Guest post: Sash windows are part of the architectural heritage

If you look at most houses over a certain age, you will see that many have wooden sash windows. This generally applies to houses built between the 1600s until the 1940s. Thankfully, this style of window is undergoing something of a revival and can be seen adorning homes across the country.

The joys of a sash window

There is no better feeling than getting up on a summer’s day and sliding up your window to greet the morning. There used to be a time when it was difficult to replace the wooden frames and pulleys but sash windows prices have come down in recent years, so if you need a replacement, it will be easy to source.

Period architecture

Many people who have old or protected homes do not want to replace tired or damaged windows with a uPVC model. These windows do not match the architecture of the house. The wood that was used to construct the original windows was sourced from softwood timber grown on the Baltic. To replace these with plastic windows spoils the look of the house. The UK heritage organisation, English Heritage even launched a campaign to protect sash windows.

Famous sash windows

Number 10 Downing Street, London is famous as the residence of the Prime Minister. The building is also famous as a great example of a façade displaying sash windows. The historical district of Fairmont in Texas also has some wonderful examples of older buildings, complete with their original sash windows.

Sash windows require love

If you are lucky enough to have an original window, or if you have replaced it with a contemporary, double-glazed wooden model you will have to look after your sash window. Most people understand that a house requires painting and cleaning and the same applies to windows. If the frame is constructed from natural wood, make sure that you varnish or paint the frame on a regular basis. If you have a new house you can still ask to have wooden double glazed sash windows installed.

Wooden sash windows help the environment

Another bonus with wooden window frames is that they are constructed from sustainable materials and enhance the environment. To date we have not found a way of recycling certain plastics, so the uPVC frames will remain, long after the original house may have been knocked down.

Disclosure: Guest post in association with The Sash Window Workshop

Image Credits: All images property of The Sash Window Workshop