Sliding sash windows have been around since the seventeenth century and remain one of UK homes’ most popular window styles.
But what is it that has made their popularity so enduring?
The team at Manchester Window Factory have been providing and installing a wide variety of windows, doors, and conservatories for more than 25 years.
In this blog, we’ll give you more information on sliding sash windows, their origins, benefits and drawbacks, and why they continue to stand the test of time.
Sliding Sash Windows: A Brief History
Either English or Dutch in origin, depending on who you ask, the earliest sash windows were essentially vertically sliding wooden shutters.
Evolving over the centuries, they eventually became the attractive double-hung sliding sash windows we recognise towards the end of the Sixteenth century.
These days, timber sash windows can be sustainably made from a choice of woods and customised to suit your taste and requirements.
The benefits of timber sliding sash windows
- Beautiful traditional appearance
- Naturally low maintenance
- Sustainably made
- Energy efficient
- Secure
- Noise reduction properties
- Bespoke options available
- Easy to operate
Durable wooden frames
The biggest concern with timber sash windows is that they are not as durable as uPVC or Aluminium frames. We offer three types of wooden frames with varying classes of durability.
Meranti
Our ‘budget’ option, Meranti, looks anything but cheap. A high-density wood, Meranti ranges in colour from a light pink or yellowish tone to rich red-brown. These beautiful natural tones can be enhanced with a simple coating. Meranti is also weather-resistant and somewhat durable (Class 4).
Sapele
Sapelle is a reddish brown wood from West Africa, offering a sustainable alternative to Mahogany. Stable and somewhat durable (Class 3), Sapelle’s main advantage is that it has fine graining, giving you an authentic ‘woody’ appearance. However, Sapelle can retain moisture, so should be avoided in properties by the sea or other locations with a lot of rain.
Accoya
The most expensive option, Accoya, is a hardwood originating in New Zealand which is treated to create the ‘engineered wood’ used in window frames. It is highly durable (Class 1), weather resistant and less prone to rotting, perfect for window frames. Although the initial outlay is higher, Accoya is easier to decorate and typically lasts decades longer than other wood – around 50+ years.
All our timber sash windows offer a 10-year guarantee and can last much longer with proper care and maintenance.
Do Timber sash windows rot over time?
One of the historical issues with timber sash windows is that they tended to absorb water, causing the wood to swell in the frame and sash. Over time, this led to rotting and warping.
Today’s timber sash windows are built with weather-proofing, airtight seals and other features to ensure optimal performance for many years.
If you have original timber sash windows, you should consider upgrading to the modern equivalent to better equip your home for modern living.
Traditional timber sash windows, while beautiful and long-lasting, lack the energy efficiency, security, and noise-reducing properties associated with their contemporary counterparts.
Are they weather-rated?
All Manchester Window Factory sliding sash windows are weather-rated to ensure peace of mind.
Can they reduce sound pollution?
Although you may not immediately see timber sash windows as particularly good for sound reduction, timber is a natural insulator. This means not only can it prevent heat loss, but it also stops some noise penetration. For timber sash windows to reduce noise, they must be properly fitted and include airtight seals.
At Manchester Window Factory, we’ll happily install your replacement timber sash windows, regardless of the original fitting company. You can check out some past reviews from our happy customers to get a better sense of our high-quality fitting service.
There are also extra measures to further reduce your noise pollution, particularly if you live in a busy area such as a flight path or city centre.
Acoustic glass is a type of glass with an extra layer of lamination to prevent ambient sounds from penetrating your glass and causing a disturbance in your home or office. This is just one of the many glazing options, available with our timber sash windows.
Are they double or triple-glazed?
At Manchester Window Factory, all our windows, doors, and conservatories are available with double or triple glazing. We also have a range of specific glazing options, such as obscure glass and self-cleaning glass.
Suitable for all budgets
Timber sash windows create a luxurious appearance, but you needn’t pay premium prices to get the look.
Our sustainable wooden sliding sash windows are available in three kinds of wood – Meranti, Sapele, or Accoya – each at a different price point.
Built to last with security features
Timber sash windows already typically have an inside latch to prevent them from being opened from the outside. Modern timber sash windows may also have ‘stops’ to make outside access even more difficult.
Manchester Window Factory also offers a range of industry-standard security locks, with high-security glazing to ensure your timber sash windows meet British security standards, keeping you safe and sound.
Customisation available
We’re confident our timber sash windows are versatile and attractive enough to suit most properties. However, when you invest in something built to last at least ten years, you want to get it exactly right.
That’s why we offer a range of customisation options, to help you create the bespoke windows you dream of.
Choose from a range of styles and colours, glazing options, and locks and hardware and we will create the windows to your exact specifications.
Want to learn more? Our friendly team are always happy to have a chat and help you work out now next steps. You can drop us an email at [email protected] or call 0161 976 4739. If you’re in the Altrincham area, you can also stop by our showroom, just check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
If you’re ready to go ahead with your purchase, please fill in our online quote form, and we will get back to you asap with a free, no-obligation quote.
We look forward to hearing from you!
