Sash Windows

Original sash windows of the 18th and 19th century can be found in many historic buildings providing interest and character to the elevations and demonstrating how past generations had the skills to produce extremely fine examples of carpentry. These windows should therefore be seen as part of an area’s architectural heritage and owners should be encouraged to repair or replace them. Many sash windows are situated within listed buildings and consent from local councils will normally be required to alter or replace them.

Before the 16th century, only the most prestigious houses had glazed windows as glass was difficult to produce and therefore very expensive. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the use of crown glass became more widespread and the small panes or ‘quarries’ were set into lead and framed in wrought iron, often fixed into mullioned-and-transomed timber frames in the bigger houses or casements in the more vernacular. Sash windows first came into use in the late 17th century when the heavy glass was contained by thick oak frames and glazing bars.

From the 18th century onwards, cylinder glass was produced which was thinner and available in larger pieces, and this allowed the production of the elegant, more lightweight sashes of the Georgian period. Often part of a formal, classically inspired elevation, sash windows provided a completely different appearance to the more mundane leaded casements of the previous centuries and quickly became highly fashionable. After about 1850 the introduction of plate glass allowed sash windows to be much larger with only one or maybe two panes of glass to each sash, so ‘horns’ had to be added to strengthen the junction of the meeting rail with the frame.

Original sash windows consist of two glazed sashes, which slide vertically in a timber frame, supported by cords that are balanced with metal weights. ‘Yorkshire’ sashes, which can be seen in cottages and the more vernacular buildings, slide horizontally and without weights. Vertically-sliding sashes of the 18th and 19th centuries invariably were sub-divided into six, eight or sometimes more, panes of glass which were always slightly taller than they were wide, reflecting the proportion of the whole window.

Your existing sash windows may be hard to open, but our sliding sash windows move seamlessly, making opening and closing easy peasy

We offer a guarantee with all of our products. Feel free to give us a call to discuss further or check out our Trust Pilot reviews (link) to hear from some of our customers firsthand

Old sash windows may be draughty, but with our professional sash window replacement service, we ensure your sash windows are draught-proof. Our sister company, William Richards, provides a draught-proofing service for your existing windows.

That’s a tough one. Our Technical Engineers can provide you with the best advice. We’re always transparent with our customers and offer completely impartial advice

Certainly. We work with a lot of tradespeople and supply them with all of our joinery items. We also offer post-sale advice to make sure you’re using the best methods of installation

It depends! We know that;s a terrible answer. Our representative will be able to give you a ballpark figure after dicussing your project. We also offer finance on our sash window packages