A sash window is made from one or more movable panels (sashes). Sash windows are often found in Victorian and Georgian properties. The hung sash window is the more usual American variation on this window design. Construction of these windows was usually in softwood, with single glaze glass panels.

Due to design and manufacturing developments, it is now within the reach of most homeowners to be able to install modern sash windows which loose nothing in appearance but gain a great deal in practicality. The following is a list of benefits accompanied with installation of good quality double glazed sash windows.

Benefits of double glazed sash windows.

Double glazing is a window with two parallel panes of glass and a space between them. This design reduces heat and noise transmission through the window. These two panes of glass are fixed hermetically, trapping a dead air space (normally filled with a harmless, inert gas like argon or krypton) which has superior insulation properties to normal air) to create an insulating barrier to heat flow. Double glazing comes in several widths, although 24mm and 28mm are the most common.

Double glazed windows have several benefits over single-paned windows. The most obvious being energy savings, warm air is kept inside your home when the windows are closed. Independent studies have shown that you can expect to save as much as 25-50% of your annual heating costs by upgrading from single to double glazed windows. The costs implications of these energy savings is set to increase as the real cost of energy filters down to the individual. Potential energy savings multiplied by hundreds of thousands, if individual households can commit to these improvements, would be highly significant in the global strive towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The hermetic seal prevents any chance of condensation between the two panes, with all the resultant maintenance issues that go along with it!

Home security is another important factor when considering double glazing. Single paned windows are a highly attractive proposition to your would-be-burglar, and as windows are the burglars favorite means of access you are instantly putting up an additional disincentive when installing double glazed windows. Coupled with modern improvements in frames and other features such as friction hinges and hard-lipped security beads, double glazed windows no longer present the burglar with an easy access option. This improvement in home security can save the homeowner hundreds of pounds in insurance premiums.

Another significant benefit is a reduction in potential accidental damage. This is particularly the case with properties located near roads. Hard objects, such as sharp stones, can easily cause significant damage, with the obvious inconvenience and cost involved in repairing broken window panes.

Safety is also a factor when considering replacement of single paned windows installed prior to the 1970s. Older single paned windows may well be a potential hazard. Prior to the 70s it was common to install non safety glass within large panes in all exterior windows. Since the 70s this practice has become illegal. Only ground floor large paned windows can now be fitted with non safety glass. However house insurance for replacement of windows due to accidental damage only allow replacement of single pane glass of the thickness already installed, irrespective of window location. As a result, many houses still have non safe glass installed in large paned windows above the ground floor!

Be safe, be green, give your savings to a good cause!

By Catherine James



CJS Exteriors is a specialist installation company for domestic homes supplying and installing top of the range sash windows http://www.cjsexteriors.co.uk/home.html