Visually, it’s very hard to compete with sash windows. They look fantastic and can add a lot of value to properties. However, that strength can become a massive drawback. If you fail to maintain them, or make mistakes with upgrades or replacements, it can be a huge problem. We want to look at a key thing to keep in mind here, then if you want to arrange sash window restoration in Northumberland, you can trust us.

Proportions

By far the most important thing with sash windows is to think about the proportions. They have the biggest impact on the aesthetics, more so than the materials and colour. So, you need to avoid mistakes with them.

A couple of key things are critical here. Firstly is the height of the windows and the height of the meeting rail (the point where both sashes meet). Second is the width of the frame; thicker frames have a classical look but people often want thinner frames today. Thirdly, you need to consider the glazing bars (or astragals), including the thickness and profile. Finally, look at how the window sits in the opening; is it forward or pushed back?

You can see how important the proportions are with sash windows if you look at terraces or tenements. When they were built it is likely every property would have had the same style of windows. So, slight changes can stand out like a sore thumb. Even something as simple as a slightly higher or lower meeting rail or thicker frame can look bad. Speak to us if you need sash window restoration in Northumberland.

What to do?

If you want to avoid the problem, you need to be careful. The best course of action is to maintain the original windows. It means you won’t risk any changes that could look wrong.

Sadly in some cases timber windows are too far gone, leaving replacement as the only option. In this situation, you need to consider the wider context. Look at neighbouring properties. The goal should be to make sure your property sits nicely beside them. So, keep the new sash designs as close to the original as possible in terms of the proportions and features.

The pattern of the glazing bars is especially important. Think about what would have been the typical style for the age of the building and type of property. For example, Victorian terrace homes tend to have two over two sashes. However, six over six is common with older Georgian properties because manufacturers couldn’t create big panes of glass cost effectively. Choose the right design and it’ll look like the windows belong to the property rather than looking wrong.

Ask us about sash window restoration in Northumberland

David Humble is happy to help if you are having any issues with sash windows. We can provide a free consultation and advice. We’ll have a good look at the condition of the windows and discuss the issues you are having. We can then go over potential solutions and give you free quotes.

If you do decide to go ahead, we’ll ensure you get the best results. Your windows will look their absolute best, ensuring you are the envy of your neighbours. So, speak to us today about sash window restoration in Northumberland and various other areas.