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.

Related posts:

1. Sash Window Repair And Sash Window Restoration.
2. What are Sash Windows ?
3. Timber or uPVC Sash Windows?

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.

Related posts:

1. Sash Window Upgrading
2. Sash Window Repair And Sash Window Restoration.
3. What are Sash Windows ?

Sliding Sash or Box Sash windows have long been a favourite in tasteful homes from cottages to castles. The original design of the sash window is attributed to the English inventor, Robert Hooke (1635 –1703) and sash window styles have varied from the Georgian six over six, to the Victorian one over one design and many differentiations in between. 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.

Traditional sash windows have ropes and counter weights (or sash weights) set into the window frame. The frame forms a box which carries the weights and conceals them behind the outer leaf of brick or block-work, hence the term ‘box sash window’. Originally however, the boxes were left almost flush with the outer face of the brickwork. These weights allow the window sashes, top or bottom, to open without falling down. In more recent times spiral balances, or springs, have been used to replace the weights and pulleys.

Modern advances in paint technology mean sash windows can be supplied fully finished and eliminate all the problems caused by initial painting on site. Double glazing and draft sealing have greatly increased the insulation qualities of sash windows to rival those of hinged window systems and reduce heating costs.

For listed buildings and projects in conservation areas original window profiles can be replicated to retain the architectural aesthetic of the building. Specialist joinery companies can incorporate features such as single glazing, half cills and putty glazing bead which may be requested by local planning authorities.

When choosing your sash windows supplier, consider long term value. A quality sash window will last a life time while a poorly made product using cheap materials will have a much shorter service life. Factors that will contribute to the long term value of the window you choose include; the quality of timber, ironmongery and finish, along with the standard of workmanship, installation and after sales service.

Kingsbridge Joinery supply superior sliding sash windows for new build and bespoke renovation projects all over the UK and Ireland. As experts in this field we would be glad to assist with any queries you may have.

Related posts:

1. Sash Window Upgrading
2. Who Installs the Sash Windows ?
3. Sash Window Repair And Sash Window Restoration.