A Guide to Traditional Timber Sash Windows

If you are looking for an ageless design for new windows for your home, you might be considering traditional timber sash windows. Sash windows look right at home in properties ranging from stately period to modern residential, Victorian, Georgian, Regency or anything in-between. Thanks to our expertise, you get the help required to choose the perfect solution for your home. So, if you are thinking about installing sash windows in your home, check the following guide to find out more.

Throughout the guide, we are going to take a look at the following aspects:

·         How sash windows work

·         Why choose timber sash windows;

·         Sash window styles – Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian etc.;

·         Maintenance of sash windows.

How sash windows work

A typical window opens outwards by using a handle, unlocking the window, pushing and/or tilting the window open. However, the sash window differs in that it opens by sliding the whole of the window frame up or down to allow in the required ventilation.

It does this via a clever and innovative pulley system which includes a hidden sash weight within the window frame. This is not visible to the eye, so does not detract from the aesthetics.

Each of the panels of the sash window is split into panes; the amount of panes is dependent on the style of window chosen, for instance, Georgian or Victorian. However, regardless of the style, all sash windows work in exactly the same way.

To open the window and allow air into the room simply pull the whole of the window frame up and it will slide up. To close the window, just pull it down again.

Why choose timber sash windows?

There are many different types of window to choose from so why should you choose traditional timber sash windows?

Some of the many benefits of having timber windows are:

·         Wood is durable and long-lasting;

·         Timber offers a superb tactile effect that PVC cannot match;

·         Wood is a great insulator, therefore offering better thermal efficiency than plastic;

·         Timber window frames usually have a longer warranty than PVC;

·         Timber frames help to retain the value of a property or add more value than PVC;

·         Wood helps to retain the authentic and traditional details of your property;

·         Many types of finishes, stains and colours to choose;

·         Many different styles to choose from to ensure the perfect match for any period property;

·         More secure than PVC thanks to sash locks and stops;

·         Environmentally friendly;

·         Reduces noise by up to 45dB.

If you live in a period property and wish to replace old sash windows, it goes without saying you will want to retain the aesthetics and style of the property and traditional timber allows you to do just that.

Our specialists will provide advice about which timber is best for your windows with choices being such as pine, mahogany, oak, larch and more.

If living in a more modern property but love the timeless design of sash windows your options are more open thanks to a huge variety of paint and varnish colours, plus hardware choices.

Of course, one of the biggest advantages of choosing timber for sash windows is the environmental advantages. The timber we use for our windows comes from sustainably managed forests. This means less environmental impact.

Plus, did you know that you can timber-framed windows are not just single glazed? You can have sash windows in wood and benefit from having them double glazed to help keep the heat in and the noise out.

Sash window styles

Your new sash windows should reflect the era in which your property was built unless of course, you are installing the windows in a modern property and then the style is solely down to personal preference.

This type of window is made up of small panes of glass and astragal bars and the period of the property reflects the design, with the main eras being:

·         Georgian;

·         Victorian;

·         Edwardian;

·         Queen Anne Revival;

·         Venetian;

·         Regency/gothic.

In the Georgian property, the window panes will generally be in the style of six over six. However, some Georgian properties have been known to have larger windows with eight over eight panes.

The most popular styling during Victorian times was two over two panes. However, there were exceptions to this, including just single panes and/or side panes.

Six over two panes was a very popular type of style for sash windows during Edwardian times, but again, there were variations to the styling.

The Queen Anne Revival style was made up of many panes in the top sash with only one or a couple in the lower portion.

The Venetian style of windows consisted of a sliding sash in the centre with two fixed panes to the sides.

During the Regency and Gothic periods, sash windows featured arches and it was common to have sashes that slid horizontally instead of vertically.

Are timber sash windows high maintenance?

Being out in the elements, any window frames are going to require maintenance to keep them like new.

Unlike PVC window frames, traditional timber does not yellow with age, nor does it fade or discolour due to exposure to the elements. The beauty of timber is that it can quickly be brought back to its former glory with a new coat of stain or paint. Providing good quality paint or stain is used upon installation, you may not need to worry about maintaining them for between five to eight years.

Contact us for your traditional timber sash window installation

Green Home Glazing has many years of design, construction, architectural and environmental expertise to help you choose the perfect timber sash windows for your needs.

We offer a full service from start to finish, including obtaining approvals required on your behalf, something which is essential for a period or listed property renovation or repairs.

Give us a call on 0207 118 0388 or fill in our quick and easy online form, telling us what you require and one of our experts will get back to you to discuss your requirements.