Sash Windows To Beautify Your Abode

Sash windows have been around for centuries and have remained popular to this day because of their aesthetic appeal. They are made up of two wooden panels containing glass inserts. One or both of the panels or frames is able to move, usually vertically, to open or close the window. The weights for this action are hidden in what is known as a Yorkshire light and the earliest example can be seen in Vermeers painting of The Milk Maid, dated 1658.

Ham House, a beautiful old stately home located in England has the earliest known example of sash windows and dates back to 1670. A typical sash window consisted of three horizontal panels of glass set with two vertical panels of glass, creating a horizontal frame that was very typical for the period. Other configurations became widely accepted but this is still the traditional standard.

The typical standard for sash windows in early Georgian and Victorian houses measured about four feet in width and they can be opened vertically as the window slides on two runners set into the frame of the window.

A set of springs and balances and metal weatherstripping ensure that the window remains in position no matter the weather. A lead or steel weight is set into the frame to balance the weight of each window frame and to ensure that it is easy to open. In the case of a double hung sash window both frames are moveable.

When referring to a single hung sash window, only one of the frames is moveable, usually vertically, while the other remains fixed in place. This arrangement allows for maximum ventilation into the interior space.

Traditionally the frames are manufactured from soft wood and the panels can be either single or double glazed. These types of frames are quite high maintenance, as they will need regular painting to prevent wood rot or warping of your wood. Over time, shrinkage can cause the panes to rattle in the wind and poorly applied paint can cause problems with the smooth opening of the window.

If you are committed to installing them and are prepared to regularly maintain them, you are ensured of having beautiful functional windows that will last many years. Due to their design they are very effective at encouraging air circulation in a room. When both panels are opened equidistant from the frames, air flow is encouraged, drawing cool air in through the bottom of the frame and expelling hot air out of the top.

Sash windows are windows that are beautifully decorated. If you’re wondering, you should check into the sash window company. Sash window restoration London will help you with your window restoration needs.