Timber sliding sash windows can add elegance and charm to your home, even increasing the property value in some cases.
However, this is only true if your windows are properly maintained.
For all their charm and beauty, original timber sash windows are often not up to the rigours of modern living. They can be draughty and poorly insulated, leading to high heating bills and a large carbon footprint.
In this blog, we’ll outline some sash window replacement options that give you the best of both worlds.
Timber Sash Windows: Are They A Sustainable Choice for Your Home?
Timber is a natural insulator that helps minimise heat loss in your home.
Replacing your old timber sash windows with energy-efficient upgrades can reduce heating bills and carbon emissions. Adding double, triple glazing or even Planitherm glass increases the windows’ energy efficiency.
All our hard and soft woods are sustainably sourced, with manufacturing leaving a minimal carbon footprint.
As modern timber window sash windows are more durable than their predecessors, you also save on the cost to the environment of manufacturing replacements every couple of years.
Factors to Consider Before Committing to Replacement
1. Do my windows need replacing completely? Or can they be restored?
It may be that your original timber sash window requires some TLC rather than a replacement. Professional fitters, such as ours, can help you decide whether it is better to remove the whole window and frame and start again or make improvements, such as double gazing.
Not only does restoration lower the price, but it means your house retains its original windows with the conveniences of contemporary technology. You can repair frames and upgrade the glass to double or even triple glazing and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
2. What is my budget?
If a replacement is necessary, the initial outlay can be sizeable. You must carefully plan your budget, including costs for the units and installation.
You should request at least three quotes to compare from reputable sash window replacement companies to ensure your budget is realistic. We offer free, no-obligation quotes. All you need to do is fill in our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Don’t forget to read reviews for the companies you are comparing. Cheap installation can be a false economy, as incorrectly fitted windows can cause many problems.
3. Do I need planning permission?
Most homeowners do not require planning permission to change their windows. However, there are a couple of exceptions, including:
- It’s listed building
- The building is in a conservation area
If you are unsure, it’s best to contact your local authority.
4. Weather-ratings
Only consider sash windows that are highly weather-rated, such as ours, to ensure that your windows can withstand the great British weather for many years.
5. Customisation
If you are paying for sash window replacements, you want to get exactly what you need, not an approximation. At Manchester Window Factory, we offer a customisation service, enabling you to tailor your sash windows to your specifications.
Craftsmanship and Longevity: The Timber Advantage
Not only are our timber sash windows energy-efficient and durable, but they also require very little maintenance.
The evolution to partially hidden tension springs makes your sash windows getting stuck a thing of the past.
Many of our sash windows include inward tilting, making them much easier to clean. The wood has also been treated to make it water-resistant, to guard against water spots, warping, and rotting.
We’re so confident in the longevity of our timber sliding sash windows that we offer a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee.
Our top-range timber sliding sash windows are now available in Accoya, a hardwood with a lifespan of around 50 years.
The Pros and Cons of Timber Sliding Sash Window Replacement
Pros
- Can install double, triple or other glazing options
- Improved energy efficiency
- Better insulation and ventilation
- Help regulate indoor temperatures
- Reduce condensation build-up
- British Police Standard Security
- Low-maintenance and easy-to-clean
- Retain the external charm of the original windows
- Offer high curb appeal
- Can increase your property’s value
Cons
- Can be expensive, particularly compared to casement windows
- May require more maintenance and cleaning than other materials
- Can be vulnerable to insect attacks, depending on the wood and how it has been treated
- Can be less durable than other materials such as uPVC
Cost Considerations: Is Timber Sliding Sash Worth the Investment?
Although replacing your old timber sliding sash windows can be expensive, if you can afford it, is definitely worth the investment. Since timber is the original material used in sash windows, it offers the closest replacement for your existing units.
Not only will you save money in the long run by reducing your heating bills, but you could be adding value to your property. Sliding sash windows have considerable curb appeal, particularly when the buyer knows they will not need replacing anytime soon.
Our sash windows look like the original units, making them ideal for heritage homes. With our bespoke designs, timber sash windows can blend with and enhance any architecture.
Since the UK Government is also cracking down on windows that do not meet modern energy efficiency standards, you will be futureproofing your home against potential regulations likely to be implemented over the next few years.
