A Brief History Of Wooden Sash Windows
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.
Sash windows get their name for the French word for frame, which is CHASSIS. The place of the window’s origin is debated, but thought to be England or Holland, at least four hundred years ago. They really took off in Britain, and now are symbolic of period buildings of all sizes.
Normally, a sash window is framed in oak, and contains two main panels. Each panel can be opened and shut with a pulley, and is made up of smaller window panes. The oak was thought to be a fire risk, so builders were required to have the windows sitting back from the walls – this was not always adhered to though, so examples exist of windows at the same level as the brick.
The reason why these windows became so popular is simply that people could see through them much better than their predecessors with their tiny individual leaded panes. When Sir Christopher Wren (architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral) began using them, they were here to stay.
A window tax some two hundred and fifty years ago, led many people to take out their windows and block them in, thus reducing their taxes. This raised the status of sash windows as hey were seen as a luxury that only the upper classes could afford.
Technological advancements meant that larger, individual panes of glass could be made. People no longer wanted lots of panels, and so many were ripped out to be replaced by the new design. At this stage sash windows were considered to be out of fashion.
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, local authorities recognize that these features have historical worth, and are needed to complete the appearance of a building. For this reason, many period properties have listed status and sash windows are often protected. Windows are such an important aspect of how a house looks, that they need to be in fitting with the rest of the building.
Get inside info on the history of Sash Windows now in our review of sash window refurbishment and all you need to know about sash window refurbishment London .