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.
Single-hung sash windows were probably invented by the French, and copied by the British during the seventeenth century. After that introduction, the double-hung sash appears to have been invented in England, and it allowed much more subtle ventilation than in the older side hung casement windows which were prevalent in earlier buildings.
Until about 1700 many windows used native oak, and other hardwoods, but as these woods were becoming rarer and more expensive, they were replaced by what joiners called deal. This included various softwoods from fir and pine trees.
Although many timber windows built in the 1950s and 1960s have already deteriorated, sash windows from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries may often be found in good condition. This is because the Georgian and Victorian builders used the more expensive, and higher quality heartwood, from the center of the tree, rather than the cheaper sapwood, which is often unsuitable for external joinery.
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.
Single-hung sash windows were probably invented by the French, and copied by the British during the seventeenth century. After that introduction, the double-hung sash appears to have been invented in England, and it allowed much more subtle ventilation than in the older side hung casement windows which were prevalent in earlier buildings.
Until about 1700 many windows used native oak, and other hardwoods, but as these woods were becoming rarer and more expensive, they were replaced by what joiners called deal. This included various softwoods from fir and pine trees.
Although many timber windows built in the 1950s and 1960s have already deteriorated, sash windows from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries may often be found in good condition. This is because the Georgian and Victorian builders used the more expensive, and higher quality heartwood, from the center of the tree, rather than the cheaper sapwood, which is often unsuitable for external joinery.
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.
About the Author:
Get exclusive inside information on how sash window restoration can significantly increase the sale value of your property now in our complete review of sash window repairs and sash windows london .
0 comments:
Post a Comment