Sash Windows Are Born In The Georgian Era

12th April 2016

The creation of sash windows is believed by some to have come from Robert Hooke and a result of the London Building Act made after the Great Fire of 1666. Because of this, sash windows could be found in most homes by the start of the Georgian Era in London. During this period, sash styled windows have been reformed to fit with the era’s architectural style.

Below is a detailed discussion on the Georgian architectural style and how it shaped the structure of sash windows during this period.

Georgian architecture

The architectural style is not associated with England’s kings during the Georgian period. It is actually linked to Sir Christopher Wren, who was an English architect. Georgian architecture has the same elements as the ones found in Roman and Greek architecture, as well as the Renaissance period. An example of this is the symmetry of the building, where one side is a reflection of the other. The shape of the building and placement of the windows and doors must be the same for both sides of the house. The interior room’s layout in Georgian houses also has a rigid symmetry.

Georgian sash windows

Sash windows in the Georgian era were a symbolic and fashionable feature. This was due to the use of the window style amongst many of England’s historic buildings such as the Kensington and Hampton Court Palace.

One of the most used style of sash windows incorporates six panels over six panels. Part of their aesthetic comes from the wood material. Earlier casement windows lose the aesthetic when they are open. On the other hand, sash windows still retain the elegant look even if it is open. Georgian houses made of wood also added decorative pediments over their sash windows. Homes which were made with bricks instead used a decorative brick header which was placed above the sash window.

Because of the London Building Act, boxes of sash windows needed to be installed behind the masonry of buildings. Doing so allows for wider glazed area while incorporating small glaze bars for the window. With only small traces of wood seen on the window, the glass component stands out.

Sash windows were also functional by allowing anyone to fractionally open it. This allowed for ventilation during the rain while keeping rain from entering. Sash windows lifespan is significantly higher than previous window styles. The components were within the box which makes them resistant against moisture damage.

Because of its aesthetic and functionality, casement windows in most buildings were replaced with sash windows during the Georgian Era. The design fit with the dominant architectural style of the period as well.

If you’re after Installation, Replacement & Upgrade Specialists for Sash Windows or Casement Windows visit us at The Specialists in Traditional Sash Windows or call us on 0800 389 7384 to arrange a visit to our showroom today.

We endeavour to serve as much of the South-East of England and surrounding counties as possible and have been installing & renovating sash windows, casement windows and doors throughout these areas since our founding in 1999. We cover areas including Central London, South London, South West London, Surrey, Berkshire, Kent, Hampshire, Middlesex and Sussex. Please see the areas we serve for further location details.