· 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 ?

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?

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 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.

Related posts:

1. Sash Window Upgrading
2. Sash Window Repair And Sash Window Restoration.
3. Why Pre-Finished Timber Windows & Doors?

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.

Other 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 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.

Related posts:

1. Sash Window Upgrading
2. Sash Window Repair And Sash Window Restoration.
3. Safety Features of Double Glazed Sash Windows

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