Thinking of a sash window refurbishment?
Scrolling through this content, you may be a proud owner of a gorgeous vintage residence with original timber sash windows, and perhaps, your classic pieces have seen better days. Windows are accent elements that make a statement in any given structure, whether it is a residence, a business, or a public space. As a result, beautiful Victorian or Georgian architecture is always a pleasure to behold. Such features transport the viewer back in time to a more imperial and classical era of history.
A common historical element that demands a great deal of maintenance and attention is the presence of sash windows, which are a genuine urge for sole possessor of classically-styled homes. The classical sash window and acoustic glass sash windows, with its distinctive shape and adjustable opening mechanism, became an iconic design element of the period because of its design.
Sash windows are often constructed of wood or other natural materials. And, unfortunately, problems with window maintenance are frequently associated with historic sash windows. These wooden window frames give your home a classic, yet elegant appearance. However, because of their natural origins, they are particularly vulnerable to the elements, necessitating the need for either sash window restoration or complete home window placement over time. So how then do we determine if a sash window refurbishment is needed? And do its benefits exceed its cost?
Sash window refurbishment is a time-consuming and daunting procedure. In addition, because the mechanism is incorporated into the window frame itself, repairing issues such as snapped cords, shattered panes, and deteriorating frames will require disassembling the window frame, something many people would rather leave to the specialists rather than attempt on their own.
Even if you have period-appropriate sash windows, this is unlikely to be your sole source of worry. Sash windows have traditionally been single-glazed, so restoring them to current standards would necessitate reconditioning of the frames as well as the installation of secondary glass to boost their U-values and prevent your home from losing heat through the windows.
So what then are the benefits employed in sash window refurbishment?
1. Maintain the Natural Style of Your Home or Business
It is possible that the most significant benefit of sash window refurbishment is the preservation of the aesthetic attractiveness of your home’s exterior. This is a particularly essential factor in conservation zones, where planning officials focus on the preservation of traditional elements in residential houses, particularly in older homes. It is important to note that UPVC windows cannot be installed in these places.
Wooden sash windows in your home that are original to the structure but in good condition will help to increase the value of your home when you sell it. The windows and doors are the first things that prospective purchasers will notice. If they have been properly restored, purchasers will have a more favorable impression of the rest of your property. Indeed, by removing a property’s original windows and replacing them with, for example, UPVC ones, you run the danger of lowering the value of your home.
2. Exclusion of Draughts
All windows experience regular wear and tear over time, and they may eventually become too large to fit properly into their frames. During this time, your windows will rattle, and frigid draughts will enter your residence. When employing sash window replacement, we can install draught seals, which will result in a simulated draught-free environment. Apart from the fact that your home will be significantly warmer, you should also notice a reduction in the amount of dirt and dust that enters your property, as it is commonly through draughts that such waste enters the home.
3. Increase the Longevity of your Windows
Over two hundred years have passed since the properties were built, which means that many of the sash windows have survived to this day. It is possible to extend the life of your sash windows even further by undergoing sash window refurbishment work. After the windows have been restored, you should notice a significant improvement in their operation.
4. Double Glazing
Double Glazing is a type of window that has two panes of glass. You may be considering replacing your sash windows because you would like them to be double glazed, which is an excellent idea. Traditional sash windows can be double glazed without detracting from its beauty, which is something that many people are unaware of when they are being restored. At yoursashwindows.com, we may even double-glaze sash windows in conservation areas if the region has been designated as such. This will make your home warmer, and you should notice a reduction in exterior noise as a result of the improved soundproofing in your home.
5. Conserve Your Funds
If you choose sash window refurbishment over replacement, you can save a significant amount of money because restoration work is frequently significantly less expensive than installing fully new windows. Even if your windows appear to be beyond repair, it is highly common that this is not the case. Our staff of highly skilled joiners is capable of restoring practically any window type. Even in situations when this is not possible, such as when wood rot has become very aggressive, we can create precise replicas of your windows that meet the criteria of planning legislation in conservation zones and Listed Buildings.
6. Increased Energy Efficient Performance
The energy efficiency of your home should be significantly enhanced by the installation of double glazing and draught seals. Heat will be trapped in the building for a longer period of time. Because of this, you will be less likely to turn on the central heating, and you should notice a reduction in your energy consumption within a few weeks.
7. Reduced Maintenance Costs
Older timber windows are generally beautiful to look at, but they can be difficult to keep up with. This is a time-consuming and expensive process. Many sash windows might be over 100 years old and are still in excellent condition, having been expertly made and built to last. However, the degree of care they require only rises with time, and as they get older and older, more sash window refurbishment will be required. uPVC sash windows are a low-maintenance option to restoring a wooden sash window in a historic building. They are popular because they require little to no maintenance and, while they closely resemble real wood in appearance, they just require a quick wash down with a damp towel every now and then to keep them looking and operating at their best.
Is it Beneficial to Replace Your Old Wooden Sash Windows with Newer Models?
Despite the passage of time, your initial sash has held up beautifully. It is already more than a century and a half since the majority of these buildings were built, and this is true across Australia. They may be required to insulate sash windows on rare occasions. The sash rail splice repairs may have been essential as well; nevertheless, the salesmen who comes around and tells you how amazing his windows are, and how they would last twenty years with no maintenance, must be feeling pretty cringe worthy, don’t you think?
Put aside for a minute the history of your sash windows and concentrate on the present moment instead. If you’re still not impressed by their performance, we should talk about how much they’re costing you for their services. Consider the cost of sash window refurbishment in Australia. Keeping the old sash and enhancing it in this manner will save you half the cost of fully new substitute sash windows, and in some cases even less than half of the cost. For example, on the energy efficiency front, it is common to achieve over 85 percent of the energy efficiency of brand-new sash windows from your original sash windows. It becomes instantly apparent, however, that when you realize that you’re only investing half the price of new windows, that this is where the finest value for money can be found.
Is There More Value in Sash Window Refurbishment?
Yes, in most cases, the most cost-effective alternative for sash window refurbishment is to use a portion of the old window rather than completely replacing it. In certain circumstances, it is possible to retrofit double glazing into sashes, while in others, it is necessary to re-create sashes with double glazing to fit into the existing frame. All of these options will be far less expensive than completely replacing the window.
Financial Impact of Sash Window Refurbishment
When contemplating this choice, there are a few considerations that you may want to take into account. A big part of this is determined by the scope of the problem or restoration that your sash windows require. Sash window refurbishment may be an option if your windows are not severely damaged or in danger of breaking apart.
If you choose to have sash window refurbishment, it is likely that the sash window will need to be completely disassembled. The joints will be cleaner, and the gaps between them will be filled in with filler. The sashes will be primed, painted, and finished by the business that is performing this job. New hardware, such as new chains or cables, may also be placed during your sash window refurbishment, depending on how badly damaged your windows are. They may also adjust the pulleys to make it easier to open and close the window, which is especially important on stiffer sash windows.
Repairing your sash windows is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a quick remedy. If your sash windows are currently in excellent enough condition, this will be less expensive than a complete replacement of the windows. You might find that depending on the circumstance, this can provide a long term or a short term answer to the problems you’re having. A sash window refurbishment, on the other hand, may be a fantastic option if you want to increase the overall performance of your property.
Is There More Value in Sash Window Refurbishment?
Yes, in most cases, the most cost-effective alternative for restoring sash windows is to use a portion of the old window rather than completely replacing it. In certain circumstances, it is possible to retrofit double glazing into sashes, while in others, it is necessary to re-create sashes with double glazing to fit into the existing frame. All of these options will be far less expensive than completely replacing the window.
Feeling the need for sash window repairs Sydney? Heritage Window Specialists has you covered! We value the story behind every property’s historic window, and we want nothing but to preserve and restore it to its former glory and provide it with a new timber windows Sydney look. Heritage Window Specialists give focus on timber window restoration Sydney and provide services that are second to none. Give us a try!
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