Researching The Origins Of The Sash Window In History
September 3, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The origins of the sash window are generally thought to be in England, since there the earliest examples were seen in elegant houses. Windows, designed to let in light while shutting out the elements, were formerly fixed panels or casement windows, which were hinged at the sides, pushed outward to open and pulled in and latched to close.
This style, a major innovation that differed greatly from earlier casement windows, is generally credited to a a major scientist and inventor, Robert Hooke. Hooke was an industrious man who coined the term ‘cell’ for the living units of biology he observed with a homemade microscope, discovered many principles of the law of gravity, designed some of London’s most historic buildings, and surveyed much of London after the Great Fire of 1666. He also studied the properties of glass and invented a balance spring which allowed for the watch to be created.
It is easy to match the sash window with the interests of this industrious man, who was very influential in the rebuilding of London after the Great fire of 1666 and was also the architect of some principal buildings. This style consists of one or more movable panels, with a weight, cord, and pulley system to defy the pull of gravity, and a framework of muntins, or wooden strips, to allow small panes of glass to be united in a panel, or sash.
One of the earliest known houses to install the innovative designs was the Ham house, an ancestral home updated in the 1670s by the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale. This property has been owned by the National Trust since 1948 and used in many films.
New houses have this style of window as well, although the materials may be more modern. Either soft or hard wood is still seen in many houses, since it gives a traditional look and is a good insulator. Modern commercial buildings and cement block houses may have more informal vinyl or metal windows, often using aluminum which does not rot or corrode. Another durable material is fiberglass, which has the advantage of expanding and contracting the same as the glass panes. It is stronger than vinyl or aluminum, neither rots or corrodes, may be painted, and has a higher insulation rating than metal or plastic.
Newer materials include soft and hard wood, vinyl, metal such as non-corroding aluminum, and fiberglass. All of these materials have variations in insulating factors (wood is best, followed by fiberglass), durability (wood will rot if not kept sealed from moisture, although proper care will extend its life practically indefinitely), and strength.
The origins of the sash window are fun to trace, as are the changes, not so much in design as in materials. Today’s windows may be made of soft or hard wood, metals such as aluminum and vinyl, and even fiberglass.
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An Overview Of Reasons For, And Fix-Its To The Plague Of Plastic Windows In London
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The plague of plastic windows in London seems to be more of a scourge on the beauty of once-proud manses of eras gone by. Anyone can see that cheap plastic windows do NOT fit in with the majestic, and occasionally creepy, gargoyles that flourish on the rooftops of many Victorian buildings.
Here are some details on why many Londoners are battening down their wallets, and opting for plastic frames for their majestic homes - along with some alternative materials and tips that work with the original windows - so they can stay with the house like they’re meant to:
Although it definitely helped their sales, double glazing manufacturing companies aren’t lying when they tell consumers that the new plastic product is much cheaper to install and replace when needed, especially when compared to the only other option, which is spending through the nose to fix the original antique wooden ones.
But the owners of landmark homes are taking the manufacturer’s advice, and opting to install the plastic - despite the other camps arguments that in the long run, it’s more cost-effective to repair the wooden ones. It seems many people these days, however, would rather put out pennies first, and worry about coming up with quarters later.
In addition, environmental committees are extolling the virtues of double glazing in stopping carbon emission leaks from inside heat that can get through openings between the frames and wall, and further pollute the air.
However, historical societies, who are lobbying for the return of antique wood sashes to the homes, have named several cost-effective alternatives for weather and emission proofing that work just like double glazing - and can be used in conjunction with the original frames. One way is to draught-strip the edges of the frames with brush stripping to create a seal. And for those who say that’s too expensive - tubes of rubber or silicone are available at a very affordable price, and do the same thing.
Putting shutters over the windows, or even draping them with heavy curtains, works quite well as long as the owner remembers to keep the windows shut. And for those who insist on it, there’s even a secondary glazing that is cost-effective, has the same benefits of the double glazing, and also works in harmony with the antique wooden frames.
So while there are two different sides to the plague of plastic windows in London saga that continues on, and each side disagrees with the other - it’s most likely that the one point on which they do concur, is the importance of finding a solution that is low-cost, harmless to the environment, AND allows the beautiful Victorian buildings to keep their antique wooden sash windows.
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Why Is It That Some Consider Wooden Sash Windows Will Last Longer Than Modern Plastic Sash Windows
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
You can see the results of why wooden sash windows will last longer the modern plastic sash windows by looking at homes that are very old. Chances are they still have the original wooden windows as when the house built one hundred and twenty five years ago. Their durability is superb and unmatched.
In climates where the elements are harsh, the wooden windows will, no doubt, suffer. But they can be restored, refurbished and replaced to last more than a hundred years again.
The way homes were built a hundred and fifty years ago proves that the structure was sound, and the windows are still more or less intact. They did not have sealants, but somehow these windows stood up to the snow and rains.
The plastic windows are very strong, as well. And they will endure the harsh elements of almost any climate. In fact, they will probably do better in rain and snowfall than scorching hot sunny days. They look clean and neat, and you can buy them in any color that you will never paint. However, the paint will eventually peel and chip, and the windows will become brittle over the years. The plastic can only handle so much abuse, and then, rather than try to sand and paint them, it would be more cost-effective and less time consuming to simply buy new ones.
New plastic windows are not cheap. But they are beautiful and modern looking. They may be able to open three different ways to let in the fresh air. They will stay attractive and wonderful with simple regular cleaning. And you may be able to get a guaranty on these plastic sash windows for up to ten years, or maybe more. But the fact that this is all they will be guaranteed for should tell you that their life span is very limited.
Restoration companies will gladly restore your old, broken down wooden windows, so that your Victorian or older home looks like it when it was just built. They can replace the windows in part or in full, replicating exactly what they looked like before.
So, while thinking about purchasing new windows for your home, just do a little research and find out why wooden sash windows will last longer the modern plastic sash windows.
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The Ingenuity Of Sash Windows And Their Beginnings An Invention Made To Last
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The creation of the sash window was a very basic idea that become more well known than the original inventor could have ever imagined. Sometimes it is the more simple ideas which are the best. These sash windows are designed with two moveable panes, an upper and a lower, which are both affixed to a track in the frame itself.
The most recognizable form of the sash window has panes of glass which are separated from each other by narrow bars. This series of small panes creates an interlocking network that makes up the window as a whole.
Robert Hooke is the man who is accredited the invention of this marvelous product. He was known in England as a scientist and inventor of the 1600s. His most memorable invention, however unbeknown to him at the time, was most definitely the sash window.
More popular for today’s society is the more simplistic double paned sash. These windows are basically the same as their older versions; however, they have become more durable and energy efficient and are often made from aluminum for this reason.
It is amazing at best that in a day when modern new technologies and inventions are being introduced constantly, a product such as the sash window is still so commonly used. Though it has gone through some significant changes over the years, the fact that the it has withstood the test of time for so long proves that this is a window that was well designed.
The mere fact that one is not able to walk down a street without finding that more than half of the homes have sash windows installed shows how popular it is. Churches, businesses, and private residential homes all often use them. The newer models are designed with a tilt feature, allowing them to be easily cleaned, and all have the common attribute of allowing the user to easily control ventilation by lowering the top window or raising the bottom.
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Who To Hire For Sash Window Replacement
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Looking for a craftsman to help out with your sash window replacement project, then consider using a joiner who specializes in furniture building and cabinetry. Architectural timbering is another name for this type of carpentry. It is an art form that utilizes the craft of various methods of joining wood and is considered a very old craft style.
If you have a lot of replacement that needs to be done on your windows and you would like to maintain the integrity of the design of them you could consider looking for someone who is a master cabinet maker. Older homes have unusual shapes and sizes in their windows and these could be replicated by a master carpenter who specializes in cabinets.
With modern resin-based material a master joiner could recreate the beauty your windows once held, the windows you might have thought were beyond repair. Using traditional old world joinery fused with modern techniques you will end up with beautiful results.
Find a joiner who is good with detail and perhaps is listed as a decorative arts carpenter. If your windows are from a period where a lot of detail work is added to the windows and perhaps through time some of it has been lost it can be recreated with modern techniques.
There are companies that specialize in only sash window replacement. The best thing about these types of firms is that they know exactly what needs to be done and they will create for you a new window that looks just like the original but better constructed with new materials done in the old fashioned style.
Sash window carpenters can be found by asking an architect for a reference or if you are familiar with construction firms who employ cabinetmakers for their higher end projects they would surely have references for you to call upon.
Artisan carpenters are well trained in the craft of sash building and would also be a great choice to consider. These types of craftsmen would most likely be associated with custom cabinetry shops.
In order to maintain a healthy environment while your windows are being worked on make sure you find someone who is experienced with the removal of lead based paint. There are modern methods that eliminate dust.
In lieu of replacing your beautiful old windows for mass manufactured replacements that lack the charm and character of the original issue, hire an old world craftsman to build them for you to retain the beauty of your home and increase it's resale value.
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The Origins Of The Sash Window Are Competed Over
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
It is difficult to get clarity on the origins of the sash window although the first mention is found in the late 1700’s. A painting by Vermeer, ‘The Milkmaid’ has a woman standing in front of one. Around the same time the inventor Robert Hooke used the window in Ham House. However, the French word chassis refers to a frame and it is believed that via Holland the window came to Britain, and it is now inextricably linked to English culture.
Windows with double rows of glass panes that opened by sliding to one side or upwards, were initially known as ‘Yorkshire light’. As the windows became larger and heavier, a rope and sash weight system was developed with the rope connected to the window and a pulley running inside the sealed box frame.
Sir Christopher Wrens was a well known architect used by the British royal family in the late 1600’s to design various palaces, such as the Whitehall Palace where he used these windows. The Royals used these windows at Kensington Palace and Hampton Court as well. The combination of Wrens’ fame and Royal approval meant that the windows became wildly popular and were soon appearing on all new buildings. Aesthetically, they do not ruin a building’s look when they are opened unlike many other window sorts.
In Georgian times, the sash was the rage and a double hung sash window was created allowing both the top and bottom sashes to be moved. In a wet European climate, the window can be opened at the top to let warm air escape while colder air is drawn in through the gap at the bottom, without allowing rain to enter.
The Victorians had a tendency to the baroque, overloading their houses with extra details, carvings, mouldings and lattice work. The windows were grouped in a bay surrounded by decorative pillars. The perspective of buildings was enhanced by making windows on the downstairs floor taller than those on the top floors.
As with many beautiful objects the advent of mass production methods and industrialization after the First World War, signified the end for this product. The labour involved in hand producing a sash was too expensive and casement windows were easier to produce in factories.
It must be agreed that without the sash window, defects and all, the most interesting urban areas of older European cities would be bleak and characterless.
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Are Wooden Sash Windows Or Plastic Windows The Best Choice?
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The question - Wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment - can have at least three answers. That wood is better, being more traditional and high end. That plastic is better, being less apt to rot and cheaper to install. That it makes no difference; no one will notice anyway.
Wood has been used to make windows for as long as there have been windows. Holes in stone walls do not qualify; they are mere slits or spy holes. Windows have transparency, and transparency needs a frame, and frames were made of wood. Period.
As for the marketplace, wood costs more than plastic in any application. Perception is that wood is more valuable. You rarely if ever see ‘hard plastic floors throughout’ in a real estate listing, do you? If the floors - or the windows - are plastic, no one advertises the fact.
Or do you open a heavy wooden door with a brass knocker, to step into a thickly carpeted foyer with red leather chairs and an efficient looking lady seated behind a gleaming mahogany desk. Subscription magazines are waiting on a polished wooden coffee table, and the great outdoors is screened from view by heavy drapes, enhancing the atmosphere of privacy and privilege.
Imagine a law office, or the office of a stockbroker. The image that comes to mind is of thick red carpets, shelves of handsomely bound books, a big desk, and comfortable armchairs for consultations or a highly polished conference table with company letterhead paper ready to hand. There is no plastic anywhere to be seen, not even in the ballpoint pens. So why should the window sills be any different?
Seriously, wood makes a good impression. Even unconsciously your clients will notice details such as polished wood floors and woodwork, or wood painted to match the carpeting and drapes. Wood gives a sense of permanency and sound construction which will enhance your professional image. Unless your office is in a site trailer, wood will be the material of choice for doors and windows.
Wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment? Look at those handsome frames around the hunting prints on the wall and mull it over for a minute. Then answer that question with ‘Plastic’ if you dare.
Repairs done by a double glazed sash window company makes your windows feel and look watertight. A sash window renovation can reduce energy costs.
Some Things To Know About The Origins Of The Sash Window And It’s Design
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
This type of window is made up of several glass panels that can slide in any direction. The term sash refers to the glazed panel. They can also be called a hung sash. Many people do not know what the origins of the sash window are.
Typically they can be opened one of two different ways. Opening by sliding vertically is one way. Another way, often referred to as the Yorkshire way, is to open horizontally.
The weight of it needs to be balanced. There can be a heavy iron, lead, or steel weight placed inside the frame. A sash weight can also be applied to balance the weight of the panes. Without this balance, the window will not slide open.
The usual number of panes in each frame is nine. There are three rows of three, or sometimes six panes total which are two rows of three. This can vary greatly depending on the style of the home. A type of rope or chain is used to open it by attaching it to the frame and to the top of the panes.
They are most commonly seen in Victorian houses, and also Georgian. They are said to have been designed by Englishman Robert Hooke. He was a well renowned scientist and inventor. The oldest known installed version dates back to the year 1670.
They are usually made from soft wood, with the option of single or double glazing. The standard width is typically four feet. This may vary greatly depending on what type of home it is installed in and to which era it was made.
The origin of the sash window can help explain it’s many advantages. One is that it cools the interior of a home significantly. This is done by opening both the bottom and the top portion equally. This allows hot air to escape the room from above and lets in cooler air from outside in the lower portion of the window. Cleaning can be easily done from the inside. Slide the panes to different positions in order to reach the entire piece, inside and out. A few problems can be caused by the natural rot of the wood. This may cause rattling noises and also affect the insulation of a room. While considered to be high maintenance, these are a lovely option for new builders to consider and add to the distinct charm to old homes.
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Many New Modern Manufacturing Processes For Wooden Sash Windows
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Traditional style is now combined with up-to date techniques to create casement windows of excellent quality. To get the best performance while maintaining old-fashioned style, modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows are the answer. The old look is now available with newfound durability and performance.
One of the most sustainable construction materials on the market has to be wood. While we all know it grows from trees, it is also very easy to recycle. Since the process used to produce timber is very energy efficient, and the resulting construction creates a thermal barrier, wood is the best choice from an environmental perspective.
Wood compares very favorably with modern materials like PVC. Using hardwood construction and high-quality paint, they will last for a very long time. Maintain them and they are both a good investment themselves, but also increase your home’ value on the resale market.
These windows are fully weather-sealed, but the sealing is hidden from view to increase the aesthetic value. They might be fitted with a number of locking systems, from Espagnolette locking to Chubb high-security devices. Child restrictors are also available. Good manufacturers provide brass locking mechanisms and casement stays as a standard feature.
Double-glazed to meet stringent building regulations, high end windows can even be filled with Argon gas, increasing their insulation performance. If you miss the old fashioned putty beads, but don’t miss applying them, wooden windows are an excellent choice. They can arrive from the factory preglazed. It looks like putty!
You can design any window you want. Create something fanciful or match your current decor. The choice is yours. There is no substitute for wood.
You don’t have to choose between the appearance of yesterday’s windows and the benefits of today’s technology. With wood, you can have both. There is no need to compromise your values.
Check with your local planning company. Sometimes, they will require that your house use wooden sash construction to maintain the aesthetic of the neighborhood. It would be a shame to get a letter from them instructing you to remove your brand new plastic windows!
The thought that wooden windows are drafty should be banished from your mind. These modern windows are a serious consideration for any renovation project. Even for new construction, wood is the material of choice.
Wooden windows may not be everyone’s choice. But with modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, they can be your choice without reservation. Get the best of both worlds with wooden windows!
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Historical Overview Of The Creation Of An Old Tax In The United Kingdom
August 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
This article presents the historical facts about an old taxation system on windows in the United Kingdom. The window tax was introduced into Great Britain in 1696 by King William the third. In those days, the idea of civil liberty was different to that which exists today. In the prevailing climate, people felt that telling the king about their income was an unacceptable intrusion into their private business.
So, in order to be able to impose some sort of taxation on his people, the king decided that people with large houses could be taxed on a tiered system. There was a tax rate of 2 shillings for every householder. This equates to roughly ten new pence. In addition to this there was an extra tax for the householder if their house had more than ten windows.
If the house had between ten and twenty windows, then this extra tax was 4 shillings and anything over twenty windows had to pay eight shillings. Later, as the king wanted to increase the tax, he reduced the minimum number of windows to be taxed from ten to seven. This was further changed in 1825 to eight windows.
This tax was quite unpopular among the people even though it was possible to claim an exemption. If the occupants were poor, they could apply for an exemption.
However, in the 17th and 18th centuries, many larger houses could be seen with bricked up windows. This is an obvious attempt to avoid this window tax. In Scotland, after William Pitt the Younger introduced this tax in the 1780s, the windows were painted black with white frames. This was also done in order to avoid paying the tax. These popularly became known as Pitt’s pictures. Examples of these windows can still be seen in Charlotte Square in Edinburgh.
It is thought that several of the richest families took this opportunity to commission huge houses with the largest possible number of windows. They even had windows installed over blank wall space to prove how rich they were.
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