The design and concept of sash windows has stood the test of time and evidence of this type of construction put into homes in the mid seventeenth century is still to be seen today. The model was so well thought out, practical and inimitably suitable for gracious living that manufacturers today have needed to only up-grade materials bringing when making windows.
Coming from a more gracious time when good craftsmanship was highly appreciated the carpenters working in those days would surely take infinite pride in knowing that their excellent handiwork has served countless generations and can still operate with ease when they have been well maintained.
The concept was brilliant for its time as it allowed the sashes to move up and down along timber runners leaving an area open at the top end as well as the bottom for air to circulate. This was in a time when there were no fans or air conditioners that could cool a room.
Many of the originals are still in stately homes and other historical buildings that have become heritage sites and restoration repair and maintenance of the wood is carefully supervised to keep frames in a condition as close as humanly possible to their original state. However wood is a natural product and as such reacts badly to the elements.
Bad maintenance and poor quality sealants and paint would have left the wood open to severe damage. One finds that there are now a number of excellent companies that have the expertise to repair restore and in some case replace the sashes as well as installing draught-proofing.
Only if the frame is badly damaged will it be taken to the factory site for repair otherwise the restoration is done on site. Nowadays there are modern day replicas that look as good as the originals and many councils are allowing irreparable windows in historical buildings to be replaced with these.
Frames made from new materials in the classical sash window style with modern enhancements such as being easy to maintain, draught proof and secure are being used extensively in new and old properties to give them an upgrade.
There is however nothing as appealing a wood and new timber sash windows manufactured today would give any home an old fashioned elegance of an era long forgotten. To create one’s own private sanctuary of style and sophistication a person may just decide to follow this route.
Want to compare new sash windows with their counterparts from the Romantic Era? Get the exclusive inside scoop now in our guide to sash window refurbishment and all you need to know about sash window refurbishment London .
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