You don’t have to live in a period property or a conservation area to have sash windows. While they are associated with more traditional designs, they can be fitted to any home. Many of us choose to replace our old style windows with a sash design for the elegance that they can bring to our home, both externally and from the inside, and for the element of tradition that they can inject into it. You may also not realise it, but sash windows have an inherent security factor to their design: the fact that they can be locked while open makes it safer to ventilate your home than other window designs and the numerous small panes of glass, as opposed to a large single one, make it harder for someone to climb in through a smashed window.
Sash windows are typically found on Victorian, Georgian, and Regency styles of architecture. If you are replacing sash windows in one of these architectural styles, make sure the new windows are right for that particular period as there are some subtle differences. Whether replacement windows or not, here are a few of the particularities of sash windows to bear in mind:
- If you are opting for timber (or if you must use it due to planning constraints around listed buildings or conservation areas) keep a close eye on the paint finish. Timber sash windows will rot if the paint begins to flake allowing the elements to damage the wood. Regular maintenance and upkeep of the paint job, opting for a modern finish, will reduce the chances of flaking paint and ultimately timber rot.
- If one of the cords on the sliding mechanism breaks, or you notice it beginning to fray, get it replaced straightaway. A broken cord will result in a stuck window and even a frayed one will put more pressure on the other side causing undue strain. If left like this it will break and could cause injury.
- Keeping your sash windows clean need not be as complicated with new styles as it may be with the older, more traditional ones. Some newer designs allow for windows to be slightly tilted, making them easier to clean, so if that was something that was putting you off getting sash windows installed, it no longer needs to be.
- Sliding sash windows may stick not allowing them to slide as smoothly as they used to. That’s usually due to a build-up of paint over time and can be easily remedied by rubbing them down to remove dirt or flaky paint residue.
- uPVC designs are as good as the traditional timber ones nowadays, and may even be allowed in conservation areas or on listed buildings, but check with your local planning authority first. However, timber is not as high maintenance as you might think and it still provides the most traditional look. The advent of modern paint finishes means that frequent maintenance need not be as necessary; a once-a-year check for cracks and flakes is usually sufficient.
If you are considering installing sash windows, or need to replace your old ones get in touch with us at Wandsworth Sash Windows. For a chat or to make an appointment all you need to do is call us on 02079247303.
