Sash windows speak of a by gone era of a romantic and gracious time when ladies wore long flowing gowns and bonnets that were stylishly angled on their coiffures with ringlets of hair dropping to their shoulders and gentlemen smoked cheroots and sported elegant coats over their riding breeches.
One of the Dutch Old Masters Vermeer features a sash window in his painting The Milkmaid dating to around sixteen-fifty-eight and English scientist inventor Robert Hooke is attributed with inventing the original concept. Fine examples of classic six over six panels are to be seen in houses dating from Georgian and Victorian era.
The concept was invented at a time when glass sheets were still very thick and heavy and had to be placed in sturdy oak frames that could bear their weight. This unique design made up of two glazed sashes which slide in a timber frame supported by sashes and balanced with weights is still being applied when making modern sash windows.
A person sees this process of cords and pulleys still being applied in the construction of modern sash windows and the carpentry methods of old applied which is a remarkable compliment to the early carpenters and their great talents. Considering that the many technological aids of today were not available to them their skills and execution were truly remarkable.
Wood can swell with rain and shrink during dry spells and over centuries a wooden frame can loose much of it draught resistance. Modern technology has created methods that can be used to insulate the frames and close out any problems that may be caused by gaps. At the same time these specialists will refurbish the wood and treat them with new applications that will protect the surfaces.
Many historic homes that have retained their original windows that graced their home for centuries and are now heritage sites protected by local and state laws with regard to changes and restoring that is allowed. Any restoration or maintenance has to be done on site and with the approval of the governing council.
The style and elegance of a framed window with either clear glass or decorative stained panels is unique and bring an added stylish touch of a bygone era to any residence.
Although new sash windows come without problems created by their old worn forerunners they do not have that delightful old battered look even though they are perfectly as effective in keeping a room cool.
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