Can joiners double glaze old sash windows?
This is a common question we get from our customers. And the answer is yes! We at White Cat joinery can double glaze your old sash windows. It provides effective solutions when you need to improve their performance such as reducing noise and saving heat. Double glazing offers thermal & acoustic insulation as well as increased security of your home. The thickness of the double glazed unit that we can fit will depend on the thickness of the existing sashes. The bigger the gap, the more effective the window is at breaking up certain sound waves and thus aiding sound proofing. Using the original box frames we can supply & install authentic sash windows into existing timber frames, paint finished and double glazed with energy efficient glass without changing the unique character of your house.
We measure your current sash windows in our workshop and replicate them. We take great care to copy all of the existing features of your home, including any decorative elements. Once the double glazed sash windows are installed, the view from outside the building will be the same.
How much double glazing cost?
Because of the varying factors like the thickness of the existing sashes , each home has to be treated individually and we therefore offer a free estimate for your sash windows. Simply use our online application and we will get back to you shortly.
We are thrilled to be changing the sash windows of Warner Bros. Studio WD25 PL where the upcoming movie ”The Secret Service” is being shoot. The historical building has 8 over 16 sash windows.
The oldest sash windows in the UK were first installed in the 1670s, which goes to show that with proper care your windows may outlast your house! They were used in 17th century royal palaces, including Hampton Court and Kensington Palace, and the sash window style has been popular ever since. It is the most common window type found on Victorian properties.
While technologies have advanced, the design of sash windows has not changed a great deal. New sash windows also tend to be better balanced and open more smoothly.
Keeping warm with sash windows
Before double glazed sash windows existed, many homes were fitted with internal and external shutters. Acting as a primitive form of double glazing, these shutters could be opened to allow light through or closed to keep the room warm. Often more effective than even thick modern curtains, sadly many of these have been painted shut or removed altogether. White Cat Joinery offer repair and renovation services for shutters as part of our commitment to maintaining London’s heritage while improving its present.
Caring for historic wooden sash windows
Original sash windows in older London properties, those built before 1930, are often critical to preserving the character, and thus the value, of a property. Restoration is preferred, preserving the original materials where possible, as the windows will often be made of high-quality hardwoods and historic glass.
At White Cat Joinery, we are committed to preserving the historical and cultural values contained in old London sash windows. We offer a restoration and improvement service designed to repair historic windows, restore frame work and add sympathetic improvements, such as adding draught-proofing, improving window-opening and reducing rattle.
Wooden Sash Windows adds financial value to your home. According to English Heritage’s survey; 82% of estate agents this year felt that original features such as sash windows tend to add financial value to properties and 78% believed they helped a property to sell more quickly. Although wood can be more expensive, it will add Value to your home rather than taking away value.
Wooden Sash Windows last longer
Modern Wooden Sash Windows made from sustainably sourced timber are expected to last 60 years or more! The Plastic uPVC windows, lasts maximum 20 years! uPVC windows can discolour and and becomes mottled over time. uPVC windows and doors can not be repaired and therefore have to be completely replaced every 10-20 years. But wooden sash windows can be repaired and maintaned and lasts many lifetimes.
Environment Friendly
Plastic windows has to be replaced in 10-20 years. Environmentally uPVC produces toxins during manufacture and uPVC is also difficult to dispose of. Original timber windows were made of very high quality wood seldom , therefore it is a waste to replace them with uPVC windows.
Sash Windows gives character to your home
Sash Windows has been around since the 17th century. They are a unique part our properties and make a huge contribution to a homes character. But keeping them is not just a matter of taste. It also makes economic and ecological sense therefore it is a waste to replace them unnecessarily.
What is Draught Proofing?
Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest way to save energy and money. Draughts (ventilation) let the fresh air into your home which helps reduce condensation and damp. A balance has to be struck between providing the necessary ventilation and avoiding excessive draughts which waste heat and energy.
What We Do
Sash Windows and doors can lose around 15-20% of their heat via draughts so draft proofing your home is an effective way to save energy. Generally older buildings suffer from draughts as sash windows and doors never quite fit as well as when they were first installed. Our draught proofing system is applied to your existing sash windows without damaging the original look of your building. The system will keep out the draughts, save energy, reduce heating bills.
Contact us or Get a free estimate now!
Are you planning to organise your home for the new year? New casement and sash windows are a smart home improvement task because they make your home more energy-efficient by providing a strong seal against allowing hot or cold air from outside into your home. While the construction of windows and technologies are important, windows can also add a decorative element to your home.
The right window will make a huge change in your home, but choosing the right window, material, technology can be confusing. We’ve gathered some tips to help you on choosing process.
Choosing the right window;
– Long lasting materials; Window material is very important. Timber windows last longer than other materials in many cases and a great choice for classic style or a contemporary new property.
– Look for energy efficiency; All properties lose heat through their windows. But double glazed windows keeps your home warmer and quieter as well as reducing your energy bills.
– Matching window and door styles; Windows and doors come in many styles and they look better when they match, so select from a manufacturer which offers a full range of products.
Lovely windows in Annecy, France
What is a listed building?
A listed building is a building or other structure of special architectural or historic interest included on a statutory list and assigned a grade (I, II* or II). All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most of those built between 1700 and 1840. The criteria become tighter with time, so that post-1945 buildings have to be exceptionally important to be listed. A building has normally to be over 30 years old to be eligible for listing.
Categories of listed buildings
– Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important; only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I
– Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; 5.5% of listed buildings are Grade II*
– Grade II buildings are nationally important and of special interest; 92% of all listed buildings are in this class and it is the most likely grade of listing for a home owner.
If your property is a listed building then you will need additional planning consents to carry out works to it.
Content Sources: Planning Portal – English Heritage
If you are restoring or repairing your existing sash windows?
There should not be any need for compliance with building regulations or planning permission. WhiteCat Joinery can advise you further when we come to look at the windows.
If you live in a listed building or in a conservation area?
A listed building is a building or other structure of special architectural or historic interest included on a statutory list and assigned a grade (I, II* or II). It is likely that you will need building regulation approval for any work carried out on your casement, sash windows. Please check with your local planning office or let us do it for you.
If you are intending to completely replace one or more of your sash windows?
You will need to comply with building regulations. If you need help with your application or you would like us to do it for you, just let us know.
For more information about planning and building regulations you should contact your local council…