Sash windows were widely used in Georgian and Victorian times. They’re not widely included in new buildings today, meaning that there are few specialise in the subject. It’s hard to buy a replacement for them that truly represent the period that they’re from and help retain the architecture of the building. This means that if you do own them, it’s necessary to take care of them whether this is through uniformed maintenance or restoration. Over time windows can become weak, susceptible to rot and lose their insulating features meaning that you should act even when you encounter a small issue.
Draught-proofing sash windows are a great way to seal in the heat, reduce your energy bills and keep your home warmer during the winter. A variety of options are available in terms of draught-proofing but while you are trying to keep the heat in, it’s still paramount that the window has sufficient ventilation to prevent mould – especially in wet rooms and kitchens with high humidity levels. For this reason, it’s recommended that you avoid using surface mounted metal strips as they aren’t very effective. Instead, the windows will have to be taken out and properly routed with appropriate draught-proofing material.
Secondary glazing is another possibility to solving the problem of poor insulation and heat loss if you have single glazed sash windows in your home. Heat loss can potentially be cut by a third by adding a second layer and draughts can be significantly reduced. This is a permanent feature that will offer you a lot of returns on your investment as it will save you money in your monthly heating bills.
In certain cases, your sash windows may be beyond repair. However, regular maintenance and restoration can help increase longevity and reduce the change of having to replace them in the near future. Replacing your sash windows is possibly the most costly option that you can choose, emphasising the importance of restoration. Here at David Humble you can always have peace of mind that your windows are properly looked after.
David Humble is experienced in sash window restoration and has built a great reputation over the years. Whether you need a complete restoration or small repairs we are able to deliver solutions for all requirements. If you would like more information regarding our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your needs in more detail.