, just to smooth the surface, not to expose the timberwork.

The Enduring Appeal Of A Window Sash.

You may wish to protect the window sash glass from getting paint by placing masking tape on the glass before commencing. You need to be careful when painting sash windows, a there is a high frame to glass ratio compared to non sash windows. Therefore you do not want to intrude on the glass area with the paint, except with the final coat which should come onto the glass for about 1 millimeter. If paint gets onto the glass wait until it is dry before scraping it off.

Your task will be made easier if you purchase a sash trim brush, a brush which is slightly angled to make it easier to get into 90-degree corners and tight spaces.

If you are starting on the inside of the residence, raise the bottom window sash and lower the top sash and paint the available lower half of the top sash. Use a small paintbrush with not too much paint on the brush at any one time. When you have completed this area, raise the top sash and lower the bottom sash and complete the painting of the top sash.

Once you have completed the top sash you will be able to paint the bottom sash, which is completely visible to you.

Once you have finished painting the sashes, leave them open to dry. Paint the rest of the frame after the sashes are dry to touch.

Then move both sashes down as far as they will go. Paint the exposed jambs. Reverse the process raising both window sashes and paint the lower jambs. Put on only as much paint as is necessary. Wait for the paint to dry and oil the channels with a suitable lubricant, be it paraffin or a silicone spray.

The continual maintenance of your timber sash windows by painting the window sashes, will allow them to give you many additional years of pleasure.

Timber or uPVC Sash Windows?

Sash Windows — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:20:54 +0000

Given the manufacturing quality available, today’s uPVC sash windows can be indistinguishable from the old timber sash windows you may be considering getting rid of. After years of maintaining your timber sash windows, putting up with draughty air coming from the general area of your window frames, being able to hear the cat having a scratch outside in the garden, (with your windows closed), and having a heating bill that rivaled that of a large hotel , you have decided enough is enough.

Modern PVC sash windows have many advantages over the old timber windows and while it is praiseworthy to make every effort to retain and repair your old sash windows, sometimes you may have no choice.

Heat Retention and Noise Suppression: Double glazed uPVC sash windows have the obvious advantages of keeping in your precious (and expensive) heat and also to keep out some level of street noise. The accumulative gap space around a timber window that has shrunk or rotted can be quite considerable, up to 25 centimeters in exaggerated cases. Naturally this will have a profound effect on the ability of your house to retain heat and to keep outside noises out, (and inside noises in!).

Ease of Cleaning: In addition many of these windows have a tilt feature. This feature allows you to clean a sash window from the inside, so no more hanging off a ladder outside.

New And Replacement uPVC Sash Windows.

Low maintenance: There is no doubt that uPVC sash windows do not require the same level of maintenance as timber windows. Regular cleaning, oiling of hinge parts with some WD-40 and your done. Compare that with the painting and re-painting, cleaning, re-puttying, un-sticking, re-cording, etc, of timber windows and there is no contest.

In today’s society, people want to purchase quality home products that are long lasting and need low maintenance. Therefore sash uPVC windows, metal roofing materials and other long life building products will always be attractive options to consumers.

Security: Sash uPVC windows in general are more secure than timber windows, at least older timber windows – it has to be said that there are many timber window manufacturers that have worked hard to improve the security of timber windows. However, with built in locking systems uPVC sash windows are a much more secure prospect than your old faithful sash window locks, that you actually had held closed by that piece of jammed cardboard for the last few years!

Easy Installation: Installation of new uPVC sash windows in place of your old timber sash windows, is not difficult. The old windows are easily removed and the new windows installed with very little hassle. It would be recommended that you would engage the services of a professional window glazier and installer.

Sash Window Repair And Sash Window Restoration.

Sash Windows — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:11:37 +0000

Due to the popularity and architectural longevity of sash windows, it is necessary, in addition to regular maintenance and painting to consider your upgrading options with regard to sash window restoration and sash window repair from time to time. You may also wish to consider the differences between uPVC and timber sash windows.

With updated manufacturing and product technology, it is not necessary to take out your genuine sash windows in order to achieve better insulation, noise suppression, or get better sash window locks, etc. In order to help you maintain your timber sash windows, many sash window repair companies can now offer sash window restoration on existing windows:

Draught Sealing: The gaps that may be present around an old, decaying or badly fitting window sash can be considerable. It is estimated that the space around badly fitting windows can measure up to 25 centimetres ! Window repair can reduce leakage and this will greatly reduce your heating bills and increase your comfort. In addition, by stopping draughts entering your home you are also stopping or reducing noise and dust from entering also.

Sash Window Restoration And Sash Window Repair.

Whole or Part Replacement of Frames: As most windows sashes are made from softwood, over time all or part of a frame can become damaged, swollen or rotted. It is possible with sash window restoration of timber windows to simply replace the damaged portions of a frame and to blend them into the original structure. Sash window repairs are easily carried out by a qualified carpenter and this can be a much less expensive option than installing uPVC sash windows.

Double Glazing / Triple Glazing: This can be achieved on your existing windows, depending on the condition of the frames and also the depth of the frame. Window repair and double glazing of existing windows can be carried out on site by some companies and is can work out about 65% of the cost of installing new double or triple glazed windows.

Security Glass and Safety Glass: Security glass is a toughened glass and along with safety glass can be installed into your existing frames, and may be a requirement, depending on the location of the frames within the residence. Safety Glass is in many ways the opposite to security glass, as it will shatter into many non-sharp particles when struck.

Acoustic Glass: This is a thick glass and depending on the thickness of your frames and how robust they are it can be fitted, helping to eliminate traffic sounds, etc. This glass can be 8 millimetres – 13millimetres thick.

Anti-Fade Glass: Window restoration can include the installation of anti-fade glass which eliminates the ultra violet rays that do damage to your carpets, upholstery, furniture, etc. Companies such as Spectrum and Pilkingtons are among many that produce such glass that can be sized to fit your existing windows.

Self Cleaning Glass: This glass is finished with a very smooth surface and causes rain and dirt to have difficulty adhering to its surface. One such example would be ‘Pilkington ActivT’ self cleaning glass.

As you can see from the above there are many forms of sash window repair and sash window restoration that may reduce your need to purchase expensive new window units.

What are Sash Windows ?

Sash Windows — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:34 +0000

Sash windows, are sliding windows, which usually slide vertically, but which can slide horizontally and which are normally in pairs.

The original design of the sash window is attributed to the English inventor, Robert Hooke (1635 –1703) and sash windows were a very common type of window, especially in Georgian residences and also Victorian houses. In these residences, the most common sash window used was and is the classical style of two frames each with six panels. This however, was a style particular to those types of residence and is not a fixed rule – many different styles of these windows survive and are in use today.

Sash windows have an advantage that allows them to be partially opened without the window falling back into the closed position, as would be expected of a heavy vertical frame. This can be achieved in different ways. Earlier types of these windows had ropes and counter weights (or sash weights) that were set into the window frame. More modern types of sash type windows use friction tracks to achieve the same result. This is a preferable method in the construction of modern houses with thinner outer walls.

Other types of windows with sashes can have hinges on one side, which, when the counter balance is disconnected on the other side, allows the window to be swung open. This can be used as a safety measure or for cleaning purposes.

In the past the materials used in the construction of these window frames was entirely of timber. With the development of new products, it is quite usual to see metal (particularly aluminium) and uPVC being used. Many people have to make what can be a difficult choice between uPVC and timber sash windows. In a further development with regard to the ‘evolution’ of sash windows, it is now common to install double glazed sash windows or triple glazed windows, and there has been a reversion to traditional sash timber windows, which can be painted or stained, according to the owner’s wishes.

Sash windows have contributed in a major way to architecture, and the evolution in design of these windows show the changes in architectural and social history over several centuries.

Sash Window Restoration.

There are window companies which specialise in the restoration of old sash timber windows – some of these older windows can have quite a complicated counter weight system. If at all possible, it is in the future interest of our architectural heritage that every effort be made to repair your sash windows and retain their fantastic features for future generations. Maintaining your timber sash windows and painting your sash windows can be a slow and sometimes difficult undertaking, but they are tasks that will bring their rewards.

Maintaining Timber Sash Windows

Sash Windows — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:30:14 +0000

If you have existing timber sash windows in your home, they could be of any vintage. Wooden sash windows started to appear in Europe in the late 17^th century and became one of the most popular windows to be installed. hopefully you will be able to repair your timber sash windows but if your windows are damaged beyond reasonable repair, you may have to consider choosing between uPVC or timber sash windows as replacements.

Georgian sash windows and Victorian sash windows are still very much in evidence today. In America, the term ‘hung sash windows’ is used to describe these installations and they are equally as popular.

There are various points which should be noted if you wish to regularly clean and maintain your windows and have them still be looking well and functioning properly for the next generation. Traditional problems with timber sash windows include rot to the timber work, noise due to creaking or rattling in windy conditions, wear of your sash window locks, sticking of windows due to overpainting and the inability to open the windows properly due to cord damage.

Cleaning: The glass and timber should be washed and cleaned regularly as this helps with brightness within the residence and helps keep dirt free from moving parts. As you may have 12 small panes, (or more) in each window, there is more work and care involved than in a more modern single or double paned unit – however it is well worth the effort to keep the wooden sash windows fresh looking.

Window Security (click on image for details)

One factor that you should consider before cleaning your uPVC windows is that you may wish to remove any vertical blinds, temporary window shades, or close hanging curtains, so that they do not get wet while you are cleaning. these items are usually easy to remove temporarily and replace again when you have completed your cleaning.

It is important to remember to keep safety as a paramount consideration when cleaning any windows – do not over reach at any time. Given the design of traditional sash windows you should be able to safely reach all surfaces of regular sized windows without over reaching or bending out of an opened window.

Painting: Painting of window sashes is extremely important for the preservation of the timberwork of long periods. Timber sash windows may require re painting every 4-6 years depending on the aspect of the residence, local climate conditions, etc. Do not wait until very visible signs of damage to the existing paintwork are visible. Try to have a regular pattern of inspection and repair for your sash windows and they will reward you with much less costly replacement of timberwork in the long term. As was pointed out earlier one of the problems with over painting windows is that they can become difficult to open so care is need with paint application.

Most older wooden sash windows have counterweights in place, which allow you to open a large window vertically and to have it stay in place, seemingly defying gravity. In actual fact this is achieved by having these sash counterweights set into the hollow sides of the window case. The weights for timber sash windows are attached to cords that pass over a pulley and it is important to regularly inspect these cords at reasonable intervals to ensure that they are still in good condition. If they do need replacement the sashes will need to be removed from the frame, which is ideally a task for 2 people. It is also advisable to get a trained carpenter to carry out this task.