The window manufacturing industry is now seeing a notable resurgence in the traditional sash window, also referred to as the “Box Sash” or “Sliding Sash Window”. This specific style of window frame will never become obsolete because it is an integral part of heritage buildings and a major feature within the legislation of local conservation authorities.

The majority of proprietors owning traditional buildings have no wish to remove these windows, whether their property is used for residential or commercial purposes. This is because the sash window gives so much character to almost any building in which it resides, and has been proven to increase value and saleability.

The most notable upturn with these windows is that they’re now commonly being designed into new build projects. Admittedly at the moment this is generally focused at the higher end of the market where there is likely to be a greater flexibility toward rather than constraints on budgets, but there is no doubt that the sash windows popularity is as strong as ever.

Over recent years there have been a number of improvements made to the sash window with greater seals, smooth action guides and the introduction of high insulation double glazing. The only issue with double glazing in a sash window is when Georgian style or marginal bars are incorporated into the design. To hide the spacer bar and unit sealant between the two panes of glass in a double glazed unit means that these Georgian or marginal bars have to be increased in section. On extremely large windows this is not a major issue, but on smaller windows or those with a large number of glazing sections the difference is notable.

To alleviate this problem there is now a new glazing unit called “Slimlite” which manages to achieve the same levels of insulation as a standard double glazed unit, yet is manufactured with a greatly reduced cavity, spacer bar and sealant. This unit provides the appearance of a single pane of glass allowing the window to be constructed in a traditional slim-bar style yet delivers all the insulation you would expect from a modern window.

Like all new and innovative products there is a cost involved, and one that some may find a little excessive. However, those prepared to go the extra mile by installing, or replacing traditional sash windows, and if necessary “Slimlite” glazing, can rest assured that the financial layout is a strong investment.

The oldest of sash windows have lasted literally hundreds of years, and their successors which have the added benefits of the modern age will be even more reliable. Installing sash windows today is really a once in a lifetime event as long as a realistic amount of maintenance is upheld.

There are few products where you can be guaranteed of such long term character, charm and reliability, and also know that you are upholding or improving a property’s appearance and value. By installing sash windows you will have done exactly that.

Sustainability is now a huge issue on a global scale. Across the planet, governments and their populations are increasingly aware of their impact upon the environment and are looking for ways to minimize their “Carbon Footprint”.

Initially the focal point of environmental pollution reduction was toward aerosols and vehicle exhaust fumes, but we now know that we must look at the effects of everything we do. With a planetary population of over 6 billion and growing, the issues of renewable energy sources, recycling and product sustainability have never been more important.

For each individual household there are a number of major areas where they can immediately lower their environmental impact. Using low energy lighting, taking more showers rather than filling a full bath and correctly insulating their property to minimize heat loss are some obvious areas that can be addressed fairly quickly. Other areas require far more planning and outlay but are just as, if not more important than the aforementioned.

Your choice of windows will have an environmental impact in the long and short term. Timber is by Far the best material from both an insulation and environmental perspective. Some may argue that over the years deforestation has had a heavy impact on the planet and for this reason they would not choose timber or wooden windows. Although this is undeniable there is also no denying that timber is both a sustainable source and environmentally friendly.

In the developed world there is now great emphasis on reforestation and tree management. The Scandinavians, Europeans and North Americans have led the way and the rest of the world has either caught on or soon will. They will have no choice in following suit because the average consumer is now genuinely concerned whether the product they are purchasing is coming from a sustainable source or not. Those that refuse to employ reforestation and sustainability policies will find their customers dwindling dramatically. The additional growth in government legislation on such issues will further strengthen the worldwide call for global sustainability and reforestation of those areas that have been hardest hit.

Once satisfied that the timber used to construct your windows and doors comes from a sustainable source you can enjoy the other advantages of choosing this material. Timber is biodegradable so it actually has a positive effect if put straight into landfill. It can also be broken down for compost or even incinerated for biomass energy, which releases a minimal amount of carbon in comparison to the combustion of fossil fuels.

The most important thing for the end consumer is long term durability. Timber windows are durable, easily repaired and maintainable. The modern coatings and pressure treatments available have further increased timbers durability. There are even timbers such as “Accoya” that is pickled and carries a 60 year guarantee.

Timber windows and doors have proven themselves and stood the test of time when they are well manufactured and maintained. Even now there are timber windows in place that are well over a hundred years old. With that being the case along with all the modern construction methods, high quality security and operation mechanisms, durable coatings and timbers natural appeal, it’s hard to understand why an end user would consider any other material. The test of time has now proven beyond doubt that the composite materials such as UPVC are not as first promised “No Maintenance”. There really is no such thing!

Timber has been proven over centuries and is likely to be the best choice for centuries to come.

For the appearance and security of any building, its windows and doors are of utmost importance. Fortunately the householder and end consumer today has a far more reliable and wider choice range than ever before.

The most important factors for anyone having new windows are cost, and a style that’s in keeping with the character of their property. Anyone who is constricted by a tight budget should focus mainly upon upvc. The modern upvc windows are well constructed, secure and still relatively cost effective because the upvc market has the most supplier competition. Although white upvc is by far the most common window, wood grain effect windows in rosewood mahogany and golden oak are also available in upvc plastic. These are more expensive but give added character and weather a little better than the white option.

Aluminium windows were first installed into timber framing surrounds, but nowadays the modern powder coated aluminium windows are a stand alone item that are most commonly used in contemporary homes and commercial buildings. Aluminium is certainly at the more expensive end of the cost scale but probably the most suitable for extremely modern and contemporary homes. These windows certainly do not look like a natural product by any means, and they’re not meant to, but they can be powder coated to any colour and have unquestionable durability.

Having new windows constructed from timber gives the greatest variation of options. Timber does have a budget range but the majority of manufacturers will recommend medium or high quality hardwoods which provide maximum durability to the elements. From all three options, timber is the only natural product, which in itself is extremely appealing. New timber windows can also be moulded and shaped into a range of styles and are by far the most suitable for traditional or period buildings, although the flexibility to mould the timber to any preferred style means that timber can be used for new windows in any building or home. Obviously the natural element means that new timber windows will require treatment every 3-5 years. However, the high quality modern paint and lacquer applications have improved dramatically and are extending this timescale dramatically.

Regardless of the material or style that is chosen to construct new windows in, the finished article should provide reliable security, a total seal from the elements and enhance the character and value of the property they occupy.             

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