These windows were designed at a time when the only pane glass available to use for windows was very thick and heavy. The concept also allowed for these windows to be opened at the top and bottom to promote air circulation through a room long before air conditioners were invented. These sashes are unique and for a house to loose this beautiful feature would be a loss of an elegant facade. It would appear that to preserve this piece of history a sash window refurbishment would have be the only answer.
The original design was of such a nature that over the years very little has changed. New innovative materials may have been added for easier operation but the workings are the same as they were originally in the seventeenth century when first introduced.
Wood is very susceptible to climatic changes and shrinks and swells and degenerates rapidly if not looked after and treated regularly. With all the wear and tear these wooden frames and runners no longer fit as snugly as they should and this results in draughts and windows rattling in the wind. This damage has a further knock on effect on the home's heating bills as without draught proofing a room takes longer to heat.
Living in a home with original sashes can cause a person a headache as at some time or another the question whether to replace or refurbish will need to be answered. Keeping the old world look of the original sashes may swing a person's final decision towards refurbishment.
Refurbishing is usually done on site and it is only in rare cases of badly damaged frames that an entire frame is removed and taken to a workshop for repair. The frames and runners that have bits of wood missing pulleys counterweights and cords are all usually repaired and replaced on site without causing any upheaval to the family.
Using new and innovative materials these century old sash windows can be restored to their former glory. Draught proofing and double glazed panes can be installed for better insulation which will impact on heating costs and bring about a saving. For added security there are now a variety of latches that can be fitted to prevent partially opened sashes from being further opened. In emergency situations these latches are easily removed.
Many of these old buildings have been declared historical homes and are listed with National Councils. No restoration or alterations can be carried out without receiving prior permission from these bodies. Nowadays there is a selection of replicated high quality Victorian sash windows with double glazed panes that are very similar in appearance to original sashes and permission has been given for these to be used as replacements for frames too badly damaged to repair.
There are numerous companies that specialize in refurbishment work nowadays. Many of these work in the time honored traditional joinery and carpentry methods using improved materials to produce articles that may also last for centuries. It may mean a degree of disruption to one's life and an added expense but a sash window refurbishment to keep those elegant windows may be well worth it.
The original design was of such a nature that over the years very little has changed. New innovative materials may have been added for easier operation but the workings are the same as they were originally in the seventeenth century when first introduced.
Wood is very susceptible to climatic changes and shrinks and swells and degenerates rapidly if not looked after and treated regularly. With all the wear and tear these wooden frames and runners no longer fit as snugly as they should and this results in draughts and windows rattling in the wind. This damage has a further knock on effect on the home's heating bills as without draught proofing a room takes longer to heat.
Living in a home with original sashes can cause a person a headache as at some time or another the question whether to replace or refurbish will need to be answered. Keeping the old world look of the original sashes may swing a person's final decision towards refurbishment.
Refurbishing is usually done on site and it is only in rare cases of badly damaged frames that an entire frame is removed and taken to a workshop for repair. The frames and runners that have bits of wood missing pulleys counterweights and cords are all usually repaired and replaced on site without causing any upheaval to the family.
Using new and innovative materials these century old sash windows can be restored to their former glory. Draught proofing and double glazed panes can be installed for better insulation which will impact on heating costs and bring about a saving. For added security there are now a variety of latches that can be fitted to prevent partially opened sashes from being further opened. In emergency situations these latches are easily removed.
Many of these old buildings have been declared historical homes and are listed with National Councils. No restoration or alterations can be carried out without receiving prior permission from these bodies. Nowadays there is a selection of replicated high quality Victorian sash windows with double glazed panes that are very similar in appearance to original sashes and permission has been given for these to be used as replacements for frames too badly damaged to repair.
There are numerous companies that specialize in refurbishment work nowadays. Many of these work in the time honored traditional joinery and carpentry methods using improved materials to produce articles that may also last for centuries. It may mean a degree of disruption to one's life and an added expense but a sash window refurbishment to keep those elegant windows may be well worth it.
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If you own a home with historic style, sash window refurbishment London can help with maintaining the eye appeal. Choose exterior decorators London to offer design suggestions.
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