Double hung sash windows were most likely invented in England around the year 1700. The design was soon exported, first to Holland, which was a major trade partner at that time, and then around the world to British and Dutch overseas colonies. Many sash windows still exist today in homes built in the 18th and 19th centuries. These units are sometimes showing their age, and owners may feel that they are due for replacement, but they may also feel a desire to retain the simple elegance of the original design. This article will show why double glazed wooden sash windows can increase the value of your home.
Original sash windows provide a great deal of the elegance and beauty of many period homes, although many owners are plagued by problems such as draughts, rattles, condensation, and inadequate security features for modern standards.
Research has shown that retaining original features will often add to the value of a home, and make it easier to sell. In addition many period homes are located in conservation areas, and local authority regulations may prevent original features, such as sash windows, being replaced by more modern features, such as UPVC double glazing.
There are two choices for owners who wish to avoid UPVC double glazing. The first choice is a refurbishment project, and the second choice is a replacement project, using double glazed wooden sash units designed to match traditional styles.
In a sash window refurbishment project the sash units are dismantled, problems such as loose joints and damaged wood are rectified, glazing may be replaced with more modern low E laminated glass, pulley mechanisms are serviced, and hardware such as catches and handles can be refurbished or replaced. Additionally the owner may choose to have more modern locks fitted.
Refurbishment projects solve many problems such as the rattles and draughts, but nevertheless the window is still a single glazed unit. Although low E glass, and possible enhancements such as secondary double glazing could be added, a single glazed unit will still be no match for a modern UPVC double glazed unit, when energy efficiency is considered.
Those who wish to go beyond the energy efficiency improvements which are achievable with the refurbishment project, have the option of choosing newly built double glazed wooden sash windows. Authentic sash windows, built with either engineered softwood or hardwood, may be fitted. These retain the elegant proportions of the traditional design, while approaching or equaling the energy efficiency of UPVC double glazing.
Original sash windows provide a great deal of the elegance and beauty of many period homes, although many owners are plagued by problems such as draughts, rattles, condensation, and inadequate security features for modern standards.
Research has shown that retaining original features will often add to the value of a home, and make it easier to sell. In addition many period homes are located in conservation areas, and local authority regulations may prevent original features, such as sash windows, being replaced by more modern features, such as UPVC double glazing.
There are two choices for owners who wish to avoid UPVC double glazing. The first choice is a refurbishment project, and the second choice is a replacement project, using double glazed wooden sash units designed to match traditional styles.
In a sash window refurbishment project the sash units are dismantled, problems such as loose joints and damaged wood are rectified, glazing may be replaced with more modern low E laminated glass, pulley mechanisms are serviced, and hardware such as catches and handles can be refurbished or replaced. Additionally the owner may choose to have more modern locks fitted.
Refurbishment projects solve many problems such as the rattles and draughts, but nevertheless the window is still a single glazed unit. Although low E glass, and possible enhancements such as secondary double glazing could be added, a single glazed unit will still be no match for a modern UPVC double glazed unit, when energy efficiency is considered.
Those who wish to go beyond the energy efficiency improvements which are achievable with the refurbishment project, have the option of choosing newly built double glazed wooden sash windows. Authentic sash windows, built with either engineered softwood or hardwood, may be fitted. These retain the elegant proportions of the traditional design, while approaching or equaling the energy efficiency of UPVC double glazing.
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Learn how double glazed wooden sash windows can increase the value of your home now in our complete overview of London sash window company and everything you should know about sash window repair London .
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