Sash windows operate using an internal mechanism that allows for smooth working windows. Unfortunately these mechanisms do suffer from natural wear and tear. There are very few people who are satisfied by the ancient wooden windows that were common up until a few decades ago. By replacing your existing sash windows with uPVC sash windows you benefit from all the advantages of modern materials while still retaining the period elegance of a traditional window.
UPVC replacement windows offer several advantages; heat loss and noise can be reduced, the frames will no longer rattle, the windows will open a lot more smoothly and they are a lot easier to maintain. Whereas traditional wood frames need a lot of care, including regular re-painting and varnishing, uPVC frames are very easy to maintain and only really need a quick wash to keep them clean.
Older sash windows release heat like Lady Gaga releases dreadful music; far too much and to the annoyance of everyone.
Reduction of heat loss is then one of the great advantages of replacing them. Astonishingly, replacement windows can save you 74% of this heat loss, which will make a massive difference. If you look at your bills, saving that much will soon pay for the investment. With double glazed windows or even triple glazed replacements you will also eliminate a lot of the sound that could otherwise filter through your windows.
If you prefer your house to be burglar free, you will be pleased to know that new window frames are much more secure than older ones. You will also find that double glazing is anything up to 5 times stronger than ordinary glass, not just an improvement of 200% as you might expect from putting two bits of glass next to each other. Of course stronger glass and frames makes it far less likely that a burglar will get into your house through the windows. You also will find that the modern frames come with more effective locking systems that will keep people out. Another handy feature for people with small children with an adventurous streak is the ability to limit how far your window will open.
As with all kinds of windows, there is plenty of choice; I prefer the classic Georgian look. These panes of glass are built with face fixing bars and back to back spacer bars fitted internally, to give the impression of individual glass panes. As uPVC is such a highly flexible material, modern frames can be fitted to a wide variety of shapes and sizes including arches, bay windows, door and window combinations, fire escapes and raked frames. With the cost savings and the improvements to the look of your home, there really isn’t any doubt that if you have old sash windows that are past their best you should get them replaced, all the benefits of a modern window with the timeless style of a traditional sash window.