Timber Sash Windows

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 a wooden sash window, 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 wooden sash 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.

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 whether they be brass, iron or uPVC 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.

Filed Under: Information Tagged With: antique window locks, ornate sash window locks, ornate window locks, reproduction antique window locks, sash window lock, sash window locks, sash windows, Timber sash windows, uPVC Sash Windows, upvc window locks, window locks

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 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.

Filed Under: Upgrading Tagged With: double glazed sash windows, pvc sash windows, replacement sash windows, sash window, sash window repairs, sash windows, Timber sash windows, traditional sash windows, uPVC Sash Windows, wooden sash windows