Sash Windows
'Late' type sash windows in a Valleys house.
Windows are the ‘eyes’ of your house. In the same way as a person’s eyes can tell you a lot about their personality, windows are the central focus of a house’s character. The sliding sash window as we know it, complete with weights and pulleys, first came into popular use during the late 1700s and was used almost exclusively until the turn of the twentieth century. Whether your terraced Valleys house is ‘early’ or ‘late’, the likelihood therefore is that the original windows would have been sliding sash.
Advantages
The sash offered many advantages, of course, including being well suited to our wet climate, as it can be closed down to a narrow gap, allowing for good ventilation whilst reducing the chance of rain entering. Also, when fitted in terraced housing, an open window did not protrude into the street as a casement window does. It also allows easy escape from the first floor in case of fire, a problem that sometimes arises with casement windows where only the narrow top section can be opened.
Close-up of replacement ‘early’ type window.
There are a number of local companies that specialise in repairing original windows and making new sliding sash windows, taking advantage of today's advances in window technology to improve energy efficiency, security and comfort.
Enhancing value and saleability
Interestingly, a recent study into the effects of a conservation based approach to maintaining our houses shows that the retention or reintroduction of original features such as the correct type of windows can enhance the value and saleability of a property.
If you are lucky enough therefore to live in a Valleys house with the original timber sash type windows, then consider carefully before replacing them.
Likewise, if you are thinking of replacing your existing modern style windows, why not invest in traditional timber sash windows, giving you all the benefits of modern windows with the advantage of adding character and value to your property.
Advice
Do keep to the original opening shape and use a traditional pattern for your replacement windows.
Did you know?
The term ‘sash’ window is likely to have been derived from the French word ‘chassis’ which means frame.
Set the replacement window back in the original position so that there is the same depth of reveal externally.
Don’t change the size or shape of the original window opening. If you do, this will not only spoil the character of your house but will also disturb the rhythm of the whole terrace, of which you are an important part.
Do use good quality treated timber, such as close-grained Douglas fir with oak cills for your new windows. Douglas fir is similar in quality to the timber used in the original windows and if regularly maintained will weather well for decades.
Don’t use window types and patterns that are alien to the Valleys house, such as ‘bow’ windows, fake glazing bars, bull’s eye panes or leaded lights. Don’t add new bay windows.
Do use colour on your timber windows. Colour adds personality to your house and character to the street. Traditionally, the moving parts of a sliding sash window would have been painted white, with an accent colour often used on the box frame. A good microporous type paint system will help minimise maintenance issues.
Don’t stain your timber windows, even if they are hardwood. Staining may be easier to apply and require less maintenance than paint but can make your house look dowdy.
Do keep your original stone cill wherever possible. If your stone cill is damaged beyond repair try to get a reclaimed stone cill to match or use a concrete cill to the same proportions.
