Do Sash Windows Add Value?
Recently, whilst out walking around the not-so local leafy suburbs, and surround by stunning properties, a question struck me: Do Sash Windows add value to a property? And if so, how much and why?
That then led me to undertake some research, delving deeper into my quandary. I arrived at the conclusive short answer: Yes, they certainly do add value to your property. I found this to be the case for a number list of reasons. According to recent property experts, ‘double glazing alone, let alone the luxury exterior of Sash Windows, has been known to add up to 10% to the value of your home and increase the likelihood of a sale’.
Alongside this, replacing windows in your home increases the return on investment to around 75%, which is a statistic that shouldn’t be sniffed at.
As with any home renovation, it proves a topic that encompasses a mixture of positive opinions, viewpoints, and various customer experiences. With anything there are of course, considerations to be carefully thought through. Luckily, there is a vast amount of information that will help you to make an informed decision regarding the instalment of Sash Windows.
To aid with this decision-making process, our article will help you to filter the information and come to a succinct, well-informed decision.
Unpacking Sash Windows – What are they?
Good question! Sash Windows, Box Sash Windows and many other varieties of Timber Windows may be a frequently used term these days, especially when it comes to all thing’s property. But what are they? Have you stopped to consider how having them installed would add value to your property?
The simplest definition would be;
A Sash Window is a single frame used for glazing. The sash itself resides inside a window frame fixed to your house. Via a handle, the sash opens from within a casement window, that then slide up and down (or sometimes, side to side).
The window consists of several movable panels, known as sashes which is where it gets it’s name. These can also be named as ‘slider windows’ or tradition Georgian or Victorian property windows.
This style of window is most known for its design and appearance, which resembles an authentic, original façade. Clearly, their striking appearance is one of the reasons for the adding of value to any property.
How do they add value to your property?
Now we have established that Sash Windows do indeed add substantial value to a property, we need to consider how they achieve this. Sash windows exude character, history and charm, but is there more substance to them, in addition to this evident style and class?
Again, the answer is yes.
Here, we’ve put together an extensive, but not exhaustive list of reasons why;
- Reduced noise and air pollution from surrounding area (modern timber Sash Windows are certainly able to accommodate thicker double, if not triple glazing)
- Sustainability linked to reduced heating bills (energy efficient) – more information can be found on the Energy Saving Trust site which specifically explains the benefits of Sash Windows in properties.
- Increased window security, to deter intruders and provide you with a feeling of additional safety
- Incredibly durable
- Low maintenance guaranteed – as part of our promise to you
- Maximum stability – an incredible reduction in swelling and shrinkage
- Vigorous construction – specific mortice and tenon joints used
- High performance with A-rated double-glazed units – This may come as a surprise, but the cooling and heating costs are more than 40% of your yearly budget
Preserving of tradition features through bespoke design, ensuring specific replications of the original feature.
Sash Windows: Types & Variations
As with any home modification, you need to consider which style would best suit your property. How do you know which is best suited to you and your home, as well as thinking which will add the most value in the long run? One of the first considerations within your decision-making process needs to be the time period of your property.
Over the years, there have been many style adjustments and advancements in the Sash Window industry, so it needs to be ‘the right fit’ for your residency. In short, the time period of your house will determine the number of panes within each sash, which will then be separated by Astragal or Georgian bars.
Here is a list of the more commonly known example types of Sash Windows:
- Georgian: The ‘six over six’ style is the quintessential choice for a Georgian style house, although larger ‘eight over eight’ windows were also common
- Victorian: ‘Two over two’ reigned supreme in Victorian times, but many other configurations can be also found through the whole period. This included sash windows with just a single light, as well as the inclusion of sidelights
- Edwardian: Typically, ‘six over two’ panes was most common, but, as with the Victorian era, the Edwardians saw variations in style.
Other variations in Sash style include:
- Venetian windows which consist of a central sliding sash between two fixed panes
- The Queen Anne Revival styles incorporates several panes in the upper sash but just one or two in the lower
- Traditional Sliding Sash
- Hidden Spring Sash
- Listed property Sash: specifically designed for Listed properties
- Bespoke, tailored to you – with added detail and dimensions, according to your property design and your requests.
Considerations
At this stage, we’ve firmly established the many advantageous benefits to installing Sash Windows within your property. However, with any financial investment, we must consider if the initial expense is worth the financial and aesthetic future reward.
It could be argued there are huge starting costs involved, such as the installation, material costs, and any maintenance expenses. Alongside this, some could argue there are potential disruptions to your home during the installation process. These of course, are both more than fair considerations to have.
Notwithstanding, it is undoubtable that the benefits completely outweigh any further considerations you may have when considering Sash Windows. Energy efficiency and reducing your carbon footprint, whilst enjoying the beautiful designs and modern performance that will greatly improve the look and quality of your home are just some of the unique selling points of installing Sash Windows.
For more information on any of the above, or for further information on how to restore, install and maintain your sash windows, feel free to contact one of our expert team.
