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In case you are wondering what a sash window is, it is a window that is made up of several panels which are also known as sashes. If there is a frame that holds a few panes of glass together, it is a sash window. Quite often narrow muntins separate the panes.
There are a few different types of sash windows. Some sash windows have panels that open to the outside; others have panels that slide to open – either horizontally or vertically. The sliding sash windows sometimes are referred to as sliding sash, case, sash or Yorkshire light windows.
The typical American style sash window has a frame with a sash on top and one below. Each of these separate sashes can slide up or down within the window frame. One major benefit of this window is that the sashes can be tilted or removed for easy cleaning. There are many different configurations, models and shapes to choose from within this class of sash window.
Sash windows were first used in England during the 1670s. Ham House is a famous early house that had sash windows. Robert Hooke is credited with creating the sash window, although there isn’t any conclusive evidence that proves this.
Sash windows are frequently installed in Victorian and Georgian homes. The classic type of sash windows has three panes placed horizontally and two placed vertically, resulting in a six-over-six paneled window. The standard size of sash windows is four feet wide; however, wooden sash can fit almost any size and there is no fixed rule.
In order for sash windows to function, there is panel that is balanced through using a counter-weight made of heavy steel or another material hidden within the window frame.
Usually sash windows are made out of single glazed glass and soft wood, although sometimes double glazed glass is used.
Due to the fact that a sliding motion is required in order to open and close sash windows, they can be more vulnerable to problems than other windows. They require a lot of maintenance as well; however, the extra work involved is worth it since sash windows are very attractive.
In addition to the aesthetic appeal of sash windows, they are also more efficient in cooling the inside of a building during warm weather than other kinds of windows. This is due to the design of the sash window, since it can be opened at the bottom and at the top simultaneously. The room’s warm air is allowed to escape through the top opening, while cool air coming from outdoors is allowed in through the bottom opening.
A new kind of sash window was released recently into the marketplace. They are called uPVC sash windows, and they are attractive like regular sash windows are but are much more energy efficient and don’t require as much as maintenance and painting on a regular basis.
As is the case with anything, it is important to not go ahead and hire the first window company you find. Make sure to get work samples and quotes from thee different companies at least before you make your final decision on which company you want to have install your new windows.
A Few Home Improvement Projects That Always Add Value to a House
You may plan on living in your current home for another few years but that probably hasn’t stopped you from thinking about ways to add value to your property. It isn’t just about resell value after all. The total value is also important when you need collateral for a loan or a refinancing. Early on, we’re told that our home will be one of the most important investments we ever make. Homes should be treated like the investments they are.
Putting money into renovations that boost the overall value of your home is a smart move. However, it’s not feasible to just do anything to a residence and then assume the automatically go through the roof!
Here are projects that have passed the test of time and that are sure to add to your home’s value no matter where you live.
Add On A Room
Are you hoping to have the value of your home go up immediately? Add a bathroom or bedroom. There may be two homes on your street, and they could be exactly alike, but the one with the extra room/rooms is going to be worth more. With additional rooms, larger families can move in and still have enough space for everyone, which is simply convenient.
A common method for the additional room is building an extension to your home. If you haven’t the square footage to do this, you can think about dividing a larger room into rooms of lesser size. Even if you can only add a wall, you will still be able to increase your home’s value.
Remodel the Kitchen or Bathroom
For buyers, the two most important rooms in the home are the kitchen and bathroom. Wide and open kitchens have become quite fashionable in recent years. A kitchen remodel can be quite expensive, but the appeal it can add to a home on the market is exponential.
Bathrooms are also worth putting money into. Most people shopping for a home look at how much space is available in the bathroom and for specialized plumbing, such as jet powered showers. Of course, a luxurious bathroom is also a plus for you. When it comes down to it, the bathroom is the one place inside your home where you can enjoy the quiet and just relax.
Redo the Heating and Plumbing System
It may not be a glamorous thing to do and you won’t have any fabulous new features to show your friends but it is still well worth while. Updating the plumbing and heating will definitely increase the resale value of your home. It will also help to prevent future disasters such as leaks. This is particularly important when it comes to older home that are relying on copper pipes and gas heating. For homes that still have illegal copper pipes, your municipality may offer funding to pay for replacements.
Other improvement ideas include having a new roof put in, replacing windows, fixing gutters and working on your landscaping. Any type of home improvement can add that much more to how much your home’s worth. Whether an owner decides to make more rooms, update the kitchen or bathroom, or replace pipes and other parts, the home will be in better shape for years to come.
The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start enjoying the upgrades to your home.
