Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The History Of Sash Windows

Modern window styles have a very clean, simple look and a very straightforward way of functioning. You simply unlatch these units and slide them open, whether they’re designed to travel vertical or horizontally. They are usually comprised of vinyl or aluminum and are affixed in a track made of this same material. When these products break or sustain damage a part of normal wear and tear, the entire unit must be taken out and replaced. Although they are popular and available in a vast range of style and colors, they do not approach the impressive, aesthetic beauty and classic style of sash windows. Made from wood and boasting an incredibly complex construct, these windows are incredibly attractive and built to last. Best of all, when problems arise, structures like these can easily be repaired by knowledgeable sash window manufacturers. Following is everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this popular window style.

The very first of these windows were actually seen in the 16th century. They have been bringing light to businesses and homes for hundreds of years. At their inception, however, they were a true testament to the design genius and craftsmanship of installers given the more rudimentary tools and workshops that these professionals have access to. Some of the best window makers of today, still use many of the same techniques that were introduced then and later honed to perfection.

Introduced in various countries throughout Europe, these early styles were glazed and designed to move horizontally. As time passed, window makers devised and implemented strategies that allowed for vertical movement which provided a much greater range of flexibility in terms of window sizes, placement and applications. These new units were kept affixed in place through the use of wooden pegs and holes that were strategically bored into the surrounding wood frame at intervals. Vertically opening sash windows helped advanced the design technique for greater overall stability and longevity.

In the 17th century and following the introduction of vertically moving styles, various weights and pulleys were added to timber sash designs. This expedited the installation process. With this upgrade, these products became increasingly popular in Britain. In fact the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale had these windows installed in their own manor called Ham House. Ham House had sash window styles that were counter-balanced. These were added to the abode during a major renovation.

During the Georgian period, many households began adding these, whether as part of their new construction or to upgrade existing properties. At this time, most sashes had numerous panes. For example, a window might have as many as eight or ten panes per sash. Each sash also had a large glazing bar and he panes were very small in size compared to modern glass sizes. This is largely due to limited quality among larger panes of glass.

At the start of the Victorian era, a number of technological innovations were made that had a significant impact on property construction. This is especially true when it came to window design and installation. It became possible to develop larger panes of glass that were also superior in quality. As such, fewer glazing bars were used and those that were, were far more slender and much less imposing overall.
Edwardian architecture led to large sashes. This was a time when windows were designed to travel from the floor all the way to the ceiling. People throughout this era were in love with natural light and their window selections certainly attested to this fact. This lade to the development of upper sashes that had multiple pans. Some of these units also had horns and came with a double glazed windows or single glazed sash windows at the bottom. Stained glass also increased in popularity during the Edwardian period and was a design element that was commonly applied at the topmost portion of these structures
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Modern window styles seek to recreate many of the intricate and ornate designs that were so carefully wrought in centuries past. Best of all, additional technological advancements have been made to ensure that these are stronger and far longer-lasting than they were in times past. This makes these additions a phenomenal upgrade for modern properties. Best of all, houses that have sash window styles in place can have these restored, preserved or recreated according to their original styles. This will allow for better draught proofing and greater overall efficiency when cutting-edge replacement and repair materials are applied.