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Tips for Taking Care of Your Sash Windows
21 May

Tips for Taking Care of Your Sash Windows | Mortice & Green

There is a reason sash windows are still so popular, despite being used for over 300 years, their design remains timeless. Regardless of whether you live in a period property with original sash windows, or a modern house that you would like to add some character to with a new sash window installation, maintaining your sash windows is key to keeping them in top condition. Below are some tips on how to do this.

  1. Keep them clean

This is one of the most important ways of maintaining your sash windows. The glass should be cleaned with a microfibre cloth and glass cleaner. This ensures the dirt is actually cleaned off, and not just smeared around the window pane. The window panes should ideally be cleaned once or twice a year.

  1. Paint your windows regularly

Timber sash windows should be regularly painted in order to prevent the wood from deteriorating. Not only does the paint prevent you from having to arrange a total sash window restoration, but it also improves the appearance of the windows. For optimum health your sash windows should be painted every 3-4 years. Make sure to thoroughly clean them before painting.

  1. Beware of window sticking

One of the most commonly encountered problems with sash windows is that they stick when sliding up and down, when they are meant to glide smoothly. The most common culprit for sticking is a bad paint job, a bad paint job can almost seal the windows in place. In order to remedy this issue run a sharp object along the edge of the frame.

  1. Maintain the insulation

A large percentage of heat from your home can be lost thanks to poorly insulated windows. Gaps around the edge of your windows can allow cold air to flow into, and hot air to flow out of your home. If you notice there are gaps around your sash windows you may want to call a sash window repair company, as this will be costing you money on heating bills.

  1. Check your windows for rot

One of the most common issues sash windows suffer from is rot. The fungus that causes rot thrives on wet wood, and the more it wears the wood down the deeper it can penetrate. It also causes paint peeling and black blemishes which means the windows will lose their aesthetic appeal. If the rot damage is superficial, a simple sash window repair. If the rot has penetrated too deeply you will need a complete sash window restoration.

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Mortice & Green
22 Apr

How to Reduce Sun Glare Through Your Sash Windows

We try hard not to complain about the sun, as we can™t run the risk of seeming ungrateful for what little of it we get, but if there is one thing that niggles us its sun glare through our windows. Sun glare can make reading or watching television problematic, and it will also heat up your house pretty quickly if it gets the chance. Thankfully, you don™t need to close all the curtains and live in the dark, there are a few ways you can minimise sun glare through your sash windows.

  1. Install a Window FIlm

Anti-glare window film can reduce glare by upto 95%. One of the main benefits of putting a film on your sash windows is that it doesn’t block out the light completely, as curtains and blinds do. Instead, the film allows high levels of light to pass through but blocks 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays which can cause fading. So, window films not only protect your eyes from glare but they also protect your carpets and upholstery.

  1. Make use of Awnings and Shutters

Awnings and shutters can minimise sun glare without totally blocking out all light from your home. The sun is at its hottest and highest at midday, so this is when glare is heightened. Adding an awning above your sash window can block out direct sunlight during this phase.

Alternatively, installing shutters onto your sash windows means you can change the angle of these throughout the day to block out the glare whilst still allowing light into your home.

  1. Plant Strategically

Plants may not be the first things that spring to mind, but they can tackle the problem of sun glare very well. Trees and shrubbery are amazing sources of shade. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that many trees will lose their leaves throughout winter and so you should look into evergreen foliage that will not shed in winter.

These tips will help you enjoy the odd sunny day we get here in England, without having to deal with pesky sun glare.

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18 Mar

Which are Better: Casement or Double-Hung Windows?

There are two main types of sash windows, casement windows and double-hung windows, each have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking to decide between the two, you will need to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding which is best for your space.

What is a Casement Window?

A casement window is a type of sash window that has hinges on the side, where it attaches to the frame. They may open inward or outward, but usually it is outward.

Pros of Casement Windows
Different glazing options
Good ventilation
Many different design options
Can fit to many types of frame

Cons of casement windows
Not suitable for use with air conditioning units
Casement windows are not suitable for storm windows
No potential for adding screens
Some casement window frames will not be strong enough for larger size windows

What is a Double Hung Sash Window?

A double hung sash window is a design with 2 separate sashes, those being the top and bottom window. Both of these slide up and down. If it is a single hung sash window then the top window will be in a fixed position, and only the bottom window will move.

Pros of Double Hung Windows
Easily ventilation and ability to control air flow
Suit traditional and contemporary buildings
Simple to clean inside and outside of the glass
Suitable for air conditioning units and other additions
Wide variety of colours and designs

Cons of Double Hung Windows
Possibility of air leaks, more so in older wooden windows
Fewer options in terms of sizes, in comparison to casement windows
Complex opening and closing mechanisms, which may require maintenance
Mixing double sash windows with other windows can ruin the aesthetic

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How to Paint Sash Windows
15 Feb

How to Paint Sash Windows | Mortice & Green

Maintaining your sash windows can be tricky, they are traditionally made of wood which means they need to be cleaned and caulked in a certain way, to prevent cracks from forming. One of the most difficult aspects of maintaining them is painting them, as you can easily end up sealing the sash window if you don™t paint them carefully. This guide will give you an idea of how to paint your sash windows properly.

  1. Remove the hardware

The first thing you need to do is remove the hardware such as the handles and locks. Leaving these on the windows will mean they are in the way and could also mean they end up covered in paint. 

  1. Sand down the wood

Painting over old layers of paint is also a bad idea, as eventually the layers of paint will build up so much that the window will stop closing properly. Therefore, you should take the time to sand down the wood and sand off the old layers of paint. Following on from that thoroughly clean your sash windows, to get rid of the dust and debris you created when sanding.

  1. Choose the right paint

Think about what colours will suit your home, also you should bear in mind that if the windows are in the sun a lot the colour may fade, so you might want to go for a brighter colour than you first thought. You could test the colours on a mock frame before committing to painting your sash windows.

  1. Paint the glazing bars

Start the painting process by focusing only on the glazing bars first. You will need to reverse the sashers so that you can access every part of the window. Start with the top sash then leave it to dry and continue with the bottom sash.

  1. Paint the frames

Once you start painting the sash window frames you should also start by painting the top first. Avoid pushing the sash all the way up until the paint is dry, otherwise they will stick. 

  1. Paint the rest of the window frame

Once you have done the glazing bars and the frame you can paint the other parts of the sash windows, such as the cills and casting. Leave the sash windows the dry fully, before you reinstall any hardware elements.

  1. Clean off paint splatters

If you find any paint splatters on your sash windows you can remove these fairly easily with a window scraper. Just make sure you do this gently, applying too much pressure could break or crack the glass.

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20 Jan

How to Care for Your Sash Windows

It is clear why sash windows haven™t gone out of fashion over the last 300 years, their design is timeless. However, it can be a hard task trying to keep them looking good as new, they need time and attention to survive. Below are some tips you can implement yourself, to keep your sash windows in top condition, but you may still want to use the help of a professional for help with sash window repair and sash window restoration.

Sash Window Repair

Top Tips

  1. Keep your windows clean: avoid cleaning windows with paper towels at all costs, this just smears dirt around the panes and creates static which attracts more dirt. Instead, you should use glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Its best to avoid cleaning them on sunny days, as they can dry too quickly which leads to streaks and smears.
  2. Paint your windows regularly: Wood sash windows should be painted fairly regularly to prevent deterioration of the timber, and of course to improve their appearance. Ideally the frames should be repainted every 3-4 years, this helps protect the wood from the elements and can prevent the need for full sash window restoration. Make sure you thoroughly clean the frames before applying the paint.
  3. Stop your windows from sticking: One of the most common problems people encounter with their sash windows is that they stick when trying to slide them up and down. The main reason for sticking is a poor paint job, so you might be able to deal with this yourself instead of calling out a sash window repair company.
  4. Maintain the insulation: A huge amount of heat can be lost through poorly insulated windows. Gaps around the windows can allow air to flow in and out of your property, which means more costly energy bills. You can find replacement rubber seals or an insulation spray to help this, but as it is quite a big issue you might want to call in a professional sash window repair company for this task.
  5. Oil windows for smooth sliding: Keeping your windows oiled and working smoothly is another way to help maintain them. You should rub oil or wax into the frame, hinges, and all interior pulley features. This ensures the window is lose enough to slide with ease and wont damage the frame.
  6. Regularly check your windows for rot: One of the most common, and most worrying problems you can find with wooden sash windows is the issue of rot. The longer rot is left the bigger of a problem it becomes. If it is caught early you can call a sash window repair company but if it is left too long you may need full sash window restoration which is likely to cost a lot more.
Sash Window Restoration

When to Call the Professionals

Some of these tasks are fairly simple, and you can manage them yourselves. However, if you have any suspicions that the windows frames may have damp, or that they are rotting, you should call a professional. Catching the problem early on and calling in professional help can save you money in the long run and may even save your windows.

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Sash Windows
14 Dec

The History and Evolution of Sash Windows | Mortice & Green

There is some debate as to the exact origin of sash windows, but they can be traced back to somewhere in the 13th century in Europe. Although they may not have been worthy of the ˜window™ title at that point, they were more like vertical sliding wooden shutters. Flash forward 300 years and by the end of the 16th century they had evolved into a form we would recognise today but were able to slide horizontally. Then, sometime in the 17th century the French noticed that it was safer to use vertical sliding windows as they didn™t open inward which causes impediments to the residents of the building.

Vertical Sliding Sash Windows

The sophisticated style of sash windows soon moved across the channel and became a fashionable status symbol across Britain and the colonies. Many earlier casement windows were replaced with sash windows in notable buildings such as Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. Soon after that sash windows were used almost exclusively in any building from a royal residence to a simple cottage.

  • Evolution of Sash Windows

Georgian Sash Windows

In 1666 something happened that would further shape the evolution of sash windows, a fire started on Pudding Lane and grew into a four-day blaze that destroyed an estimated 13,200 houses. After this, building regulations were drastically overhauled in an attempt to reduce the risk of further fires and inhibit their possible spread. The regulations stipulated that timber window frames should be recessed behind the brick façade, leading to the development of Georgian architecture.

Victorian Sash Windows

The Victorians lavished ornamentation and decoration on their homes. Curved horns, multi-ached heads, intricate mouldings, leaded lights and lattice work started to appear in combination with sash windows. The windows were often grouped into impressive bays and offset with ornate stone.

Edwardian Sash Windows

Beginning when Edward VIII became king in 1901, and lasting only util 1920, when he died, the Edwardian period borrowed from the eras before it, combining the best of Georgian and Victorian. Although the period was only short, there was a housing boom in this era which means the architecture of that tine heavily dominates our present homes.

Modern Sash Windows

The modern design of sash windows has continued to be developed and refined as new techniques and materials appear and are incorporated into the windows. At Mortice and Green, we are pleased to continue with this process of development. Sash windows offer you a degree of beauty and history that modern windows just can™t compete with, so we are always eager to do everything we can to repair and preserve them. Get in touch if you want to know more about how we can help you restore your windows to their original beauty.

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Replace or Repair my Sash Windows
06 Nov

Replace or Repair my Sash Windows? | Mortice & Green

For most people authentic sash windows will be something they want to keep and repair as opposed to replace. So how can you decide whether to invest in sash window repair or replace the entire thing? If you love the character your windows add to your house and you decide you want to keep them, the good news is that in most cases using the existing sash windows will result in short- and long-term cost savings.

Problems with Draught

If you have noticed that your windows let a lot of draught through, this is most likely due to warping of the wood. Most sash windows are wooden framed, and wood comes with its downfalls, it is very susceptible to the weather and can swell and distort, as well as rot entirely. If the wood shrinks, the windows can become rattly and loud, as well as let draught through as a gap forms between the two window elements. Fortunately, draught proofing is a very viable option, so don™t write off your sash windows just because the sills need replacing.

An expert will use a very discreet, non-restrictive draught seal around the existing window frame so the appearance will not be compromised. This seal can also reduce the amount of rattling your window makes as you slide it. Draught proofing can improve the ambient temperature of your home massively, something you should definitely notice in winter.

Sash Windows

Improving and Repairing Glass

Draught proofing may make some benefit to the temperature in your home, but the glass in your windows is another problem. Most older sash windows are only single glazed, and so they lose a fair amount of heat through the glass itself. Again, this is not something to worry too much about as it is fairly simple to fix. A sash window repair company can replace each individual pane of glass with a double-glazed pane, so you won™t sacrifice the overall look of your windows.

Instead of one single pane, double glazing is 2 separate panes with a space between them. T
This space used to be simply a vacuum but now it is filled with krypton or argon, the trapped gas between the two panes created a much better barrier between the outside temperature and the inside, it can also prevent condensation.

Noise Problems

Replacing the single pane glass with double glazing will also make a huge amount of difference to the noise pollution. This is particularly beneficial for sash windows in London, if you live near a main road and have single glazed windows it can sound like voices from outside are as close as your own living room. Double glazed windows can dampen sound by as much as 31 decibels.

Do They Need Replaced?

As mentioned above there are many ways of fixing up and repairing sash windows so if you really want to keep them, don™t lost hope. However, upgrading and restoring them can be a long and expensive process, especially if you want to keep all the original frames intact. You may decide that spending money repairing an inefficient, older window is not worth the hassle or expense, especially when newer windows are more energy efficient and can save you money on your heating bills as well.

The decision ultimately comes down to how much you cherish the unique character sash windows can offer you, and whether you are prepared to offer them the care they need. Or, whether you would rather save yourself the effort and would rather save the money and energy that new windows can afford. Either way we recommend you get quotes for both options before making a decision.

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26 Oct

Reasons Why You Should Invest In Sash Windows

Nowadays, the current global situation is quite discouraging. We are living during an unpredictable time, but one thing is for sure, we are spending more time at home and for some of us, this has meant making plans on how we can improve our home and invest in our future.

Many of us are looking for ways to improve the overall look and value of our house, and sash windows are a perfect choice.

Sash Windows London

Why Now Is A Good Time To Choose Sash Windows?

Value to Home

Add character and charm to your house with beautifully installed sash windows. If you want to refresh the look of your home and find methods to increase the value of your property, installing sash windows is a great way to plan for the future. They look classically stylish and are built with longevity in mind.

Health Benefits

The increase in natural light can boost moods and productivity, a reduction in allergens and dust from old windows and blinds. Better security measures can provide peace of mind and a more climate-controlled environment which are all part of how we can stay mentally and physically healthier.

Great choice For Any Home

The wood used is a natural insulator ensuring you stay warm all winter. One thing is for sure, we will be home a lot more often this winter so comfort, beauty and windows that are environmentally friendly will make all the difference to our general mood (and carbon footprint).

Wondering if Sash Windows is the right choice for your home?

Sash Windows

From classic bespoke designs that can suit any property style to low maintenance costs which facilitate a reduction in the utility bills due to their draught-proof installation, there are so many reasons why investing now in sash windows is the right choice for your home.

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31 Jul

5 Ways to Decorate Your Sash Windows | Mortice & Green

5 Ways to Decorate Your Sash Windows

Often a popular choice for most homeowners, sash windows is a great choice for a variety of property styles. The versatility of these windows means you can select a bespoke design that suits the style and period of your home without compromising on aesthetics, with the added luxury that upkeep is minimal and maintenance necessity is low.

 

  1. Bright Lights, Bold Colours

Revitilising the look of your wood panels doesn™t need to be expensive or complicated. A fresh coat of paint can enhance the look of your windows and give the wood added resistance against harsh weather. Light or dark, pastel or bold; choosing a colour is a versatile, easy and affordable way to improve and freshen up your windows.

 

  1. Sheer Fabrics

Sheer fabrics are often light and airy giving your room a brighter, more open feel providing the added benefit of more natural daylight all without detracting from the beauty of the sash windows themselves.

 

  1. Blinds and Shutters

Adding character to any room can be done easily with blinds or shutters. Shutters have an elegance that adds personality, light and airiness to the room; a perfect companion for the sash windows. Whether you choose a custom approach or an existing style, you will get the benefit of the daylight without overheating the room. Blinds are more reasonably priced and have an endless choice of colours, patterns and even fabrics. Blinds much like shutters add a timeless quality to any room making them a good choice throughout the house.

Sash Windows

  1. Ceiling To Floor

Curtains can also add huge benefits to the room; choosing a floor-length curtain can add a sense of drama to the room, making your eyes draw towards the sash windows when you walk in the room. The curtains add a regal, elegant quality that adds personality to the room when open and cosy discretion when the curtains are drawn. Lovely!

 

  1. Pelmet

A wonderful source of insulation, the pelmet teams well with any sash window design. The Pelmet acts as a border to restrict draughts and unwanted airflow, giving your energy bills a break as well as keeping the room nice and warm. The framing feature of the Pelmet gives your room a beautiful focal point, along with the flow of the curtains. Seamless and beautiful!

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Wooden Windows in London
21 Apr

Wooden Windows in London

Traditional style with a modern twist.

The beauty of wooden windows is their versatility; they work to the style of your home. You might be looking for a rural and rustic countryside exterior to your home or perhaps you have chosen to give your wooden windows a lick of paint to make them work with your interior décor, offering a complementary accent colour to your room. Either way this kind of window installation and design gives you options to make it your home, unique and bespoke to you and practically is an incredibly smart way to style your home and get long lasting windows fitted.

Not enough to convince you?

Here™s why wooden windows might be the right choice for you and your home:

Energy Efficient

Consider this¦ Your new windows could actually end up saving you money. Wooden windows insulate your home to a staggeringly higher rate than steel or aluminium frames might. Your home can stay much warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer so you don™t need to sped a fortune on heating and air conditioning bills.

Environmentally Friendly

This material does not need to end up on the landfill like most other materials. Biodegradable, this renewable source is a kinder way to give back to the earth. Unlike other, metallic materials, wood is life lasting and so with the right care is a real investment for your home, additionally adding value to your property, great if you decide to sell.

Easy to Maintain

The sustainability of wooden windows means they are a breeze to keep in good condition. The outer frames are resistant against all weathers while the inner frames are protected indoors. Robust, easy to clean and straightforward to install these are a great option for any home.

 

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