Preston Sash Window Repair
These timber sash windows in Leyland near Preston, Lancashire were restored by Ged at Sash Window Specialist North West.
Bow Window
This group of box sash windows are set within ornate curved masonry piers to create an attractive bow window. Unfortunately, the paintwork had been neglected causing the lower sections to rot. Ged undertook the expert window restoration and repair work required to restore and preserve them.
Repair Wet Rot
First, the rotten window sills had to be removed and replacement hardwood window sills fitted. Fresh timber was then spliced in to repair the rot in the box sash frames and new bottom rails fitted to some bottom sashes.
Glazing Maintainance
Sash windows like these with a round head are expensive to reproduce. Luckily the top sashes had only small amounts of wood rot near the sash joints. Loose putty had allowed rain to penetrate the timber, creating prime conditions for the development of wet rot. Cracked panes of glass were replaced with float glass and all loose putty was removed and renewed with tradition linseed putty. Provided that paintwork is maintained in good condition linseed putty remains the best option for glazing old windows.
Draught Proofing Sash Windows
Our brush draught sealing system was installed to upgrade and modernise the sliding sash window frames. Draught seals improve energy efficiency in old sash windows as well as stopping the windows from rattling. By closing the gaps inherent in sliding sash windows external noise and dust is also greatly reduced.
Sash Window Specialist Nort West offer an extensive repair service for all types of period windows and doors.
Ged Barnes – Sash Window Specialist Nort West
Ged first started making sash windows during his apprenticeship in Bolton, Lancashire. He is an Advanced City & Guilds qualified craftsman, with over 30 years experience.
Before starting our Sash Window Specialist (North West) branch in 2003 he was already experienced in many aspects of the carpenter and joiner industry. If you have other carpentry and joinery alterations or repair work, Ged can undertake these as part of your overall project.
His honest & methodical approach along with a dedication “to do it right the first time” ensure you will always get top-quality service at an affordable price.
Contact Ged today for a friendly chat about your sash window & door renovation and repair requirements.
Mob: 07958 736454
North West Architecture
The impact of the industrial revolution still dominates the architecture of Manchester, Preston and the north-west of England. But once outside of the Victorian cities many heritage properties remain to reflect all aspects of English architectural styles.
The Industrial Revolution began in the latter half of the 18th century causing agricultural people to become more urban. The rise of large factories turned smaller towns into major cities over the span of only a few decades. Industrialisation and the textile industry brought great wealth to the north-west allowing the construction of impressive public buildings, rivalling the best in London. Many fine examples of ornate period sash windows and doors still dominate the city and town centres across the North West of England.
The invention of portland cement enabled large scale brick construction of cotton mills, warehouses and factories. The solution to housing the required manual workers was to build rows and rows of ‘2 up 2 down’ terraced brick houses. Whilst many of the old mills have gone much of the Victorian housing stock remains.
Cheap homes had no front garden and so the vertical opening sash window was ideal as it would not obstruct the footpath. The sash window was soon mass-produced by the joinery workshops across the region. Unfortunately, budget windows were constructed using 32mm thick softwood that has generally not lasted. Sash Window Specialist can install energy-efficient replacement 32mm sashes into these existing window frames; using Accoya Wood with its 50 year no rot guarantee.
Larger semi-detached homes for the managerial staff as well as a large detached mansion for the mill owner were built surrounding the rows of terraced homes. The overall quality of these homes was far superior and so the windows and doors have withstood the tests of time far better. The mid-range and high-end joinery used better quality grades of timber, 40+mm thick.
