Sash Window Maintenance 101: Protecting Your Investment

Posted: 29th June 2023

Sash windows have been popular for a long time. Their distinctive design can be seen through the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods – and right in to the modern age.  

The old adage is that while fashion is temporary, style is timeless. This would certainly be the case with sash windows – and this sustained popularity has meant that they have been adapted to suit contemporary aesthetic tastes and functional requirements, ensuring their place in the architectural plans of tomorrow.

A properly functioning sash window is a thing of simplistic beauty.  Buildings from the 18th century with their original sash installations still intact are testament to the fact that, when adequately maintained, they can be a feature of a property for generations to come.

So, if you have sash windows – or are thinking about making the transition – read on to find out how to keep them working like new and looking their best… 

The Like-For-Like Principle

When it comes to working on our homes, tasks can often be split into two main categories: repairs and replacements. Sash windows are known for their character and elegance and it would be a shame to lose these attributes as a result of any upgrades done.

For this reason, it is advised to repair or replace your sash windows with items that are close to the originals. This will help ensure that your new design is stylistically similar to what was there before and the logic goes for the materials used as well as the window unit itself.

Maintenance Checklist

With a little care and attention, sash windows should last a long time before any major work needs to be done to them. Here are our top tips for keeping them tip-top.

Regular Cleaning

The external panes of your sash windows should be cleaned around twice a year.  For best results, avoid doing this on a particularly sunny day as the heat from the sun can dry the windows too quickly – a major cause of those unseemly streaks.

As with anything, cleaning your windows will be most effective when the right materials are used.  Newspaper and paper towels are commonly employed for this task, but this is a mistake.  Using paper simply moves the dirt around the pane, while the fibres of the material create static on the surface of the glass, leading to a quicker build-up of dust and dirt.

To achieve that professional, satisfying finish to your windows, try using a specific glass-cleaning product and a microfibre cloth: the results will be far better and your bin will be much lighter.

Paintwork Patch-up

This point will vary depending on the materials used in the design of your window frames, with timber obviously being the most prone to deterioration. In the case of timber frames, a re-paint every 3 or 4 years should do the trick. Always make sure to clean the windows thoroughly following the advice above before applying any paint.

Keeping it Smooth

When they’re working optimally, the movement of sash windows is a satisfying, effortless glide. If you find that the action of your sash windows isn’t as smooth as it should be, there are usually three main causes to the problem.

The first thing you should check is the paint job. Dried paint on the frames or the sill of the window could be sealing it shut or preventing it from moving freely along its pulleys.  Running a knife or similar flat, sharp object along the edge should dislodge any unwanted build-up without causing undue damage to the material underneath.

The next item on the to-do list is to oil the mechanisms involved with the movement of the window: the frame, hinges and pulleys. This will ensure that the window is loose enough to move along its tracks uninhibited. There are several types of oil and wax out there, but silicone – while slightly more expensive than most – has the added bonus of being colourless and doesn’t leave a visible residue behind.  Unlike some of the alternatives, silicone isn’t sticky either.

Finally, if your windows still aren’t moving like they should, you’ll need to check the cords inside the frame. Broken or damaged cords can be replaced easily enough, but the sashes must be removed from the frame first, so seek professional help for this job.

Rot Check and Timber Decay

Other materials have come a long way, but for the traditionalists out there, there is nothing like a timber sash window.  While it is true that, when looked after properly, wooden frames can last an incredibly long time, it’s important to remember that they are prone to rot and decay.

Certain fungi thrive on the conditions created by wet wood.  If left untreated, the fungus will not only eat at the timber but will expose more and more of the wood to water.  Ultimately, the rotting wood can lead to leaking windows and a weakening of their structural integrity.  Superficial damage can easily be treated with a thorough clean and an application of a wood hardener; more serious deterioration will require replacing the affected areas.

Being a natural material, timber can also be prone to decay.  Moisture is the most significant cause of decay, so keeping your windows clean and dry is the easiest way to prevent the problem.  Checking for the issue when you’re cleaning them should mean that it’s done often enough for any issue that does arise to be small and localised.  Again, significant damage could mean that the affected timbers should be replaced.

Efficiency

Poorly insulated windows can lead to a massive 26% of your home’s heat lost through them.  Ensuring that they are insulated and draught free makes your indoor space a more comfortable place to be – let alone cheaper and more private.

Shutters are a time-honoured tradition for sash windows, but curtains or blinds can work just as well.  Replacing the window’s rubber seals will make a huge difference if they show signs of deterioration – and methods like draught-proofing and weather-stripping will increase its thermal efficiency too.

Now, Flash Your Sash...

As evidenced by the many buildings with their original installations still intact, sash windows can be a feature of a property for a very long time.  Like us, all they need is a little care and attention.