Sash windows are one of the important parts of the heritage of many of our towns. Many buildings have a character which is dependent on the retention of the building's original features such as these elegant windows. Retaining original features is more than just a matter of taste, it can also make good economic sense. Period windows were often made with higher qualities of wood than are used today, and most real estate agents feel that having original features will add value to any property, and make it sell more quickly. This short article shows how sash window restoration can increase the sale value of your property.
The first sash windows were a single-hung variety, probably invented in France. This style was imported into England during the 17th century, where the double-hung variety then seems to have been invented, some time around the year 1700. These new windows allowed more varied and subtle ventilation than the earlier side-hung casements, which they quickly displaced from new building designs.
At first many windows were built using hardwoods such as oak, but as these woods became more expensive and more difficult to procure, they were replaced by softwood from fir and pine forests in North America and in the Baltic.
Many old windows remain in quite good condition because the original builders used high-quality heartwood, that is wood from the center of the tree. The modern practice is to use the much cheaper sapwood, which is rather inferior.
In any repair or refurbishment project on period windows it is preferable to use the highest quality wood. If it is not possible to source heartwood, then use sapwood treated with modern preservatives. Contrary to many peoples' belief, softwoods are not automatically poor quality woods, and many excellent timbers can be procured from managed forests in North America, Scandinavia and the UK.
When sash windows are being repaired it is possible to introduce modern improvements such as weather seals. These are fitted into grooves which can be machined into the sashes. They are both discreet, and effective at eliminating draughts and rattles.
There are also modern glasses available which provide better thermal and noise performance than the original window glass. Security, plus safety for young children, may also be improved by fitting more modern varieties of lock.
The first sash windows were a single-hung variety, probably invented in France. This style was imported into England during the 17th century, where the double-hung variety then seems to have been invented, some time around the year 1700. These new windows allowed more varied and subtle ventilation than the earlier side-hung casements, which they quickly displaced from new building designs.
At first many windows were built using hardwoods such as oak, but as these woods became more expensive and more difficult to procure, they were replaced by softwood from fir and pine forests in North America and in the Baltic.
Many old windows remain in quite good condition because the original builders used high-quality heartwood, that is wood from the center of the tree. The modern practice is to use the much cheaper sapwood, which is rather inferior.
In any repair or refurbishment project on period windows it is preferable to use the highest quality wood. If it is not possible to source heartwood, then use sapwood treated with modern preservatives. Contrary to many peoples' belief, softwoods are not automatically poor quality woods, and many excellent timbers can be procured from managed forests in North America, Scandinavia and the UK.
When sash windows are being repaired it is possible to introduce modern improvements such as weather seals. These are fitted into grooves which can be machined into the sashes. They are both discreet, and effective at eliminating draughts and rattles.
There are also modern glasses available which provide better thermal and noise performance than the original window glass. Security, plus safety for young children, may also be improved by fitting more modern varieties of lock.
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Get inside info on how sash window restoration can significantly increase the sale value of your property now in our comprehensive guide to sash window repairs and sash windows london .
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