Comparing The Latest Sash Windows With Their Counterparts From A Bygone Time

| Friday, May 6, 2011
By Andrew Tailor Smith


Since the mid sixteen hundreds sash windows have been an integral part of constructing gracious and stately homes and buildings. The idea and manner of making them has proved itself beyond redemption to the point where many are still in fine working order today. New frames made nowadays are using the same design with only modern technological changes.

Coming from a more gracious time when good craftsmanship was highly appreciated the carpenters working in those days would surely take infinite pride in knowing that their excellent handiwork has served countless generations and can still operate with ease when they have been well maintained.

The concept was brilliant for its time as it allowed the sashes to move up and down along timber runners leaving an area open at the top end as well as the bottom for air to circulate. This was in a time when there were no fans or air conditioners that could cool a room.

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.

The many years of being battered by rain, poorly maintained, irregular restoring and painting has caused some of these frames to deteriorate to a point where they are beyond saving. There are however numerous competent and well known firms who specialize in draught proofing and rehabilitating and are able to restore them to their former glory.

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.

If one is aiming to create a haven of gracious living from a bygone era then these fixtures may be the ones to choose. Installing sash windows made from new timber frames will add a touch of timeless elegance to one's home.




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