With their roots tracked back to mid seventeenth century London, sash windows have been an indispensable part of British architectural culture. These days, they continue to be a well-known choice for people who respect their classic style and functionality.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss various kinds of sash windows, including those that adhere to listed building specifications and standard choices, that will help you decide what type meets your property best.
If you are a property owner of a listed building, you may be limited by planning policies regarding the style of windows you are able to install. Fortunately, there are several types of sash windows that are ideal for listed buildings, particularly:
Georgian sash windows - These were trendy from early 18th century to the late 19th century. They are symmetric and have six-over-six or eight-over-eight panes of glass in each sash. A thin glazing-bar profile and a flat or slightly rounded architrave tend to be conventional attributes of Georgian windows.
Gothic sash windows - Pointed arches and tracery are two of the most defining attributes of Gothic revival design windows, and they remain preferred today. If you are looking for a way to add a touch of Gothic design to your house, consider fitting windows with pointed arches and tracery. Gothic sashes are usually narrower than Georgian windows and regularly have diamond-shaped or triangular panes of glass.
Victorian sash windows - Their appeal was at its optimum from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. They truly are renowned for their ornate design, which includes ornamental mouldings, complex glazing bars, and quite often stained or etched glass. Two-over-two or three-over-three panes of glass per sash are regularly observed in Victorian sashes.
Queen Anne sash windows - The late nineteenth century saw an increase in their popularity, as a result of their asymmetric design as well as the utilisation of curved or angled glazing bars. Queen Anne windows are recognisable by their larger bottom sash, smaller top sash, and transom window located above.
Lamb's Tongue sash windows - A kind of Georgian sash window, They are known by a distinctive profile on the glazing bars. Rounded and tapered glazing bars tend to be a hallmark of these windows, and they provide them with their distinctive lamb's tongue shape. Georgian-style property often include Lamb's Tongue windows, which were desirable through the early 18th century.
A hidden spring sash window is a modern-day update to your classic sash window design. It uses a hidden spring balance method to counteract the weight of the window sash, making it easier to open and close. The device is hidden within the window frame, which explains why it's known as a hidden spring.
The spring balance method comprises of a material coil spring that is attached to the sash and a pulley mechanism that guides the spring. The spring provides the needed force to move the sash perfectly and easily by being stretched or compressed when the window is opened or shut. Hidden spring sash windows tend to be preferred because they're simple to use and take care of, plus they have a streamlined and contemporary appearance.
Although a difficult process, gaining approval for listed properties is a concern that can be overcome. Installing windows in listed buildings can be stressful, but with the assistance of a specialist installer who has experience, it can be achieved with less difficulty.
Known for its elegant specifications and slim sightlines, the conventional sliding sash window is a testament to classic design and enduring attraction. Through time, it has been a popular choice and remains sought after even today. While sash windows are an attractive and practical option, it is vital to recognise that they'll be susceptible to maintenance issues, such as for instance wood rot, swelling, warping, paint issues, and wind rattling. Due to their sliding system, sash windows are more inclined to experience these problems than standard casement windows.
For homeowners looking for a traditional look with modern benefits, sash windows continue to be a trustworthy option. From streamlined modern designs to old-fashioned period variations, sash windows provide a wide variety of options to fit any property's aesthetic. Whether your home is listed or not, deciding on a best suited sash window design and looking after them can help enhance the allure and personality of your house for a long time.