Timber sash windows come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and play an important role in maintaining the original charm of period properties. Since they first arrived in the UK during the late 17th century, they have remained one of the most popular styles of windows.
Their timeless appeal has lasted from generation to generation and it is widely recognized that timber varieties still provide the class and grace that modern alternatives struggle to match.
The traditional charm of timber sash windows
There is a traditional charm to timber sash windows that simply cannot be beaten. In today’s world of cheaper, synthetic alternatives that all look the same, there is still a lot of value in maintaining the original style of the property. Not only in terms of how it looks aesthetically but also the extra-financial value it offers to the building.
Over the centuries there have been a number of different styles of sash windows, with each one fitting into a specific era. Traditionally, sashes feature a number of small panes or ‘lights’ as they are sometimes referred to. Glazing – or astragal bars – hold these together to create a larger glazed area. The reason for this is because the technology available at the time didn’t allow for large areas of clear glazing.
The main eras sash windows cover tend to be:
- Georgian (1714-1838): Known as the ‘six over six’ style, although ‘eight over eight’ styles were also very popular at the time.
- Victorian (1838-1901): During the Victorian period the ‘two over two’ style became the dominant style, although we’re a number of other designs also available. Sometimes it was a sash window that featured a single light, accompanied by a number of smaller sidelights.
- Edwardian (1902-1910): This was usually ‘six over two’, but similar to the previous era, there were many other styles found installed in buildings.
Some of the other variations included Venetian windows that featured a central sliding sash with two fixed panels on either side. The Queen Anne Revival-style consisted of several panes in the upper sash, with only one or two underneath. During the Regency and Gothic revival periods, sashes would often be arched rather than rectangular, with horizontally-sliding sashes also found in some regions.
New sash windows with double glazing
At Repair-A-Sash service company, we typically view replacing your original sash windows with new double glazed units as the last resort. Not only because we believe there is more value in retaining the original windows, but also because replacing them is a more expensive option.
usually cost at least £1,200 (estimated price) so it can prove to be expensive for many people. If it is an affordable option and refurbishing the windows is not something you want to undertake, installing new timber sash windows with double glazing can still provide a lot of benefits to your property.
Period buildings tend to suffer badly from poor insulation, as when they were originally constructed the technology was much less inferior compared to today. Installing new timber sash windows can also improve the appearance of the property if the external face looks dated and rundown, while also helping to sustain a much warmer room temperature inside.
There are a variety of new sash windows with double glazing available to choose from. Some of the styles mentioned above, such as the ‘six over six’ or ‘eight over eight’, are always popular, but the panes can be configured in a number of different ways to suit the property. And with proper maintenance, your new sash windows can last for many decades to come.
Energy efficiency standard rating of E or above
An important new rule coming into effect from 1 April 2020 is that landlords letting any type of building – whether domestic or commercial – will have to ensure the property has an energy efficiency rating of E or above.
Currently, this new law only applies to domestic properties, but that is set to change in less than 6 months’ time and landlords will have to make the changes before the cut-off date to avoid potentially being handed a large fine by their local authority.
For those who don’t know, the energy efficiency rating is a graph that sets out the property’s current energy efficiency against a potential figure the building could achieve if the right changes are made.
The alterations required vary depending on the property, and you can visit the Domestic Energy Performance Certificate Register to find an accredited person to carry out an energy assessment.
One of the most common ways to improve the energy efficiency of any type of property is to review the windows currently installed. Installing new double glazed sash windows will reduce draughts coming in and ensure heating systems are not required to work as hard, as more heat will be retained within the space.
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