Sashes designed with the ability to open at the bottom and top to allow a breeze to circulate were brought into being in a time long before air conditioners. This design was also able to cope with the very heavy pane glass that was available in those years. These feature windows are unique and as such it would be a shame to loose them. A sash window refurbishment may be a way to safeguard their existence.
The concept was so clever that little of the design has been changed from the first sashes made in the seventeenth century. New and improved materials have however been incorporated and this allows for easier operation.
Without proper care and upkeep wood can and does damage quickly. It is very vulnerable to weather changes and shrinkage and swelling happens continually. This together with normal day to day usage causes originally snug fitting sections to pull away from one another. The resulting rattling windows is irritating and the draughts caused by these winds make heating any room an expensive exercise and brings about huge increases to heating costs of the home.
For many people living in homes that have old fashioned sashes it is a major dilemma to decide whether to replace with complete new styled windows or modern frames or to do refurbishment. Aesthetically and for the old world charm refurbishment would seem to be the only answer.
Refurbishing is usually done on site and it is only in rare cases of badly damaged frames that an entire frame is removed and taken to a workshop for repair. The frames and runners that have bits of wood missing pulleys counterweights and cords are all usually repaired and replaced on site without causing any upheaval to the family.
Using new and innovative materials these century old sash windows can be restored to their former glory. Draught proofing and double glazed panes can be installed for better insulation which will impact on heating costs and bring about a saving. For added security there are now a variety of latches that can be fitted to prevent partially opened sashes from being further opened. In emergency situations these latches are easily removed.
It is important to remember that many of these old buildings are listed and registered with National Heritage Councils and therefore no alterations or restoration can be done to existing historical features without getting prior permission. There are now new high quality double glazed Victorian sash window replicas on the market that have the look of an original window. These have been given the nod of approval from these Councils for use as a replacement for frames that have been damaged beyond repair.
A sash window refurbishment may be time consuming and in some cases expensive but if a person wishes to preserve their homes timeless charmingly elegant look it is the only option. Refurbishment companies take great pride in their work and use traditional carpentry and joinery techniques combined with modern materials to restore these sashes to pristine condition.
The concept was so clever that little of the design has been changed from the first sashes made in the seventeenth century. New and improved materials have however been incorporated and this allows for easier operation.
Without proper care and upkeep wood can and does damage quickly. It is very vulnerable to weather changes and shrinkage and swelling happens continually. This together with normal day to day usage causes originally snug fitting sections to pull away from one another. The resulting rattling windows is irritating and the draughts caused by these winds make heating any room an expensive exercise and brings about huge increases to heating costs of the home.
For many people living in homes that have old fashioned sashes it is a major dilemma to decide whether to replace with complete new styled windows or modern frames or to do refurbishment. Aesthetically and for the old world charm refurbishment would seem to be the only answer.
Refurbishing is usually done on site and it is only in rare cases of badly damaged frames that an entire frame is removed and taken to a workshop for repair. The frames and runners that have bits of wood missing pulleys counterweights and cords are all usually repaired and replaced on site without causing any upheaval to the family.
Using new and innovative materials these century old sash windows can be restored to their former glory. Draught proofing and double glazed panes can be installed for better insulation which will impact on heating costs and bring about a saving. For added security there are now a variety of latches that can be fitted to prevent partially opened sashes from being further opened. In emergency situations these latches are easily removed.
It is important to remember that many of these old buildings are listed and registered with National Heritage Councils and therefore no alterations or restoration can be done to existing historical features without getting prior permission. There are now new high quality double glazed Victorian sash window replicas on the market that have the look of an original window. These have been given the nod of approval from these Councils for use as a replacement for frames that have been damaged beyond repair.
A sash window refurbishment may be time consuming and in some cases expensive but if a person wishes to preserve their homes timeless charmingly elegant look it is the only option. Refurbishment companies take great pride in their work and use traditional carpentry and joinery techniques combined with modern materials to restore these sashes to pristine condition.
About the Author:
If you own a home with historic style, sash window refurbishment London can help with maintaining the eye appeal. Choose exterior decorators London to provide design suggestions.
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