Experts are predicting that 2026 will be the hottest year ever in the UK. Records are likely to be broken this month too, with a heatwave said to be on the way. It could smash the record for hottest day in June. While people will be scrambling for cooling and heat reducing tips, if you have a certain type of window, you’ve got a big advantage. We want to have a closer look here, then you can rely on us if you need sash window restoration in Northumberland or other areas.
Effective ventilation
Sash windows are one of the most attractive designs, especially eye-catching ones like Georgian six over six or Victorian two over two. Amazingly, the design is also really good for ventilation. This can offer massive benefits when it is hot, and can improve air quality in properties too.
The fantastic thing about sash windows is you can open up the top and bottom sashes at the same time. As a result, you get two openings instead of the one you have with casement windows. Because of the laws of air flow, you can open both sashes and enjoy natural ventilation. Warm air will rise, leaving the room via the upper sash. Simultaneously, colder air from outside will flow in through the bottom sash to replace it.
Interestingly, researchers, including a team from the Department of Engineering at Cambridge University, have studied the science. The findings are that altering the size of the openings on sash windows has an impact on the air flow. So, you can choose different flow regimes to suit your needs. Speak to us about sash window restoration in Northumberland or other areas.
To help you decide how much to open each sash, consider the impact on ventilation and air flow. Firstly, if both openings are equal, you get equilibrium with ventilation and air flowing in. Secondly, if the bottom sash has a larger opening you get more ventilation than air flow in. Finally, if the upper sash opening is larger, you get more airflow in but less ventilation.
Are your windows ready?
As we said, if you’ve got sash windows you’re in a great position when the weather gets hot. However, you need to make sure they are ready. There could be issues lurking, or you may already know of a problem. If so, you can rely on us to provide sash window restoration in Northumberland and many other areas.
One of the most common problems people have with sashes is they are painted shut. Traditional timber ones need painting periodically to protect them from moisture. However, sometimes people don’t take care with this and they can end up unable to open. Luckily, it is fixable.
Another issue is the sash cords and weights may be broken. They are essential for opening and closing the windows. Again though, this is a problem it’s possible to fix. New cords and reattaching the weights can make them work like new again.
Free consultations for sash window restoration in Northumberland
The UK is not built to handle the hottest weather. Air conditioning is quite rare, especially in homes. It can result in some hot, humid, uncomfortable days. If you’ve got sash windows though, you have an advantage. Just make sure you can use them as intended.
If you need help restoring sashes to make sure you get the full benefits of having them, you can rely on David Humble. We’re one of the leading specialists in our field. Using our expertise and traditional skills, we can fix various problems to a high standard.
So, if you want sash window restoration in Northumberland, give us a call. Consultations are free; we’ll go over everything with you and provide a quote.