tm31.co.uk

Sash windows give a home a special charm, offering ornate detail that complements a number of different designs. The earliest recorded sash windows that have survived till this day were installed in the 1600s but are still a popular choice because of their aesthetic value. They consist of panels or sashes that make a frame for the glass and are often separate from other panes of glass.

Sash windows are a feature most commonly seen in Georgian and Victorian homes and building architecture and the most recognizable arrangement is three panes across and two up on both of the sashes.

For all their aesthetic value they are high maintenance and you do need to work at them to keep them looking attractive. They can fall prey to rot, especially in the lower sections that collect water. You may need to make friends with your local sash window repair man in case of needed maintenance, because they are made out of soft wood they can also warp and break under the forces of the outside elements. Practically they are well suited to warmer climates as they allow for a lot of air circulation and it can be difficult to control the room temperature where sash windows are used.

Double-glazed sash windows

Double-glazed sash windows are the most commonly adopted style in Great Britain and its colonies. In this design the window is made up of two sashes. They have a slight overlap and they can slide up and down within the frame. The panels do not necessarily have to be the same size or symmetrical.

The traditional designs featured counterweights attached to pulleys on either side of the window as the mechanisms which allowed them to open and close. Modern designs feature spring balances which are simpler.

Double glazed sash windows are often fitted with shutters, which can help to keep the draught out of them. Shutters are also high maintenance but can add to the aesthetic charm of the building.

Single-glazed sash windows

With the single-glazed design only one of the sashes moves, and it is usually the bottom one. The single-glaze design was the original design that was used but was overshadowed by the demand for double-glaze. It is still available today as an option and provides a more cost-effective alternative.