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.
The carpenters who made the original frames would certainly have felt a sense of pride if they had known that those windows would last for centuries and would only need normal up keep and maintenance to still be in good working order.
Cleverly designed to allow the two sashes to move past one another along timber runners these windows were able to be opened at the top and bottom to assist continual cooling air movement in a time long before air conditioners and electric fans.
The originality of heritage sites and historical private homes is jealously guarded and any restoring is only allowed after approval from committees that look after them. Any work done has to guarantee that it will stay within parameters of the original designs. Unfortunately any wood used in the framing would eventually exhibit serious climatic damaged from being open to the elements extended periods.
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.
Work is done one site except where frames are badly damaged they are then taken to the factory for full refurbishment. Windows that resemble the originals are being manufactured and many heritage councils are giving the go ahead for these to be used in listed buildings where the frames are damaged beyond repair.
New products that have the classic looks of an old sash window but with the modern technological advances built in such as easy to use, low maintenance, energy efficient and shut securely can now be used to give any property a look of old world charm.
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 instantly in our guide to sash window refurbishment and all you need to know about sash window refurbishment London .