Sash Windows

Sash Windows

Sash windows are composed of two sashes, one placed above the other, which can be slid vertically to create an opening. Unlike casement or tilt and turn windows, sash windows cannot be swung open on hinges. In the Gregorian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, buildings were often fitted with sliding sash windows. London is, to this day, peppered with these architectural gems.

The distinctive sashes, with the glazed area divided into smaller parts by decorative muntin bars, go exceptionally well with period buildings – especially when it comes to hardwood sash windows. London, among many others, is a city where timber sash windows have retained their popularity. It doesn’t matter if you live in the city centre or the suburbs – in the UK capital, wooden sash windows are the way to go!

Advantages of sash windows

Victorian sash windows, especially timber-frame ones, are naturally charming. Apart from that, however, they do have many other assets. Although in the past they weren’t noted for great thermal or acoustic properties, nowadays, timber sash windows are produced and installed in a completely modernized way.

Technology advancements enable the manufacturing of tighter, better-constructed sash windows. The company process of joinery design and production at Sash Factory is well thought-through and includes two rigorous structural surveys of each window and door. What are the key advantages of bespoke sash windows?

Ventilation support

Firstly, thanks to the way a sash window is constructed, it facilitates ventilation of the entire building or flat. During a hot summer, it will make it significantly easier for you to keep the interior of your house pleasantly cool. However, if you are concerned that this feature will become a cause of problems with heating in the colder months – worry not!

When closed, our energy-efficient bespoke sash windows will keep the cold air outside and your energy bills at a usual level. If you decide on double-glazed sash windows, their thermal (and acoustic) insulation will be additionally increased.

Perfect fit for rooms with limited space

Since sash windows do not open in a door-like manner, they require much less space. For the smaller rooms, without sufficient space to swing a sash open, there is a much better solution – sliding sash windows. London is full of tiny flats with microscopic bathrooms where an inward casement window could certainly not be opened – and where a sash window fits perfectly.

Similarly, it would work well in other problematic, hard-to-reach places – for instance, above the kitchen sink. So whether you have to install a window in a new house, or your old casement windows need replacement, sash windows will be an excellent choice.

Ideally suited for conservation areas

In the UK, residents of conservation areas can make no alterations to the buildings they live in unless they are granted permission from the authorities. Importantly, any introduced modifications must be carried out by following strict regulations, and the outcome cannot observably affect the architectural style. Since period buildings in these protected historic areas often date back to the 18th or 19th century, Georgian- or Victorian-era sash windows adorn many facades.

That’s why if you live in a conservation area and your windows need restoring, sash windows might be your only choice. Whenever existing wooden frames are beyond repair, you will most likely have to order bespoke sash windows. London is home to a good deal of timber window manufacturers, including Sash Factory, which produces authentic-looking replacement sash windows.

Which material is the best for sash windows production?

Just like the majority of other window types, sash windows are nowadays mostly made of uPVC. However, the industry shows a tendency towards a significant increase in demand for modern timber-frame windows. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages – the choice should depend entirely on your current needs.

Whether you’d like to purchase a set of box sash windows with wooden or plastic frames, manufacturers will do their best to meet your demands and provide you with the best sash windows.

London is where numerous bespoke window and door producers are based. Thanks to that, you should encounter no problem with selecting the company which will best cater to your needs. The question remains whether you should opt for timber or uPVC sash windows.

uPVC sash windows

Plastic window frames can probably be spotted in the vast majority of building facades in Europe. Naturally, this happens for a reason. Most importantly, uPVC sash windows are cheaper and easier to manufacture than timber-frame ones. The construction process is more automated, which is why the costs of the finished product can be reduced. uPVC windows are also low-maintenance since they do not need regular sanding or repainting.

On the other hand, they can be more prone to mechanical damage, as plastic is less sturdy than wood. Moreover, with a lower price often comes a lower overall quality of the product, which is why the cheapest plastic windows are not resistant to warping, discolouring, or expanding due to temperature changes.

Timber sash windows

Since the price of wood is, generally speaking, higher than that of plastic, the total cost of timber box sash windows is also considerable. Wooden frames also require regular maintenance. They have, however, numerous advantages. If properly cared for, timber is very solid, airtight, and resistant to mechanical damage, humidity, and extreme temperatures. It is much more environmentally friendly than plastic. Moreover, it has excellent acoustic and thermal properties, which translates into increased insulation and energy efficiency.

Wooden windows will keep the cold air outside during the colder months and protect you from the heat in the summer. If you would like to ensure that the quality of this protection is even higher, opt for double-glazed sash windows.

At Sash Factory, we produce premium-quality bespoke timber windows. Each sash window is the perfect combination of attractive design and functionality. Our bespoke timber-frame windows can come in many sizes and shapes.

Depending on your needs, we can provide frames made of a chosen wood type. Oak, spruce, pine, larch, or meranti – regardless of which kind of lumber you pick, one thing is certain. Every single sash window produced by our company is made-to-measure and manufactured in our factory. We have a unique design process that includes two structural on-site surveys of each product.

Double-glazed sash windows

If you live in a city centre but cannot stand the constant noise, consider purchasing soundproof sash windows. London is a great place to live, work, or study, but it certainly is not quiet. To be able to finally fall sound asleep every evening, replace your old windows with timber double-glazed sash windows.

London with its ever-busy streets and crowded squares will never have seemed more peaceful. Double-glazed timber windows not only have excellent acoustic properties – but are also great thermal insulants. Secondary-glazing sash windows are a great alternative to double panes. They are separate window units designed and installed in such a way, that they improve the thermal and acoustic properties of an existing window.

Wooden sash windows – cost and lead time

Our qualified team of professionals, equipped with high-quality tools as well as knowledge, experience, and multifaceted skill set, will guide you through the process of choosing the best sash windows in London. Sash windows and doors made of solid wood are our specialities. All of our products are made-to-measure, high-quality wooden windows and doors.

To find out what would be the cost of sash windows for your house in London, request an individual quote. The usual lead time of our bespoke timber sash windows is between 6 and 20 weeks, depending on how complex the project is. Our first-rate bespoke wooden windows reflect the premium quality of our service.