The installation of wooden and timber windows took an enormous dip during the late eighties when homeowners began turning toward UPVC. The promise of zero maintenance plastic windows easily overshadowed the budget timber window which was commonly problematic. The old wooden window required high levels of maintenance due to movement, weathering and rot, and the market was crying out for an alternative to alleviate these stressful problems.

Although plastic windows filled the void, it’s obvious that people hadn’t completely fallen out of love with the traditional wooden window as many of the upvc styles were designed to imitate timber. This is clearly evident in the upvc designs of “Rosewood” that imitates mahogany, and the rich looking “Golden Oak”. Later designs were even made to imitate the most traditional of timber windows, the sliding sash, also known as the box frame window. Obviously the look of natural wood is as appealing as ever, but the hassle element was more than enough to persuade the masses to opt for plastic.

However, the window industry is experiencing a resurgence of demand for traditional wooden windows, and there are a number of reasons to explain why. Although the changes are nowhere near as swift, fashion is just as relevant in the construction industry as it is on the catwalk. What’s in today will be out tomorrow, or at least in twenty years or so. That same twenty years has also given plenty of time to evaluate the long term performance of plastic, and it’s now obvious that there’s no such thing as “No Maintenance”, just ask anyone who has watched their upvc windows discolour, or struggled to make minor repairs without replacing the entire window.

Timber merchants and wooden window manufacturers have learnt from the mistakes of yesteryear and improved their products enormously. Durability has improved dramatically, especially as there are now timbers such as “Accoya” that come with a massive 60 year guarantee. Wood preservatives and finishing’s have also made huge advancements, and spray finishing prior to installation is becoming common. Many of the spray-finish wood coatings of today even carry their own personal protection guarantees. Additionally, the mechanisms and locking systems that operate and secure the moving parts of a window give the end user peace of mind. With the added bonus of wood being a sustainable, bio degradable product that won’t harm the environment long term, it’s no surprise that there is far greater confidence in timber windows than ever before.

For anyone harbouring fears that timber windows will still be problematic in comparison to plastic, you need not worry, in fact, the reverse is more likely. Plus, as the famous chocolate advertising slogan goes, “Why have cotton, when you can have silk”!

Sash Windows

The one timber window that has never gone out of fashion is the traditional sliding sash, which is also known as the “Box sash window”. The sash is one of the most successful, long lasting and highest character of wooden windows. It has been designed into traditional buildings for centuries and is often an integral part of a building’s architecture.

After the introduction of upvc and aluminium windows, many local authorities ensured these windows could not be replaced with anything but an exact replica under conservation laws. Although this may have been an inconvenience to some homeowners and plenty of developers, the majority of people see the benefit of such a ruling. The only downside for certain areas is if the glass must be replaced as existing. This is due to the extra glazing bar width required for double glazed units, but sacrifices a large amount of heat insulation.

Besides the strong methods of construction, one of the main reasons sash windows are so long lasting is their simple opening mechanism, operated by a weight and cord system. Although the windows can now also be opened by spring balances, there is still no competing with the characteristic charm and simplicity of the weights and cords.

The modern box sash window of today has lost none of its original appeal. In fact, it’s improved greatly. You can now have high insulation double glazed units, smooth opening action, secure locking and reliable weather seals, and still retain all the character of your original frames.

The cost of replacing sliding sash windows can be a hurdle. They’re among the most expensive windows on the market. However, to remove them from a building and replace with a substitute or imitation may compromise the buildings character and subsequently its market value. In contrast, replacing as original will enhance a properties value and appeal to a prospective buyer.

The window market has developed a few imitations in recent years by either placing horns on the bottom of an outward opening sash, or a vertical slider in upvc. Although these may suffice at a glance or from distance, a closer inspection will quickly reveal the truth. No imitation or substitute window will ever be able to replace a real timber sash window.

For more information on traditional sliding “Box sash” windows go to: http://ehjoinery.com/products/windows/timber-sash-windows.phuse