High Street Headache

April 24, 2010

Repairing Sash Windows Is More Environmentally Friendly Rather Than Replacing Them

Filed under: Home — Tags: , , , , , , , , — James Crofton @ 7:02 am

A sash window is generally made of one or more panels or sashes which form the window pane. These panels are movable. This type of window is most often found in Victoria or Georgian era houses. These windows are usually made up of softwood and therefore they can experience problems like swelling or distortion and rotting of the wood. These windows are also vulnerable because of the sliding mechanism and are pretty high maintenance compared to regular windows. When your windows begin to deteriorate it is good to know that repairing your sash windows is better for the environment than replacing them and also could save you some money too?

By restoring your windows you can fix all the problems but maintain the historic look and integrity of the house or building. No matter how original replacement windows look they will never be able to offer the same feel as the originals.

Original sash windows will feature the additional top pane which opens separately to the two horizontal panes. This extra window increases the flow of air and can help you save on your air conditioning bill. Any new sash windows which you may purchase today will not come with this additional feature which not only takes away from the functionality of the window but from the original look and feel.

You may be experiencing higher energy bills in the colder months because of the deterioration of your old windows but this does not mean you have to replace them. By simply sealing them correctly and filling in any small holes in the wood you can increase their effectiveness.

Also remember that when you replace your windows, the old ones end up thrown on land fills which does not help the environment.

Most people think that replacing the windows will be better in the long run but it is wise to remember that quality is not the same as it used to be and most new windows need to be replaced every ten years or so. Think about the fact that your original windows have been serving the house well for a very long time and with some TLC they could give another few good years.

You will find that sash windows can be repaired rather then replacing them and destroying the environment. You can find businesses that can get your sash window renovation London. You need to get with sash window company London.

April 11, 2010

The History Concerning Sash Windows

Filed under: Hobbies — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Nathan William Holding @ 7:03 am

Sash window history is fascinating for one interested in the progress of civilization. This brief article will only touch the highlights, as it is a subject that could almost fill a book. Developed with the idea of making a frame with glass panels, which could be opened, and operated with pulleys, springs and balances it was an instant success. Some of the older homes of the 18th century still have this type of window.

The actual idea for this window is in dispute. It has been attributed to Holland, France and England but the actual origin is not known. However, when it was introduced it became very popular, especially with the more affluent people.

Historians have traced the earliest use of these windows to the 17th century in England. They definitely had a status symbol and were coveted by the more wealthy people. Before this new window was introduced, it was common to use lead-light windows. A window tax, in effect from 1600 to the 1800′s made the windows even more of a status symbol the population.

Fashionable adornments were worked around the windows and are still evident in some of the older houses in Europe. They were considered an elegant addition to the more expensive homes. Classic glazing was developed around the 18th century, which resulted in six panes over six panes and was a very popular window, which was most commonly used in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian houses.

World War II brought forth the idea of mass production. This idea advanced to the window industry. With the presentation of steel casements and windows that did not require any pulley or other attachments, sash windows lost their popularity and were discarded.

In diagnosing the reason, for the decline of this popular window it was determined that the labor costs did not make it feasible to continue production. The the mouldings used required special treatment and could not be massed produced. Builders, especially, found the later model windows were easy to install and maintain.

Fortunately, today people are more aware of the need to preserve our past. As a result remodeling efforts of Victorian homes have once again installed these windows to preserve a very important period of time. With these efforts the history of sash windows has not been lost forever.

To learn more about the great benefits of utilizing sash window repairs London visit now. When you want to increase the value of your home quickly, sash window renovation is a fast and easy way to accomplish the task.

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