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Sash Windows UK: Sash windows provide an elegant, period look to any house in the UK and can improve the value of your home with their traditional charm and style. If it's necessary for you to replace your existing sash windows, the modern equivalents are every bit as attractive as the original windows, and if you are living in a period property, a listed building or your home is located within a conservation area, sash windows may be your only option for replacement due to local regulations.

To make sure your new sash windows fit your exact needs and conform to any guidelines relating to conservation area and listed building considerations, a local UK glazing company will custom make your sash windows in the traditional way. Expertly fashioning your new windows, a qualified tradesman will use sustainably sourced varieties of soft or hard wood which are recognised for their durability and anti-rot characteristics, which should guarantee that they last for many years to come. Unless your home in the UK has a more contemporary look, in which case you might opt for elegant uPVC, composite, aluminium framed sash windows, instead of classic timber ones.

SASH WINDOWS VS CASEMENT WINDOWS

The main distinction between casement and sash windows, is that sash windows don't use a hinge mechanism to open, they slide instead. A sash window incorporates two panels, of which one or both of them are able to slide vertically up behind each other. Sash cords and counterbalances keep the window in position allowing the window to be opened to any size gap, without slamming shut. Old-fashioned sash windows can't be moved in any other direction, but more contemporary designs provide horizontal or vertical movement, in addition to offering tilting designs that are much easier to clean.

One of the major advantages that a sash window has over a casement window is that it's much more efficient for the ventilation of your rooms. If both bottom and top sashes are able to slide you can generate a convection air flow within your property, with warm air escaping through the upper gap, and cool air entering through the lower gap. This can help to increase your levels of personal comfort and is especially helpful in the summer months in the UK.

Enhanced security measures for traditional sash windows provide reassurance for a householder in the UK, by the installation of locks, stops, double or reinforced glazing and threaded bolt screws to stop any potential intruder from opening your windows. A good type of security for sash windows in the UK is the installation of a frame to frame lock. This employs a bolt or bar which secures the bottom frame to the upper sash and prevents either sash from being opened. Security is further enhanced as would-be intruders have no way of accessing it from outside.

REFURBISHING OR REPLACING SASH WINDOWS IN UK

If your property in the UK has sash windows fitted and they no longer work correctly (sticking, difficult to open etc), it's probably time to think about either restoring or replacing them. To determine whether it is worthwhile to repair and restore your current windows, or replace them with nice new sash windows, you will need to get expert advice from your local UK sash window installer.

In order to refurbish your existing sash windows in the UK, they will generally have to be removed from the frames so that the restoration work can be successfully accomplished. It could be as simple as removing a few layers of paint which have accumulated throughout the years, or possibly if the window glass is draughty and vibrating, the frame may require to be put in a specialist jig and tightened. Any trustworthy sash window contractor in the UK will be happy to provide a free assessment of your frames and windows, and give their professional advice on the best method for resolving your issues. Generally speaking sash windows can be repaired or refurbished, whether they're affected by shattered glass, rotten frames, faulty mechanisms or worn out sash cords. You should keep in mind though, that when push comes to shove there is frequently something of a balancing act between what's achievable and what is actually the most cost-effective in the longer term.

TYPES OF SASH WINDOWS IN UK

Looking online and in sales catalogues, at the various different types of sash windows that you can buy can get quite confusing for the typical property owner in the UK. If you just think about the 3 primary designs, specifically: Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian, it will be easier. In order to match the style and design of your home in the UK, each of the three has their own individual variants.

Georgian - With traditionally 6 independent panes in the top sash, over 6 independent panes in the bottom sash, the "six over six" Georgian is easy to spot. The Georgian can be modified to the Half-Georgian (a single pane in one half, six panes in the other), or another Georgian-variant that can have different size panes in top and bottom, provided that one half of the sash window numbers six panes.

Victorian - The Victorian sash window features a 2 over 2 design with a central bar, asymmetric (3 over 2, or 2 over 3 etc) adaptations are also available.

Edwardian - Featuring a 6 over 2 arrangement, the Edwardian is similar in appearance to the Half-Georgian design of sash window.

Instead of racking your brain pondering all these different designs, you might find that it's easier to simply get in contact with your local UK sash window installation company, and ask their advice and guidance on which would be the right pattern for your home.

Each of these types can be used in all window sizes, including bay and coupled windows. There's a 4th important type of sash window which is the Yorkshire Sash. Incorporating any of the 3 principal elements and their variants, this style is a horizontally sliding window.

TRADITIONAL SASH WINDOWS AND PROTECTED BUILDINGS

One problem with older style sash windows is that they were only fitted with a single pane of glass, which to prevent heat loss isn't that great. You might need to replace your current sash windows with a similar style if your house is a listed building or your property is in a protected conservation area. Modern advancements enable toughened glass with much improved thermal properties over the original glass, to be fitted. This means that you can maintain the overall look of your building, in spite of the fact that you are swapping all the sash windows.

In order to comply with the the legislation for the UK area, you need to contact a professional local sash window installer, who will also supply you with the optimum and most economical materials that are needed to complete the job. It might be necessary to undertake a window by window inspection to minimise any negative impact on the structure, where a local authority or conservation officer insists on the refurbishment of existing materials. A reputable company will be able to conduct this survey and compile a detailed report for the planning officer, including specifics of your renovation project, technical drawings and essential replacement works.

An enhancement of your sash windows in the UK could be possible by using a secondary glazing option. This will allow you to reduce noise levels, improve your thermal efficiency and prevent condensation by the installation of a vertical sliding secondary glazing panel to the inside of your sash window. The use of secondary glazing enables you to preserve the integrity and traditional character of the structure and can generally be implemented even when you are restricted by planning regulations on a listed building.

CHOOSING A SASH WINDOW INSTALLER IN UK

For professional sash window installations that will last you a lifetime, you must locate a reputable sash window installer in the UK area. You should try to obtain a minimum of 3 quotes for your window project, and ask neighbours and friends for recommendations and testimonials when appropriate. To be certain of a contractor's competence and skill in sash window and glazing installations and restorations, check for registered membership of either FENSA (the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme), the Glass and Glazing Federation or the Glazing Arbitration Scheme. Membership to these leading associations in the glazing industry also gives guarantees in case of faulty workmanship, and a method of finding mediation in case of legal proceeding due to faulty products or poor craftsmanship.

Aluminium Sash Windows

If you're keen on increased glass, slimmer lines and less visible frames in your sash windows, you might think about aluminium sash windows for your home or office. Offering a sleek contemporary look, combined with resistance to rust, strength and longevity, aluminium sash windows can be found in an array of colours and styles.

As a material aluminium offers the added benefit of being easy to recycle, sustainable and environmentally friendly, and sash windows made from aluminium are practically maintenance free. In contrast to the aluminium versions from the 1970s, today's aluminium sash windows are fully insulated, double-glazed and observe all of the applicable building legislation.

Sash Window Related Tasks

There are a number of different tasks that can be conducted by your local UK sash window specialist including residential sash windows UK, secondary glazing, sash and case windows UK, bespoke sash windows, triple-glazed sash windows in the UK, uPVC sash windows UK, sash window beading UK, sash window draughtproofing, sash window catched, Victorian sash window installations, sash window refurbishment in the UK, Edwardian sash windows in the UK, sash window locks UK, sash window cord replacement, sash window installation, sash window restoration, casement windows, sash window restrictors, sliding sash windows in the UK, sash window renovation, sash window weights, sash window removal, Victorian sash windows, aluminium sash windows, and lots more. If there are different UK sash window requirements that you need but can't see here, you can list them on the QUOTE FORM provided.