Sash Window Upgrading

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 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.

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Sash Window Repair And Sash Window Restoration.

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 Repair and Sash Window Restoration

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.

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What are Sash Windows ?

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.

Certified Sash Windows by Kingsbridge JoineryOther 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 instead of wooden sash windows.  Many people have to make what can be a difficult choice between timber  and uPVC 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 Window Restoration.

Sash Window Restoration.

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.

There are window companies which specialise in the sash window repairs – some 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 and installing replacement sash windows can be a tempting option, but they are tasks that will bring their rewards.

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