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Sash windows are an important part of the heritage of our towns and cities. The character of many buildings depends on the retention of the doors, windows and other fittings which the architect designed for them. Keeping original features such as sash windows is also not just a question of taste. It can make economic sense because the windows were originally made from the highest quality wood available, and real estate agents agree that the retention of original features adds value to properties, and helps them to sell more quickly. This article explains how sash window restoration can increase the sale value of your property.

Single-hung sash windows were probably invented by the French, and copied by the British during the seventeenth century. After that introduction, the double-hung sash appears to have been invented in England, and it allowed much more subtle ventilation than in the older side hung casement windows which were prevalent in earlier buildings.

Until around 1700 windows often used hardwoods such as native oak, but these woods were becoming harder to find and quite expensive, so joiners turned to softwoods from fir and pine trees. At this time these woods could be imported from the Baltic and from North America.

Many old windows remain in quite good condition because the original builders used high-quality heartwood, that is wood from the center of the tree. The modern practice is to use the much cheaper sapwood, which is rather inferior.

In any repair or refurbishment project on period windows it is preferable to use the highest quality wood. If it is not possible to source heartwood, then use sapwood treated with modern preservatives. Contrary to many peoples’ belief, softwoods are not automatically poor quality woods, and many excellent timbers can be procured from managed forests in North America, Scandinavia and the UK.

Windows may be repaired using appropriate materials and modern timber preservatives, and the use of modern paints will lengthen the time needed between new coats of paint. There are also improvements such as built in weather seals which can be incorporated during the refurbishment. The sashes are removed and grooves are machined in them to accept these discreet seals, which eliminate draughts and rattles.

There are also modern glasses available which provide better thermal and noise performance than the original window glass. Security, plus safety for young children, may also be improved by fitting more modern varieties of lock.

Get inside information on how sash window restoration can significantly increase the sale value of your property now in our complete overview of sash window repairs and sash windows london .