Wooden Sash Window Specialists

Sash windows are a must-have for many listed buildings and other homes with a traditional appearance, an inherent part of British architectural history, they were introduced in the late 17th century and remained popular for over two centuries, so any property from this era, which includes Georgian, Regency or Victorian properties, would be lacking without them. The word "sash" simply refers to a single frame for glazing and a traditional sliding sash window consists of two sashes that slide up and down, one in front, and one behind, counterbalanced by lead weights on cords which are hidden in the frames (except in some modern sash windows where the weights have been replaced with springs).

Sash windows traditionally consist of a number of small panes that are held together by glazing bars to create a larger glazed area. This is mainly because glass manufacturing technology of the period was unable to produce large expanses of clear glazing. The number of panes depended on the era, with 6 panes in each sash being quintessentially Georgian, with two pane windows being common in Victorian times. it is therefore extremely important when choosing sash windows for period properties to ensure you get the right period as there are many different designs such as Venetian, Queen Anne Revival style, plus Regency and Gothic revival periods.

Timber versus UPVC sash Windows

if your property is listed, then you may not much choice when it comes to replacing sash windows, but even in those circumstances where you do have freedom of choice, many renovators make the mistake of removing original period timber sashes and replacing them with new models, when often the better option is to simply been restore the original windows to their former glory. Wherever possible, existing sashes should always be retained then repaired and waterproofed, but if the existing windows are beyond repair, then there are many companies in the UK who will manufacture authentic replacements from timber.

Wooden Sash windows Pros & Cons

The advantages of wooden sash windows are that you can paint any colour inside the frame and outside. Plus they are easier to maintain over the years as frames can be changed and painted easily if any defections begin to show. In addition wooden sash windows have less of a carbon footprint when compared to uPVC installations. On the downside, expanding frames and warping issues can create a lot of maintenance work in the long term and if not maintained, rot can occur especially during wet weather when wood can absorb too much moisture.

Fitting Wooden Sash Windows Cost

Replacement sash window prices vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, plus they depend on the size of the window, type of glazing chosen and wood chosen. Timber sash window prices are more expensive than uPVC but many people prefer the look of a traditional timber frame (plus of course in some listed properties you will not even have the option of uPVC). Remember that with timber sash windows you may not need to have the entire frame replaced, often the timber can be repaired or restored, though often this is not any cheaper than replacing the window and will cost anywhere between £100 and £1,000, but at least you can preserve the original window.

The cost for a replacement timber sash window can be anywhere from £550 to £1200 or more. To get a quote for the repair or replacement of a sash window, simply click on the "post your job" button on this page toy begin receiving enquiries from recommended joiners and timber window specialists in your local area so you can begin gathering quotes to find the best deal.

Choosing a Carpenter or Wooden Sash Window Specialist

When it comes to choosing a carpenter to fit, maintain or replace wooden sash windows, you need to ensure that they are appropriately qualified, licensed and insured. Good carpenters and window specialists will happily show you documentation and provide references showing examples of their previous work. Be sure to call the references and ask if they were happy with how the work was completed. You should always make sure that you obtain quotes from different carpenters and sash window specialists before you make a decision.

To ensure that your quotes can be accurately compared, you should ask each carpenter to quote on exactly the same thing in terms of labour and materials. When it comes to specialist jobs like wooden sash windows, it is not always the best idea to opt for the cheapest quote, price is obviously an important consideration, but it is just as important to choose a carpenter that does high quality work. After all, it can actually be cheaper to pick a more expensive quote and get the work done properly, than to get a cheaper quote and have to have remedial work redone further down the line.