History of Sash Windows
The history of sash Windows begins in Britain. The first known examples date back to the 18th century and are absolutely different from modern glass units. They consisted of a genuine wooden railing without any weighting or rope. A rotary block was used to open it. Glass was too expensive at that time, so it was used for sash windows repair in castles, palaces, or temples. In ordinary homes, alternative materials included paper, cloth, and so on.
The first prototypes of modern windows were installed when repairing Somerset house in London long before sash window repair in Suffolk. The carpentry kept developing and by the 1800s every house was equipped with sash windows. Baltic pine was used to reduce production costs. The window proportions changed, with the frames gradually becoming smaller. During the Victorian era, decorative elements, grilles and other details appeared that were used to decorate windows.
It was after the First world war, when the interest in sash windows declined. People preferred simpler and cheaper options that every family could afford.
Sash Windows Today
Recently, more modern materials have been used, which made it possible to reduce manufacturing costs of glass units. Despite the fact that PVC is a more innovative alternative, many people prefer to restore sash windows and choose products made from natural materials. Advantages of traditional sash windows include:
- fashionable look;
- excellent thermal insulation;
- nice set of features;
- installation in both modern homes and historical buildings.
Many houses of historical value require their window units to be replaced. Due to certain structural peculiarities of such buildings, it is impossible to install new windows. In this case, it is necessary to perform sash window renovation of the frame and the glass, which won’t change the façade appearance.
Restoration work will help to get rid of rot, cracks in the wooden part of the window unit, as well as of the cracked glass. Upon restoring windows in historical buildings, the speed of air flows will improve, with the level of energy efficiency significantly increasing inside the building. It is also possible to install additional windows, which play an important role for keeping the rooms warm.