Advice for altering historic windows

Windows have the responsibility of keeping the weather out. But, this isn’t all they do. These are eye catching features that provide a property with character. They do this via their workmanship, design, and materials, and also help to tell a story. Some could be original. Others may have been replaced or altered in response to fashion changes or decay. Whatever the case, we can provide the top services for sash window restorations Northumberland has. Continue reading “Advice for altering historic windows”

How often should I clean the inside of my windows?

Windows need attention, just like every other part of a building. Sashes need even more care due to what they add to a property. When they are in top condition, they can attract positive attention because of the style and character. If they degrade, everyone will only see them as an eyesore. To avoid this, you should work with us. We offer the finest services for sash window restoration in Northumberland. Continue reading “How often should I clean the inside of my windows?”

What sash window draught proofing options are available?

Sash Windows Morpeth

With sash windows, making the choice to draught proof them is one of the best things you can do. It will allow you to save money on energy bills. Not to mention, your home will feel warm and toasty. We would love to help here. You can rely on us to provide the best services for sash window restoration Northumberland can offer.

Sashes were a regular feature on homes during the Victorian and Georgian periods. As a result, many originals will be over one hundred years old. It shouldn’t then surprise you that they rattle around in their frames. They can also have gaps that allow cold breezes to blow into your property. For you to draught proof your sash windows, you must take a different approach to those used on other windows.

There are multiple ways to tackle draughts here. What we are going to do is look at what methods you can use.

Silicone

An easy option is you can seal your windows shut with silicone if you rarely, if ever, use them. This completely eliminates draughts and will have a major influence over your room’s temperature when you use the heating. You’ll find the transformation to be rather surprising.

Silicone is simple to apply and readily available. Just remember that once it is in place, it’s difficult to remove. Bear in mind that if you need this window for a fire escape, sealing won’t be an appropriate solution.

Adhesive strips

This is a very popular draught proofing method for many types of window. Normally, these are sold in rolls so you can cut to size and stick them in position. The strips are cheap and fast to fit.

However, they are not necessarily the best idea for sashes. It is not always a great long-term solution. While you are using the windows, the movement is going to dislodge the draft seals. Silicone sealant would definitely be a better solution. Contact us if you desire the finest services for sash window restoration Northumberland has.

Brush seals

You can draught proof your windows using plastic or metal strips with pile or brushes attached. These come in a multitude of forms. Normally, you buy them in two parts. There is a self-adhesive ‘pile carrier’ to stick around your window frame. You then slot the fluffy brush or pile strips in to prevent draughts.

These do halt draughts, but you need to replace them eventually. This depends on how frequently you close and open your windows. Plastic and metal strips with wipers or ‘V-strips’ are typically better for casement windows instead of sash ones.

Professional methods

With sashes, the ideal option is to work with experts. For one thing, we will be able to provide you with the best advice for your windows. Furthermore, we can repair them and enhance their efficiency even more.

Professional solutions make use of draught seals that get machined and rebated into the original sashes. Afterwards, they can replace parting and staff beads with like-for-like mouldings with a draught seal. Brush pile can be inserted into every perimeter of the sash window to obtain a complete seal.

Using such a two-tier system rather than installing directly into the sash creates an extra benefit. If a draught seal gets painted or damaged and isn’t effective anymore, replacing the draught seal will be a quick job.

First rate sash window restoration in Northumberland

At David Humble, we know what it’s like to look at deteriorated sash windows. As a result, we apply the maximum amount of effort to restore them to their original condition. Our approach is convenient and more cost effective than a replacement too.

So, please let us know if you need the foremost services for sash window restoration Northumberland has to offer. We can organise everything with you for a great price.

Child Friendly Sash Windows

Sash Windows Morpeth

Childproofing a property is crucial for families with young children. There are a number of things to think about here, including stairs and windows. It is vital to reduce the risk of falls because they can result in serious injury. You need to pay specific attention if you have sashes. As the top provider of sash window restoration in Northumberland we can offer solutions for them.

A trade-off

The sad thing for many people is they love their sash windows. They can be some of their favourite features in the property, particularly if they are originals with a wonderful design. That makes it a really awful decision if they feel they need to remove them. Sometimes it can seem like the only option when the safety of children is a priority.

Unrestrained sashes are sadly one of the most dangerous styles of window. This is because a child could easily push one up to make the opening bigger. In doing so, the risk of falling is much greater. It does not automatically mean you need to replace the sashes though. There are actually three things you can do here that ensure you can keep them. Sash window restoration in Northumberland can help too.

Restrictors

The first option is the easiest and most accessible. What you can do is install bolts on the side of the sash. They work to limit how far the window can open. It will only be possible to go beyond them if you unlock the bolts. So, it will be physically impossible for a child to open the window far enough to crawl or fall through. Ideally you should use them to limit the opening to just a few centimetres.

Guards

A second option is to choose sash window guards. The idea is the same as choosing a safety gate for the stairs. What you have is a grille or mesh to protect the whole window. The guards create a barrier so children can’t get to the opening.

Double hung sashes

A final option is to change the style of sash you have. The best one here is double hung styles. They have two moveable sashes so you can move the bottom or top one. For safety, it is better to open the upper one for ventilation. It will mean the opening is too high up for children to reach.

Other tips

There are several other things you can do to boost child safety around sashes and other windows too. For starters, only have them open when an adult is present and monitoring the children.

Plus, never leave anything underneath the window that they could climb on to reach it. You could go one step further here and ensure the children don’t climb anywhere near windowsills.

Finally, ensure that any restrictors are working properly so windows can’t open too far.

Speak to us about sash window restoration in Northumberland

At David Humble we always advise people that they don’t need to get rid of sashes. The right service can make them safe if you have children. Often you don’t need to replace them if there are issues with wear and tear too. In many cases we can restore them carefully so you can continue to enjoy them.

So, if you are looking at sashes and need a first rate service, choose us. Our sash window restoration in Northumberland is highly rated and suitable for all kinds of properties. Get in touch today and we can advise you.