It can be tricky to know the best time to renovate your sash windows. Do it too early and you could end up wasting money, while leave it too late and you could end up spending more money repairing than you needed to.
In this article we help you understand the best to renovate so you get your timing just right and can invest your money just at the right moment.
What are the first Signs for renovation?
There are some telltale signs that will let you know when your sash windows will require renovation. Some of the most common include:
- Rotting timber
Rotting timber is a clear sign that renovation is required on your sash window. This is a common issue that occurs over time in the UK, given the amount of wind and rain that features in our daily forecasts. The extent of the renovation depends on the how bad the rotting is, with some cases requiring the complete replacement of the lower box and sill.
- Draughts and rattles
Draughts coming in from gaps around the edges of sash windows can be problematic and a draught-proofing system is usually enough to resolve this issue. Closing off these gaps will stop draughts and any rattles it causes, making the room warmer and giving you more control of your heating costs.
- Operational problems
When a lot of layers of paint have been applied over the years it can lead to sash windows being sealed shut. Equally, if there is a problem with the pulley or internal weights it could mean the window will not remain in an open position and continually slides shut. This is a clear sign renovation is needed, with some simple solutions available to resolve these issues.
- Increased noise
If you are hearing more noise coming from outside your window it’s usually a sign that the condition has deteriorated. It could be that gaps have developed somewhere within the frame that need filling, so undergoing a renovation should be enough to fix them.
- Poor aesthetics
It’s the little things that often make the biggest difference and that rule definitely applies to your sash windows. Even if your sash windows are working perfectly fine, if they no longer look as fresh and vibrant as they used to it may be a good idea to renovate to make them look like new again. This can be anything from a new coat of paint, to changing the hardware, bringing them back to life as a key centre piece.
What to choose – to buy new sash windows or repair them?
At Repair a Sash ltd we are of the firm belief that you should always look to restore your sash windows instead of replacing them. It is rare that restoration of some kind is not possible and it could end up saving a lot more money in the long run.
Original sash windows help to retain the property’s character far better than modern replacements, maintaining the long, rich history that comes with the building. The longer you can keep this intact, the more unique it remains compared to new builds.
Likewise, sash windows that have been well-maintained will uphold the value of the property for far longer. They are a highly sought after architectural feature that will prove to be a standout when put onto the property market, helping you to secure a better sale price in the process.
It’s important to realise that restoration is usually cheaper than buying new replacements. While in the short term new windows may be cheaper, timber windows have a much longer life span than uPVC types, with restoration giving them a new lease of life time and again so they last for years to come.
Sash windows can also be upgraded from single glazing so they are draught proofed and double glazed. This means you can still enjoy the aesthetic appeal of the original windows while also making the property more energy efficient, lowering energy bills to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Which glass to choose
Knowing which glass to choose for your sash windows can prove to be tricky, with laminated, double, triple and solar glazing all proving to be attractive options.
- Laminated: Acoustic laminated glass and laminate safety glass are the two best options here. Safety glass is ideal for beefing up security, while the acoustic option is ideal for security and reducing noise pollution.
- Solar: This type of glazing helps to reduce solar glare and absorb heat transfer into the room. Solar glass can also be laminated and even combined with acoustic performance to create a really high performance window.
- Double: Double glazed units are most commonly found in timber sash windows. Slimline designs can also be used along with various pane glass types like patterned or laminated.
- Triple: The most expensive option is triple glazing, although it does offer much higher levels of heat and sound insulation, offering good value for money in the long-term.
How long does the renovation process take?
The length of time it takes to restore a sash windows depends on the requirements of the job at hand. Some are in need of extensive work, while others can be repaired and back in use in a far shorter space of time.
When it comes to installation we would estimate a minimum of one day per window, although it can sometimes be shorter.
Before we start any new project we assess the full requirements and ensure the customer is aware of how long the restoration may take so you can plan accordingly.
