Sash windows are a style of window that open vertically and are normally associated with traditional architecture and design. A sash window is made up of two window sashes, one put in front of the other, this is more commonly referred to as a sliding sash window. These windows sit in frames that have vertical grooves which allow them to move up and down smoothly without the risk of one frame grating against the other and damaging it.

The majority of sash windows in the past worked with a system that balances the sash with a steel, cast iron, or sometimes lead counterweight. The weight is hung on a cord that is situated in a box within the frame.

In modern sash windows, it is more likely to have a spring balance (or sash balance) system. This is a spring-loaded device that counteracts the force of gravity, which in essence holds your sash window open without a need for cords, pulleys, and those metal counterweights.

At Clydebuilt we offer modern sash windows in Falkirk that have the ability to tilt as well as slide giving you more flexibility when it comes to cleaning and maintenance of your new windows.

They have a traditional charm

Sash windows have an aesthetic that is very charming and elegant, embodying the very definition of the traditional ‘Olde English’ village. They create the feeling of a time gone by and provide a property with a sense of longevity. Sometimes sash windows are referenced as ‘the eyes of the façade’ as they never fail to evoke the image of a classic village or a Victorian Christmas card.

They are ideal for homes in conservation areas

Properties in conservation areas or that are classified as listed buildings might need to install sash windows during renovation work. They are known as Heritage Windows; they are specifically designed to look as similar as possible to the units the building would have originally had.

If you want to make upgrades to properties in conservation areas or listed buildings you will need special planning permission. Usually, local authorities prefer repairs to windows rather than completely replacing them. In situations where repairs are not possible, the planning authority will have to approve the window design. It is advised that you work with a window manufacturer like Clydebuilt Home Improvements that has experience with designing and installing authentic replacement sash windows in Falkirk.

They offer better ventilation

As sash windows can open at the top and the bottom at the same time they offer excellent ventilation. Having an aperture at the top and the bottom creates a convection flow of air that will efficiently cool a room in the summer. The convection of flow will not only cool and aerate your home, but also it will help to remove any dust. Also, there is no danger of the wind slamming the window shut because sash windows do not have hinges.

They can reduce noise and improve energy efficiency

By replacing your standard timber sash windows with uPVC vertical slider windows, you can significantly reduce the issue of outdoor noise and draughts that push into your home. This means you can enjoy a peaceful and quiet home as well as saving money on your heating bills as sash windows from Clydebuilt provide impressive levels of thermal efficiency.

Energy efficiency is difficult to maintain in older properties with traditional windows, potentially due to ill-fitting single glazed windows that are a major source of heat loss. Replacing your old timber windows with new uPVC sash windows from Clydebuilt will help you get the look and feel of classic windows to suit the style of your building, but you will benefit from better performance and efficiency from the windows as well as less maintenance being needed to keep them looking good.

In a newly built property, sash windows provide a level of prestige and quality that is difficult to match, particularly for a period-inspired property. The cost will likely be higher than a standard window, but modern sash windows will likely last a lot longer with the right maintenance, making them a worthwhile investment for your home in terms of longevity.

Any property that was built between the 17th and 19th centuries would be lacking without sash windows. If you are renovating a Georgian, Regency, or Victorian property, or constructing a new home that is inspired by these periods, fitting sash windows should be your first choice when it comes to window styles. Keep in mind that sash windows could be your only option if you live in a Conservation Area or have a listed building.

There are three main types of sash window design. The one that you should choose will depend on what will suit the style of your home best, and which period your property was built in (or designed to imitate).

Georgian sash windows

Georgian sash windows are constructed from two window units each with six panes of glass – often called ‘six over six’.

Victorian sash windows

Glass making technology had quickly evolved in the Victorian era, and it was possible to produce larger sheets of glass. Victorian sash windows, therefore, are characterised as having a ‘two over two’ design. Each unit is made from two panes of glass that are joined together by one vertical glazing bar.

Edwardian sash windows

Edwardian sash windows normally have a ‘six over two’ design.

Other variations in sash style include:

•       Venetian windows- these consist of a central sliding sash in between two fixed panes either side.
•       The Queen Anne Revival- this style incorporates a number of panes in the upper sash but only one or two in the lower.
•       Sashes were normally arched instead of rectangular in Regency or Gothic revival periods, and in some areas it is popular to have horizontally sliding sashes.

 The use of sash windows started to decline after the Edwardian era, with easier to build steel or casement windows becoming more commonly used after the First World War. Sash windows were still considered to be in vogue up until the 1930s and have over recent years seen a substantial resurgence in their popularity with homeowners who want to preserve the classic look to their property with the benefits of modern window installation.

Any style of timber window will need regular maintenance to hold onto their brand-new looks and to function well over the years. With that being said, modern stains and other products can help to reduce the frequency of this. Minor cracking or flaking in the paintwork is a common problem which should be checked every five years or so for external paintwork. As the paint protects the timber underneath, keeping a close eye on any deterioration will make sure the frames won’t rot or swell.

If you opt for uPVC material you will find your windows require significantly less maintenance than timber. They will occasionally need a wipe with a cloth and warm soapy water to keep them looking fresh, but they are much easier to care for and you will still get the authentic timber look thanks to window technology and design advancements.

Even though it is possible to fit single glazed units on a lot of sympathetic restorations, modern building regulations make it pretty much impossible to have single glazed windows on a new house and there are many new products with double glazed sash designs, meaning double glazing is the standard for most new windows.

As previously mentioned concerns over the energy efficiency of period homes may also encourage you in the direction of replacing single panes with double when renovating and looking for the right new windows for your home’s style. We pay close attention to detail with our sash windows to ensure the delicate and traditional look is not lost in modernisation with double glazing and other features.

Breaking up small units of double glazing with thicker bars can look clumsy, but there are ways to effectively recreate fine glazing bars. The best approach is to bond mock bars onto either side of one double glazed unit. Also, you could incorporate spacer bars between the glass sheets, at a higher cost, to add to the effect.

You also have the option of triple glazing in a traditional style of sash windows. It may come at a premium, however, modern triple glazing is often seen as no longer having a cost stigma that it has had in the past.

Whilst sash windows can be repaired, whether you are updating your home, or taking on a period renovation project, if they are beyond repair you can find authentic and high-quality sash windows in Falkirk from Clydebuilt Home Improvements.

 Our team has more than 100 years’ experience in total in the industry and has brought their extensive knowledge and skills to Clydebuilt, meaning we only provide the best of the best in windows and doors. Contact us today to get the perfect sash windows for your home.