Information

Why retain your original sash windows

If you live in a conservation area or own a listed building you will be aware that there are strict rules in place regarding replacement of your timber windows. However even if your home isn’t affected by such regulations, there are a number of reasons why you should still stick with wood.

Some homeowners are tempted to replace their sash windows with a modern alternative. This is expensive and often unnecessary. Original sash windows contribute significantly to the historic character of a building and should be retained if possible. Additionally, English Heritage advises that sash windows can add value to a building. When buying a new property, prospective buyers are usually willing to pay more for a property with period features intact and/or sympathetic replacements.

Original timber windows are made of very high-quality wood seldom found nowadays and therefore it is often a false economy to replace them. Where the timber is cared for with suitable paint and weatherproofing, there is no reason that your sash windows will not last for many more decades. Because of this, The Sash Guy will meticulously assess the condition of your windows and put forward a restoration plan wherever possible.

Whereas some sash window companies employ hard sell tactics and avoid refurbishing windows in favour of replacement, The Sash Guy never writes off restorable windows. You can be confident that the team will only suggest new sash windows or frames where the originals are truly beyond repair. In these cases experienced craftsmen will work to create a high-quality replica of the original windows.

UPVC alternatives

Some sash window companies make ‘sash style’ plastic windows. The Sash Guy never deals in these products. Plastic imitations of sash windows will always look like plastic imitations. Thick frames, highly visible joints and fake horns cannot compete with authentic wooden sash windows.

From an ecological point of view, producing new plastic windows consumes a great deal of energy. This results in a high manufacturing footprint. In addition, ‘sash style’ plastic windows often end up in landfill after a useful life of only 20 years or so. Far from being ‘no maintenance’, UPVC frames discolour whilst their double glazed units can mist up in less than ten years.

Maintaining wooden sash windows

Part of the reason that some homeowners consider replacing wooden sash windows is that they are trying to improve the thermal performance of their buildings. A strong thermal performance reduces both carbon emissions and heating costs. Although some traditional wooden sash windows perform poorly in this regard, replacement is certainly not the only way to achieve higher insulation standards. Research by Glasgow Caledonian University found that sash window repair and secondary glazing can make a dramatic difference to thermal performance. A simple restoration was shown to reduce heat loss by up to 34%. Where professional draught proofing was carried out, leakage was cut by up to 86%.

Modern wood treatments and paints reduce the need for regular maintenance. Modern locks can be fitted to wooden sash windows to ensure that they are secure. A variety of parts are available to restrict opening and keep your windows safe. Thanks to modern draught proofing and secondary glazing, as well as traditional shutters and heavy curtains, sash windows can perform well for heat and sound insulation. Together, these factors indicate that, even in the twenty-first century, wooden sash windows remain a strong investment for the future.