Madam, - In an article about a house for sale on Charleston Avenue, Ranelagh (Property, August 31st), I was shocked to read that it was recommended that the new owners should replace the original sash windows with good replicas.
I work in building restoration and have done so for years in Denmark. Old sash windows almost always were made of hardwood cut in a particular way, which is of much higher quality than wood available today. This meant that the wood contained anti-fungal substances, protecting it against rot.
The windows were usually made with a high level of craft and with old glass, and have a beauty and charm unsurpassed by modern replicas. Finally, old windows, stripped of paint, repaired and painted with a breathable natural oil paint can last indefinitely with minimal maintenance. With an inside window, there is no need for double glazing. Overall the process is environmentally friendly, and there is no need to throw out fine old windows, which are actually antiques. - Yours, etc,
GERARD GREENE,
Inchicore,
Dublin 10.