Safety Features of Double Glazed Sash Windows

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 sash windows 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.

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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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Timber or uPVC Sash Windows?

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.

uPVC Sash Windows.

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.

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