Sash Windows Reading Berkshire (RG1): Providing a sophisticated, period look to any property in Reading, sash windows can boost the value of your property by adding charm, style and aesthetic appeal. If you have a need to replace existing sash windows, the modern versions are just as good as the original windows, and if you have a period property, a listed building or your home is situated within a conservation area, due to local legislation, sash windows may be your only replacement choice.
If your particular size or style of sash window isn't readily available off the shelf, a specialist Reading window company will hand-make your windows to observe any rules regarding listed building and conservation area considerations, and your own personal requirements. Using sustainably sourced timber in soft or hard wood varieties, that are well known for their robustness and anti-rot capabilities, a trained tradesman will expertly fashion your windows. Unless your property in Reading has a more modern look, in which case you might prefer attractive aluminium, uPVC, composite framed sash windows, instead of classic wooden ones.
SASH WINDOWS VS CASEMENT WINDOWS
Unlike casement windows, sash windows do not use a hinge to open. Two window panels are installed with one, or both, being able to slide up vertically behind the other. Sash cords and counterweights keep the window in position enabling the window to be opened to any size gap, without automatically slamming shut. Traditional sash windows can't be moved in any other direction than up and down, but more modern designs allow for horizontal (referred to as Yorkshire Sash) or vertical movement, as well as offering the possibility of tilting which are much easier to clean.
A major advantage of a sash window over a casement style is its enhanced method of ventilating a room. You can establish a convection air flow within your home, with cooler air entering through the bottom gap, and warm air exiting through the higher gap, in sash windows where both the top and bottom sash are able to slide. This benefit is particularly helpful in hot summer months and helps to increase the levels of personal comfort around your home in Reading.
Increased security measures for traditional sash windows provide reassurance for any householder in Reading, through the installation of stops, threaded bolt screws, locks and double or reinforced glazing to stop any potential intruder from opening your windows. Fitting a frame to frame lock is one of the better kinds of security for a sash window in Reading. This kind of lock involves the fitting of a bar or bolt which anchors the bottom frame to the upper sash, stopping the opening of either sash. As any potential intruders cannot access it from outside, security is further increased.
RESTORING OR REPLACING SASH WINDOWS IN READING
If your house in Reading has sash windows fitted and they've become damaged or no longer work effectively (sticking in place, not opening etc), then it's a good time to consider either replacing or refurbishing them. Your local Reading sash window installer will be able to advise you on whether it's preferable to replace them or whether it is worthwhile to refurbish your current windows.
In order to repair and restore your existing sash windows in Reading, they'll normally have to be taken out of their frames so that the remedial work can be successfully completed. It might be as easy as scraping off layers of paint that have built up through the years, or perhaps if your window panes are draughty and rattling, the frame might need to be tightened up in a special jig. You'll most likely find that a local sash window contractor in Reading will offer a complimentary survey of your windows to establish any issues, suggest solutions, and give you a quotation for the work involved. Generally speaking sash windows can be repaired, whether they're affected by shattered glass, snapped cords, loose corner joints or rotting frames. You should remember though, that in the cool light of day there's frequently a juggling act between what's actually achievable and what is more cost-effective in the longer term.
TYPES OF SASH WINDOWS IN READING
It can be quite confusing browsing online or in a sales catalogue at all the different designs of sash windows that are available. To make the entire process easier, you should note that there are essentially 3 principal designs: Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian, to consider. Each of these three patterns has their own variations which can be modified for the style of your particular property in Reading.
Georgian - The customary design of the Georgian is "6 over 6", which means it features six independent panes in the top sash, over six independent panes in the bottom sash. The Georgian style can be modified to the Half-Georgian (a single pane in one half, six panes in the other), or a Georgian-variant which can have different sized panes in upper and lower, so long as one of the sashes counts six panes.
Victorian - The Victorian sash window features a two over two panel grid design with a central bar, asymmetric (2 over 3, or 3 over 2 etc) variations are also possible.
Edwardian - Featuring a 6 over 2 arrangement, the Edwardian has a fairly similar look to the Half-Georgian style of sash window.
Rather than rack your brain thinking about all of these different designs, you might find it easier to simply get in touch with your local Reading window company, and ask for their advice on which would be the ideal type for your home.
Any different window sizes, plus bay and coupled windows, can be made in all these styles. There is actually another major kind of sash window, which is known as the Yorkshire Sash Window. This pattern is a horizontally sliding window which can include any of the 3 main elements and their variants.
It is not only the style of window that you'll need to look at, but also what material it is made of, since sash windows are made from a variety of materials. The first sash windows from the 1600s, and for almost all of the past four hundred years were constructed with wood. Most of the modern wooden sash windows are made using sustainable softwoods like cedar, redwoods, Scots pine and Douglas fir, while the early versions were largely crafted from oak, of which there were plentiful supplies.
Aluminium windows became available in the 70's, and not too long after this the first uPVC windows began to appear, which due to their low-maintenance qualities, durability, energy efficiency and advanced level of security, became increasingly popular in Reading.
TRADITIONAL SASH WINDOWS AND PROTECTED BUILDINGS
Sash windows in the past, only had one single pane of glass. If your property is located in a designated conservation area, or is a listed building, you may have to replace your sash windows with a similar style as your existing ones. To improve on the thermal properties provided by the original glass, it's now possible using modern techniques, to replace it with cutting-edge toughened glass. This will permit you to retain the overall appearance of your home when swapping your sash windows.
An experienced Reading sash window contractor will provide you with the optimum and most cost-effective materials that are necessary to complete the job, whilst giving advice and guidance on ways to observe the regulations for your local area. When existing materials must be renovated, due to requests by your local council or conservation official, a window by window inspection may be necessary to minimise any impact to the building. A reputable installation company will be able to do this assessment and prepare a detailed report for the planning department, including information about your renovation project, essential replacement works and technical drawings.
An enhancement of your sash windows in Reading might be feasible by going down the secondary glazing route. If you wish to prevent condensation, reduce noise transmission and improve your thermal efficiency, you can install a vertical sliding secondary glazing pane onto the inside of your sash window. Secondary glazing techniques are an excellent way to upgrade your sash windows, whilst still maintaining the authentic character and appearance of the building. And even where you're limited by planning regulations on a listed building, this can still usually be implemented.
CHOOSING A SASH WINDOW INSTALLER IN READING
For the expert installation of sash windows that will last for many years to come, you will need to identify a reputable sash window installation contractor in the Reading, Berkshire area. Where appropriate, you should ask neighbours and friends for recommendations of sash window fitters in Reading. From the shortlist of contractors, make an effort to get a minimum of 3 different quotations. To be certain of a contractor's competence and skills in sash window and glazing installation and renovations, check for membership of either the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation), the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme or the Glazing Arbitration Scheme. Hiring a local Reading sash window company that is a registered member of at least one of these specialist bodies will also mean you'll be able to get help if there are any arguments about substandard products, building regulations violations or poor workmanship.
Sash window installation can be carried out in Reading and also in nearby places like: Sonning, Shinfield, Mapledurham, Englefield, Caversham Heights, Tokers Green, Binfield Heath, Emmer Green, Trench Green, Southcote, Whitley, Pangbourne, Sulham, Calcot, Chazey Heath, West Reading, Dunsden Green, Theale, Play Hatch, Norcot, Caversham, Pingewood, Tidmarsh, together with these postcodes RG1 2NJ, RG1 2PL, RG1 2NS, RG1 1GY, RG1 2SA, RG1 2AD, RG1 1PD, RG1 2BX, RG1 2PS, and RG1 1PW. Local Reading sash window installers will probably have the postcode RG1 and the telephone code 0118. Checking this will make certain that you access locally based providers of sash windows. Reading homeowners will be able to benefit from these and numerous other window related services. Click the "Quote" banner to get estimates for sash window installation.
Sash Window Maintenance Reading
The best time to carry out sash window maintenance is in the spring. Once the window frames have healed from the winter, they should be oiled and beeswaxed. You should also clean and lubricate the locks and pulleys. In addition, you should inspect and repair any visible signs of damage.
One of the most basic maintenance tasks for sash windows is to check the sash cord. It's located in the frame and should be loosened if the window is in an open position. Otherwise, it might cause the sash to rattle. If you've recently repaired a window with a sash cord, make sure to replace it with a new one made of stainless steel or brass.
Another important part of sash window maintenance is to check the weather-stripping. If it's cracked or scuffed, it's time to replace it. You may also notice signs of mould, water leakage or mildew. You should also check the window screens for damage. During the winter, they may get damaged by snow and ice. Therefore, it's best to remove the screens during winter to extend their life.
In addition to cleaning the sashes and performing regular checks on the cords, sash cords, and weights, you should also check the weather-stripping on the windows. If it's worn out, it may be a sign of excessive humidity inside your home. Also, keep an eye on the window screens and replace them if necessary. While it's quite possible to do sash window maintenance yourself, you should seek the help of a specialist if you are unclear about anything. Speak to your local sash window installers in Reading for advice and guidance. (Tags: Maintaining Sash Windows Reading, Care of Sash Windows Reading, Sash Window Maintenance Reading)
Sash Window Related Tasks
There are a wide array of tasks that can be carried out by your local Reading sash window specialist including sash window beading in Reading, sash windows, sash window cord replacement in Reading, sash window catched, sash window weight replacement in Reading, Georgian sash window installations, Victorian sash window installation, Georgian sash windows Reading, sash window soundproofing in Reading, sash window restorations in Reading, Edwardian sash window installations, Victorian sash windows Reading, sash window mouldings, sash window draught proofing, sash window installations in Reading, wooden sash windows Reading, sash window repair, sash windows not closing Reading, sash window maintenance, cheap sash windows, box sash windows, sash window refurbishment, triple-glazed sash windows, sash and case windows, double glazing sash windows Reading, replacement sash windows, secondary glazing, coloured sash windows Reading, industrial sash windows, and lots more. If there are different Reading sash window requirements that you want but cannot see here, you should mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. These are just a handful of the tasks that are handled by those installing sash windows. Reading specialists will let you know their entire range of window fitting services.
Sash Windows Near Reading
Also find: Tokers Green sash windows, Theale sash windows, Calcot sash windows, Sonning sash windows, Mapledurham sash windows, Whitley sash windows, Dunsden Green sash windows, Caversham sash windows, Tidmarsh sash windows, Chazey Heath sash windows, Pangbourne sash windows, Caversham Heights sash windows, Pingewood sash windows, Norcot sash windows, Emmer Green sash windows, West Reading sash windows, Sulham sash windows, Trench Green sash windows, Shinfield sash windows, Play Hatch sash windows, Englefield sash windows, Southcote sash windows, Binfield Heath sash windows and more. All of these towns and villages are catered for by sash window fitters. So as to obtain estimates for window installation, local home and business owners can click here.
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