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Sash Windows
-Why restoration, not replacement of sash windows is better for
your pocket and the environment.
 The
UK has a significant stock of older houses, a good number of
which are fitted with traditional sash windows. Often these are
past their best, with broken sash cords or have been sealed closed
with layers of overpainting.
Every day we waste time, money
and resources on unnecessary new windows because of an 'out with
the old, in with the new' attitude.
But Paul Burnett from The
Sash Window Man explains why you should renovate not replace
your old wooden sash windows, and outlines the benefits of using
an ethical window company which supports sustainability.
Seven reasons to repair not
replace:
1. Old wood is better than
new wood. The timber used to make old windows was often grown
slower and dried naturally (not in a kiln) which means it was
of a better quality than most of the stock available today.
2. Fixing existing windows
is less disruptive. Replacing a complete window often causes
damage to the internal plasterwork, requiring replacement of
existing mouldings, window boards and any internal panels.
3. Repairing and restoring
old sash windows is cheaper than installing new windows.
4. Replacement is often unnecessary.
A window that may look rotten or beyond repair to a layman can
often be restored very satisfactorily by professionals.
5. Existing windows look more
authentic than new ones.
6. For restoration to existing
windows, there is no need to apply for costly planning permission
or building regulation approval.
7. The acoustic and thermal
performance of your home can be improved at the same time as
the repairs are carried out. By adding discreet integral draught
proofing, your home will be warmer and quieter, without changing
the look. This is done by fixing a draught proof brush pile into
the back of the meeting rail on the bottom sash. This helps to
prevent rattling and unwanted draughts and has the added advantage
of making the windows slide better.
 Don't
seal your sashes!
An interesting fact that many people are unaware of is that
box sash windows ventilate a room most efficiently when both
top and bottom sashes are open at the same time. When both sashes
are open the hot air goes out of the top and cool air is sucked
in through the bottom. This is why it is not a good idea to seal
your top sashes permanently shut and just rely on opening the
bottom sash.
For further information about
restoring your sash windows (or replacing if you really must!)
contact The Sash Window
Man -www.thesashwindowman.com. With branches in Brighton
and London, they operate throughout the South East of England.
Windows and upvc
Sadly many people replace old
timber windows with low quality modern Upvc. Not only could this
lower the value of your house, but if your are in a listed building,
or live in a conservation area, it may be illegal too.
According to Greenpeace, uPVC
should be avoided if possible -see this Greenpeace
article for the reasons why it is environmentally unsound. If
you have old timber windows, you can also find a good article
by the Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings on repairing
timber windows.
It is important to have good
thermal performance -double or triple glazing is part of this,
as is the frame. Ideally the frame will be thermally broken,
or made from a solid material such as timber. A lot can be gained
by using thermally insulating glass -see the Pilkington
website for more on this.
Window Manufacturers:
- British
Woodworking Federation
-BWF Timber Window Accreditation Scheme.
- Broxwood -independent UK supplier of bespoke
Scandinavian and Austrian timber windows and doors. Alsdo do
aluminium clad composite units. Showroom in Perth.
- Crittall
-the original manufacturer of steel windows.
- Howarth Timber (Windows & Doors) Ltd. -one of the UK's leading manufacturers
of high performance softwood windows and door sets.
- EcoPlus
-available through the Green Building Store, Ecoplus aim to set
the highest standard for environmental criteria and are fully
sourced from FSC Certified Timber.
- Jeld
Wen -manufacturer of
doors and windows including John Carr and Boulton & Paul
ranges.
- Mumford
and Wood -high quality
joinery windows, including their 'Conservation' range which offers
period sash window styles, together with French doorsets and
casement windows and a 'Contemporary' range of tilt-turn windows,
as well as a more economical range of casements and doors.
- SPS Timber Windows -design, manufacture and install box sash, casement
windows and doors in London.
- Steel Window Service and Supplies -London based company established
in 1951 specialising in the overhauling, refurbishment, servicing
and upgrading of existing mild-steel windows and doors.
- Swedhouse -Scandinavian timber windows and doors.
- The
Original Box Sash Windows Company
-based in Windsor, they manufacture and installers of traditional
oak sash windows and hinged casement windows and doors, to look
just like the originals yet fitted with double, or triple glass,
sealed units.
- Velfac -design and manufacture composite
aluminium and wood glazing to architects' specifications.
- Ventrolla -the sash window repair and renovation
specialists.
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