The old-fashioned appearance of sash windows is considered attractive by many people. At the time of their invention, they replaced casement windows, and the new window was an object of status to have in the home. Since their start, their popularity has risen and declined, but contemporary tastes again favor this style for its classic look and many advantages.
There is not complete agreement about when or where this window type was invented, but many feel it was in Great Britain, where it is widely used. The earliest known examples were constructed in the latter part of the seventeenth century. Houses fashioned in the Edwardian, Georgian, and Victorian styles all feature them. In the United States and other countries that were colonized by Britain, this type of window is the traditional style.
The most typical form this window takes is that of two sashes, sometimes also called frames or panels. Each sash may have several panes of glass, held in place by narrow bars, often in the arrangement of three panes across and two high. The sashes usually slide vertically up and down, though there are some that slide horizontally. When both sashes can be moved, the window is called a double hung sash. A single hung window usually has the top sash fixed in place and only the bottom sash moves.
While wood, particularly oak, was the first material used for this type of window and is the traditional material used, other materials are used today. In contemporary construction windows of PVC, vinyl, aluminum and other substances may be made. Most of the windows have been single glazed, meaning one layer of glass, but double glazed windows are also made. They are better at keeping the house an even temperature because they reduce transfer of heat or cold from outside air.
This type of window has a couple of important advantages to offer. If it is a double hung configuration, where both sashes move, one can position them in the middle of the window opening. Providing air flow at both the top and the bottom of the window can help cool a house in warm weather. Being able to move both sashes also makes cleaning the glass panes easier.
While these may not always be the most carefree windows to maintain, many people consider their beauty and elegance to be worth some extra effort. Windows made of wood may be more prone to problems, as from wood expansion or shrinkage. If not painted properly, this is another thing that can interfere with their correct functioning. However, it is easy to find window restoration experts to help with any problems, or to get do-it-yourself materials from the local hardware store.
There are many ways to change the look of sash windows, shutters being one of the traditional treatments. Inside the home, various draperies and curtains may be used to enhance their beauty. No doubt people fortunate enough to have this type of window in their homes will find many ways of increasing their attractiveness.
There is not complete agreement about when or where this window type was invented, but many feel it was in Great Britain, where it is widely used. The earliest known examples were constructed in the latter part of the seventeenth century. Houses fashioned in the Edwardian, Georgian, and Victorian styles all feature them. In the United States and other countries that were colonized by Britain, this type of window is the traditional style.
The most typical form this window takes is that of two sashes, sometimes also called frames or panels. Each sash may have several panes of glass, held in place by narrow bars, often in the arrangement of three panes across and two high. The sashes usually slide vertically up and down, though there are some that slide horizontally. When both sashes can be moved, the window is called a double hung sash. A single hung window usually has the top sash fixed in place and only the bottom sash moves.
While wood, particularly oak, was the first material used for this type of window and is the traditional material used, other materials are used today. In contemporary construction windows of PVC, vinyl, aluminum and other substances may be made. Most of the windows have been single glazed, meaning one layer of glass, but double glazed windows are also made. They are better at keeping the house an even temperature because they reduce transfer of heat or cold from outside air.
This type of window has a couple of important advantages to offer. If it is a double hung configuration, where both sashes move, one can position them in the middle of the window opening. Providing air flow at both the top and the bottom of the window can help cool a house in warm weather. Being able to move both sashes also makes cleaning the glass panes easier.
While these may not always be the most carefree windows to maintain, many people consider their beauty and elegance to be worth some extra effort. Windows made of wood may be more prone to problems, as from wood expansion or shrinkage. If not painted properly, this is another thing that can interfere with their correct functioning. However, it is easy to find window restoration experts to help with any problems, or to get do-it-yourself materials from the local hardware store.
There are many ways to change the look of sash windows, shutters being one of the traditional treatments. Inside the home, various draperies and curtains may be used to enhance their beauty. No doubt people fortunate enough to have this type of window in their homes will find many ways of increasing their attractiveness.
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Sash window company personnel provide fast and professional service to improve the look and operation of your traditional windows. A sash window restoration London area has the knowledge and experience to make your windows work right.
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