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Sash Window Refurbishment Assisting To Preserve Historical Frontages

February 16th, 2012

Sash windows have a charm all of their own. They have an ageless quality makes them suitable for use in modern and historical buildings of any form of architecture with equal success and add an elegance to any style. Unfortunately too often people are replacing these unique windows instead of considering sash window refurbishment and upgrading.

Dating back centuries ago these windows were immortalized in a Vermeer painting called The Milkmaid. The concept of sashes was uniquely clever in that it allowed for air to circulate through a room and cool it long before electricity and air conditioners. Fine examples of these six over six panel sashes are still to be seen in gracious homes from the Georgian and Victorian eras.

The invention was developed at a time when pane glass was thick and heavy and windows were opened with difficulty. Its system of pulleys and counterweights with the help of cords allowed people to open heavy sashes with ease. They were easy to clean as well even on the upper floors.

The handwork done by those carpenters that first made these sashes was of such fine quality that many of the original windows have lasted through years of opening and closing. It is unfortunately this continual wear and tear as well as shrinkage and swelling in times of climate changes that have led to frames no longer fitting snugly. Wood rubbing against another wood also causes wearing away.

This all means that sashes will rattle and rooms may become draughty which in turn may lead to additional heating costs. Sashes can be refurbished with new draught proofing methods and panes replaced with double glazed types that all contribute towards better insulation of windows. Security latches can also be installed that prevent illegal entry but can be removed quickly from inside if a person needs to.

Most refurbishing is done at the home and even badly chipped wood can be fixed without removing frames. A complete window is only removed if its frame is severely damaged. Work to repair it will be done in a workshop on the company premises. The weights, cords and pulleys are removed and overhauled before being replaced, if damaged new materials will be used.

There are products available that closely resemble old fashioned sashes and are used to replace irreparable frames. These replicas are of such a high quality that they have been given the nod of approval by National Heritage Councils for use in listed buildings.

These windows are known as hung sashes in North America and are sold in either a single or double version. A single sash allows for only one window to open whereas a double is the same as any other sashes from around the world.

These are unique windows and serious thought should be given when planning to restore a home or building. To remove existing historical windows would change the facade and style irrevocably. A person may want to go the route of sash window refurbishment before changing to another style of window.

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