In recent years there has been a surge in the popularity of original architectural features, such as sash windows. In past decades, the quest to improve our homes has led to the loss of so many of these features, but now people are realizing their historical and aesthetical value.
The SASH in sash windows is derived for the French for frame, CHASSIS. It is thought that this type of window was introduced in the sixteenth century, either in Holland or England. Now, they epitomize English design of the Victorian and Georgian periods, featuring on everything from palaces to town houses.
Usually, sash windows have an oak frame containing two panels. Within each panel there are six small panes, and each panel can be opened separately with a pulley. In period properties the frames are a few inches back from the masonry, as they were thought to be a fire risk when level with the bricks. In the days before planning permission, this was hard to regulate, so it did not always happen!
The windows used previously were made up of lots of small panes, usually square or diamond shaped, surrounded by lead. They restricted the view considerably, so it is not surprising that the larger sash window panes were well received. Sir Christopher Wren, who designed St Paul's Cathedral, increased their popularity when he used them in his buildings.
When window tax was introduced in the seventeen hundreds, many homeowners blocked their up with brick, to avoid the hefty charges. Although obviously many sash windows were lost, this made them more desirable, as only wealthier people could now afford to keep them.
After some time, sash windows became unfashionable and dated. The industrial revolution meant that glass could be manufactured in large, single panes, which made for uninterrupted views. At this point many old windows were simply destroyed.
In modern times, original windows are highly sought after but are expensive to replace at reclamation yards, so restoring any that you have will makes very good sense. Any draught problems are easy to fix with modern techniques, so there is no need to have them replaced.
Today, we are much more sympathetic to our old buildings, and can see that modern additions simply look wrong. More and more, people are replacing lost sash windows, at great expense. Since our windows are such prominent features of our homes, it is well worth ensuring that they look great.
The SASH in sash windows is derived for the French for frame, CHASSIS. It is thought that this type of window was introduced in the sixteenth century, either in Holland or England. Now, they epitomize English design of the Victorian and Georgian periods, featuring on everything from palaces to town houses.
Usually, sash windows have an oak frame containing two panels. Within each panel there are six small panes, and each panel can be opened separately with a pulley. In period properties the frames are a few inches back from the masonry, as they were thought to be a fire risk when level with the bricks. In the days before planning permission, this was hard to regulate, so it did not always happen!
The windows used previously were made up of lots of small panes, usually square or diamond shaped, surrounded by lead. They restricted the view considerably, so it is not surprising that the larger sash window panes were well received. Sir Christopher Wren, who designed St Paul's Cathedral, increased their popularity when he used them in his buildings.
When window tax was introduced in the seventeen hundreds, many homeowners blocked their up with brick, to avoid the hefty charges. Although obviously many sash windows were lost, this made them more desirable, as only wealthier people could now afford to keep them.
After some time, sash windows became unfashionable and dated. The industrial revolution meant that glass could be manufactured in large, single panes, which made for uninterrupted views. At this point many old windows were simply destroyed.
In modern times, original windows are highly sought after but are expensive to replace at reclamation yards, so restoring any that you have will makes very good sense. Any draught problems are easy to fix with modern techniques, so there is no need to have them replaced.
Today, we are much more sympathetic to our old buildings, and can see that modern additions simply look wrong. More and more, people are replacing lost sash windows, at great expense. Since our windows are such prominent features of our homes, it is well worth ensuring that they look great.
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