Period Box Sliding Sash Windows
Sash Windows: Restoration – Double Glazing – Replacement
Example Sash Window
The traditional box sliding sash-window is a familiar sight of British property. Their place in our heritage dates back to the end of the seventeenth century. Their shape and size vary, generally dictated to by developments in industry. Made of three main components, the box and two sashes – the sashes being the opening, or sliding sections, of course.
Box sliding sash windows can be dated visually, with Georgian sashes made up of lots of panes of glass, into Victorian sashes divided by single glazing bars or no glazing bars and horn details. Edwardian sashes encouraged a return to Georgian elegance in a grand scale, large floor to ceiling windows, with multiple paned glass arrangements in the top sash. Of course, leaded lights, or stained glass, made their appearance in the Edwardian sash window, bringing about many beautiful colourfully lined streets.
Refurbishing Existing Sash Windows
If a property still has it’s original sliding box sash windows, then the refurbishment of those windows is both possible and, indeed preferential, to a complete replacement. Rotten timber, paint sealed sashes, broken sash cords, drafty sashes that open or close of their own accord, sashes that rattle when the wind blows and even broken glass are all problems which can be easily rectified by our experienced team.
Sash Window Refurbishment
In addition to restoring the full operation of both top and bottom sashes, we also fully draft proof the windows, repair external pointing and putty, and can even double glaze them. There are several reasons why refurbishing, and potentially double glazing your existing sash windows is preferential to a complete window replacement:
- Maintaining original features will add value to a property
- All surrounding internal architrave, window board, box lining and associated panelling can be fully retained
- Refurbishment of your existing windows costs less than a complete replacement. Even when compared with uPVC
- In most cases, refurbishment will minimise surrounding plaster damage and avoid the need for internal redecoration
- Double glazed refurbished sash windows can be fully 2011 building regulations compliant
- Refurbished sash windows are FENSA registered and come with an option for a 5 year insurance backed warranty
- Double glazed sash window refurbishment is permissible in most conservation areas and with some listed buildings
The possibility of having fully 2011 building regs compliant windows that look near identical to the properties original windows means you can have the best of both worlds – an original period look WITH the efficiency and functionality of new modern windows.
Replacement Replica Sash Windows
Sash Window Replacement
Of course, on the rare occasions (e.g. the existing window has dry rot) when is not possible to refurbish an existing sash window, then it is always possible to replace it with a replica. Naturally, the positioning of the new or replacement sash window is key. Sash windows were generally positioned behind the brickwork with a stone sill and stone, or brick arch lintel. Maintaining, or sometimes reinstating this position is essential if the period look of the property is to be fully maintained. Our replacement sash windows are exact copies of your original windows and look like they’ve always been there.
