The historic development of the sash window is a very interesting feature of construction. It features at least two panels one at the top and the other at the bottom. In most cases, the top one is the movable one. Most people consider the window just as a feature for lighting up the house and to some extent ventilation. However, windows have other important characteristics such as describing the architectural taste, style, building economics social hierarchy and changing times.
For us to be able to appreciate the maintenance of the early sash windows, it is quite important to familiarize ourselves with their historical background. Do not forget that there are many purported home improvement professionals all over, who aim to substitute the historic sash windows with modern ones. This then leads to a reduction on the value of the home.
Primarily you will realize that sash windows were not the first type of windows in history. The initial types of windows were the very small openings drilled through walls called wind eyes. Such openings were protected by use of bars, paper cloth or curtains. These types of windows allowed penetration of very limited light but helped create a future for windows as an element of architecture. The inception of Sash windows in the early 17th century is a good example.
The early forms of sash windows featured a fixed top panel and a bottom sash that slid upwards through a groove. These were held up with metal catches and pegs. Later on, the double hung sliding sash common today was introduced.
The type of sash window featured both the top and the bottom panels hanging on cords with the aid of a counterbalance gadget called the double hung. Also there was the single -hung kind which used the same mechanism but just for the lower panel.
For more than 250 years, this type of sash window system remained the same with only its positioning in the wall changing. Unlike the current windows that are set at least four inches from the face, the early sash boxes were visible externally. The trend changed after the great fire of London, which cited the boxes as fire risks as fire easily spread from one box to the next.
With time, other changes were made particularly in their installation. For example, the box frames were placed behind the masonry thus leaving a broader area for the actual window. Away from the overall design of sash windows, it is also very significant to look at the evolution of glass pane. People think that the use of glass in these windows was influenced fashion changes. However the limitations in glass manufacture was the major contributor. The limitations subsided when glass production improved later leading to the popularity of sash windows. This is why the historic development of the sash windows has played a vital role in giving them a permanent place in design circles.
Sash windows were installed in historic homes during times when air conditioners were not an option. Many of the single glazed historic styles now have been replaced by double glazed wooden windows .
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