Is
your home more than a place to lay your head? If your kitchen is
bespoke, your lounge an eclectic mix of modern and antique, your
lighting is subtle, your bedroom is a boudoir and your bathroom is a
grand oasis, why not go the extra mile and give those outside
something to admire?
There
is no doubting the timeless elegance of sash windows, a style that
was first developed in the 17th
century and remains difficult to match using modern, mass-produced
window styles.
The
windows of a property offer an insight as to the interior. Imagine
how less grand Buckingham Palace would appear without its dozens of
sash windows staring majestically down The Mall.
In their original form, sash windows were pulled up to open, perhaps using a cord and wedged with pieces of wood. This meant they were not too efficient when it came to excluding draughts.
However,
modern, professionally designed and fitted sash windows come with
features to prevent draughts. There is no reason why a new
installation should not offer the same levels of comfort in your home
as other more modern window types.
Thanks
to technological changes over the years that have had a significant
impact on the weight of window panes, it is now possible to
incorporate double glazing into sash units or even install secondary
glazing.
If
you have problems with draughts in an older installation, consult a
professional sash window specialist for advice on draught proofing or
consider investing in some good quality, heavy curtains.
Renovating
existing sash windows
If
your property is fitted with sash
windows that are draughty, difficult to open and close or are
rotting in places, it is recommended you consider calling in a
professional sash window specialist who will advise how serviceable
the current installation is:
Whether repair is possible, and the extent of what is required
Whether it is necessary to restring the windows to ensure ease of
opening and closing
What materials are preferable and whether matching mouldings can be
sourced or made
Whether complete replacement is necessary or preferable and the
options for this
If
you are looking to improve the appearance of your sash windows,
consider a ‘back to the wood’ paint job. This is possible to
carry out as a DIY task or you may wish to call in the services of a
properly qualified painter to ensure the best finish.
Strip
the old paint off (there could be many layers), carry out any small
repairs using a quality filling material, prime and seal the wood and
repaint.
Window
fittings should also be stripped back of all paint and cleaned. You
might be surprised when the paint comes off that you have quality
antique brass fittings underneath. If the fittings need to be
replaced, it might be possible to obtain equally old but clean
fittings from a reclaimed building materials yard.
Listed
buildings
Owners of homes that are listed properties are advised to consult their local council’s conservation department before amending or changing the fabric of the building. This general rule includes any changes or alterations to sash windows.
If
you are planning on installing new windows, beware that the change
will have to be in the same style as the current installations and
may also have to be in the same materials. Again, it is recommended
you consult a professional sash window specialist who will advise you
of your options, of what can and cannot be saved and how best to
proceed.
