Over the past few years, authentic design features have become highly desirable in homes. They have become something of a rarity due to the constant home improvements that have been so popular in recent decades. Now that so many, like sash windows, have been lost, we are understanding the true worth of these little pieces of history.
CHASSIS means frame in French, and it is from this that the word SASH comes. There is some debate about where in Europe the window was first made, but they quickly became a symbol of British design in the seventeen and eighteen hundred, and were used in all sorts of buildings.
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 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.
Today these windows are appreciated for their historical value, and they are often replicated in modern architecture. Originals are highly sought after, so maintaining any that you have will be a good investment. They can be draughty, but modern repair techniques mean that this can be fixed.
Renovators and homeowners now go to great lengths to restore their buildings to their former glory. Restrictions upon listed buildings means we have a responsibility to protect the appearance of historical buildings, so ripping them out is no longer acceptable. It is recognized that period houses simply do not look right with modern designs, and windows are one of the main features of a home.
CHASSIS means frame in French, and it is from this that the word SASH comes. There is some debate about where in Europe the window was first made, but they quickly became a symbol of British design in the seventeen and eighteen hundred, and were used in all sorts of buildings.
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 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.
Today these windows are appreciated for their historical value, and they are often replicated in modern architecture. Originals are highly sought after, so maintaining any that you have will be a good investment. They can be draughty, but modern repair techniques mean that this can be fixed.
Renovators and homeowners now go to great lengths to restore their buildings to their former glory. Restrictions upon listed buildings means we have a responsibility to protect the appearance of historical buildings, so ripping them out is no longer acceptable. It is recognized that period houses simply do not look right with modern designs, and windows are one of the main features of a home.
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