Sash windows can bring a historic feel to most buildings which we all love. Reminiscent of Georgian and Victorian times, sash windows have a timeless quality which is very appealing. However, most historical buildings can in reality be a bit of a pain to live in. Heating and energy costs can cause problems and make an older building not as functional or comfortable as a newer building.
New builds on the other hand can look a bit bland and miss features that give character to your home. So can you have the best of both worlds? Can you have the historic aesthetic of sash windows with the energy efficiency of new builds? Can you double-glaze sash windows? Can original sash windows be converted to double glazing?
In this article, we will look at everything you need to know about double glazing for sash windows.
Can timber sash windows be double-glazed?
Yes, they can! Modern sash windows are designed with exactly the right width to fit double-glazing panels. Double glazed sash windows are made up of two panes of glass with gas in between, that can keep the cold air out and warm air in. This not only keeps your home warmer for longer but also makes it more energy efficient.
New double-glazed sash windows can be installed in most properties and new builds. Our timber sash windows are built and crafted in our workshop and so can fit most sizes and styles of windows. We will use original windows to inspire our design, so you can rest assured that your home will retain its authentic period styling.
Can I convert my original sash windows to double glazed?
After a while, traditional single-glazed sash windows can become a bit drafty and not efficient at keeping your home warm and comfortable. This is one of the reasons why people look at converting their originals to double-glazed sash windows.
But can they be converted? This depends on the depth of the sash, but in most cases, you can convert single-glazed to double-glazed sash windows. The original sash can be upgraded to A+ Rated Planitherm Toughened double-glazed units. Planitherm is thermally insulated glass. It uses the latest advances in glazing technology to coat the surface of the glass with a high-performance thermally insulating layer. It´s known as low-emissivity glass, or low-E glass, for short.
Benefits of retro-fitting
There are three main benefits to retrofitting:
- You can keep the original look of the window – most people won’t be able to tell the difference between the original and the upgraded windows. The timeless feel of sash windows can upgrade the look of your home and increase its value.
- Heating and energy – double glazed sash windows could help you save thousands in heating and energy bills as they are much more efficient than the original single glaze.
- Security – Doubled glazed sash windows are much more secure than single glazed, giving you peace of mind and keeping your home safe.
So in conclusion, our two original questions were:
- Can timber sash windows be double-glazed?
- Can I convert my original sash windows to double-glazed sash windows?
The answer is: Yes!
If you would like to discuss renovating your sash windows or having replacement double-glazed sash windows fitted then get in touch with our team today.
Occasionally double glazed units can’t be fitted into existing sashes. When this occurs we can manufacture new sashes with double-glazed units in our London-based workshop to match the existing ones perfectly. These are then painted and installed into the original Sash box. Learn more about our double-glazed sash windows service for London and the surrounding areas.
