How Timber Sash Windows Enhance Period Properties

Explore the charming and beautiful characteristics of timber sash windows and how they enhance period properties.

Sash window designs have altered throughout the years as a result of changes in technology, architecture, and legal requirements. First used in the 13th century, they were a crucial component of residences built throughout three different architectural eras: Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian. 

These types of windows were a display of riches and added a sense of grandeur to the outer face. The windows had another important purpose by letting in a lot of natural light, which was important back when dwellings didn’t have easy access to power.

There are several obvious style contrasts between Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It will be easier for you to identify the era type of sash window you currently have installed if you are aware of these architectural variations.

What Is a Sash Window?

A sash window is a vertically opening window that consists of two framed window sashes. Alternatively referred to as a sliding sash window, at Dale our bespoke windows are packed full of features. Including concealed timber veneered, periscope trickle vents, multi-layered engineered timber and cavity formers.

What Advantages Do Sash Windows Offer?

The designs of timber sash windows have several benefits. In conclusion, these are:

They have a classic appearance and traditional appeal.

They work well for houses in protected locations.

When a room is heated, they provide excellent convection and ventilation to effectively ventilate the space.

Typically, you may lock them when they’re open to allow for ventilation without worrying about security.

Popular Styles of Period Sash Windows

Sash windows changed frequently throughout history; as a result, if you own a Georgian-style home, for instance, you should look to install authentic sash windows that compliment the interior and exterior of your beloved property.

A variety of smaller glass panes were held together by glazing bars in traditional sash windows. Astragal bars is another name for these. Because it was not yet feasible to make huge pieces of glass, sash windows were developed in this manner.

The number of window panes in the window sashes often depends on the time period. We explore these below.

Georgian sash windows

Typically, these had “six over six.” This meant that there would be six glass panes in each sash. Additionally, “eight over eight” panes were also available. Georgian sash windows tend to feature more complex grid patterns and are still, to this day, recreated to provide authentic designs of the time.

Victorian sash windows

Sash windows in Victorian homes were often “two above two,” although alternative numbers, including those with a single glass, were also frequently found. These are still rather common in more recent buildings with Victorian-era design elements, including conservatories. Unlike Georgian properties, Victorian homes featured larger panes of glass with fewer glazing bars to allow more natural light into the property.

Edwardian sash windows

Similar to the Victorian era, Edwardian windows often had “six over two” panes. They typically feature panes of glass in the bottom sash, and smaller panes in the upper sash. Larger homes were built in the early 1900s, with bigger hallways and taller rooms making sash windows perfect to allow more natural light in. During this period it wasn’t uncommon for architects and designers that were creating Edwardian windows to ‘borrow’ elements and ideas from Georgian architecture.

Additionally, in period properties there is one distinctive feature of sash windows and these are sash horns! They are downward protrusions from the base of the upper sash, fixed to either end of the horizontal centre bar of the frame. They are an integral feature and are designed to reflect the architecture of the time period, so if you’re thinking of renovating your period property, or would like to add some additional character to your modern home, you may want to consider sash horns on your new sash windows.

Is Installing Sash Windows Worthwhile?

Although trends come and go, sash windows have remained a beautiful and elegant option for homeowners in both modern and period properties. They offer a quality and distinction that other windows can’t match, and they can also help retain the value of your property.

At Dale Joinery, out timber sash windows are equipped with double glazing as standard, and are hung on concealed spring mechanisms, cords and weights or chains. We also offer fully customisable glazing bar designs that can be used to tailor the look and feel of your new sash windows.

Get in touch today or visit our showroom to get close and personal with our product range.