· 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.

Related posts:

1. Sash Window Upgrading
2. Timber or uPVC Sash Windows?
3. What are Sash Windows ?

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.

Related posts:

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

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?

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.

Related posts:

1. Safety Features of Double Glazed Sash Windows
2. Sash Window Upgrading
3. Purchasing Sash Window Locks.

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.

Related posts:

1. Sash Window Upgrading
2. Timber Sash Windows
3. Painting Timber Window Sashes