Sash windows first made their appearance in the mid seventeenth century and many of those fine crafted windows are still to be seen in numerous historic buildings around the world. Hand-crafted in a time when craftsmen took great pride in their work and skill these wooden frames have stood the test of time. But the normal wear and tear over hundreds of years and exposure to the elements has left many of these fine examples in need of serious sash window refurbishment.
Made up of two frames traditionally in a two by three pane combination these windows move freely up and down their wooden runners. Old frames have shrunk and become worn with regular use and are now loose fitting and draughty.
When restoring an old building a person often has to make tough decisions not only for the short term but for the long term cost effectiveness. Replacing bad-fitting frames with better fitting windows can save money by reducing heating bill costs although aesthetically they might not be as appealing.
Many firms do refurbishment on site but one needs to realize that repairing wood is a labor intensive occupation and therefore expensive. Frames that have pieces chipped out or broken can be repaired with insets instead of being completely replaced.
New methods of draught proofing and weather strips have gone a long way to improve insulation. Noise proof glass is now also available on the market that one could used to replace old panes to lower noise levels. An inside locking device can be installed which allows a person to open windows slightly for ventilation purposes but stops them from being opened further to allow illegal access. These locking devices are easy and quick to remove in case of an emergency.
However once these frames have been restored, treated and repainted with any new sealants and paints readily available one may have the joy of continuous use of these beautiful unique windows that are infinitely pleasing and low maintenance bills.
Even though new frames that are aesthetically pleasing are available nowadays it is still not a decision to be taken lightly. Once old original sashes have been removed they and the special character they gave the house will be lost forever.
The cost of refurbishment may seem exorbitant at first glance but if one weighs up all the pros and cons a sash window refurbishment may be the best option regardless of initial expense estimates.
Made up of two frames traditionally in a two by three pane combination these windows move freely up and down their wooden runners. Old frames have shrunk and become worn with regular use and are now loose fitting and draughty.
When restoring an old building a person often has to make tough decisions not only for the short term but for the long term cost effectiveness. Replacing bad-fitting frames with better fitting windows can save money by reducing heating bill costs although aesthetically they might not be as appealing.
Many firms do refurbishment on site but one needs to realize that repairing wood is a labor intensive occupation and therefore expensive. Frames that have pieces chipped out or broken can be repaired with insets instead of being completely replaced.
New methods of draught proofing and weather strips have gone a long way to improve insulation. Noise proof glass is now also available on the market that one could used to replace old panes to lower noise levels. An inside locking device can be installed which allows a person to open windows slightly for ventilation purposes but stops them from being opened further to allow illegal access. These locking devices are easy and quick to remove in case of an emergency.
However once these frames have been restored, treated and repainted with any new sealants and paints readily available one may have the joy of continuous use of these beautiful unique windows that are infinitely pleasing and low maintenance bills.
Even though new frames that are aesthetically pleasing are available nowadays it is still not a decision to be taken lightly. Once old original sashes have been removed they and the special character they gave the house will be lost forever.
The cost of refurbishment may seem exorbitant at first glance but if one weighs up all the pros and cons a sash window refurbishment may be the best option regardless of initial expense estimates.
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