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

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.

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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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Painting Timber Window Sashes

Before you commence painting a window sash in  sash windows, it is important to prepare properly – the amount of work you will have to do in this regard will depend on the state of the existing paintwork.  Remember that repairing sash windows can be a slow task, but it is a necessary task unless you are debating between uPVC or timber sash windows.  Replacement sash windows may not need to be painted , but they will be expensive to purchase and install.

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 Sash Windows.

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.

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