our homes say a lot about who we are as people. They represent our core values, hopes, and inspirations, where we pride ourselves on the living environment, we’re able to create.
Though the value of a home is often tied to the economic status of the residents, you don’t have to be wealthy to create a space you can be truly proud of. What’s most important is to make the most of what you have and adapt to incorporate interior trends that introduce character and charm.
There are many considerations en-route to establishing your dream setup, where some styles continue to blossom, and others go out of fashion. One of the biggest features that can dramatically enhance a home’s appearance is its windows. Everything from appearance to your choice of material will be crucial to the functioning of your residence.
If you’re looking to get more light, improve your home’s appearance, and stay safe and warm, sash windows are a fantastic option that will bring a touch of elegance to your abode. But what exactly is a sash window?
What Are Sash
Windows?
Sash windows open vertically, containing a sliding mechanism that can be pulled up to open and slid downwards to close. They are typically associated with houses built before the war and are characterised by distinctive architectural features. During the Georgian era, sash windows were fashionably symbolic across many of England’s historic buildings.
Sash windows remained popular until the end of World War Two but subsequently started to be replaced by casement windows. Though there have since been many trials and tribulations with emerging interior design trends, sash windows have stood the test of time and can still be utilised for maximum benefit.
Typically, a sashed window consists of two framed window sashes. These sit in frames with vertical grooves, enabling the window to be moved up and down without concerns of damage.
The movement of sash windows is facilitated by counterbalances which are either hidden within the frame or contained on the inside of the window.
The biggest way sash windows differ from their conventional counterparts is they have no outward swing. They are often completed with glass and wooden glazing bars to promote a traditional English window effect that’s stylish yet practical.
How Can Sash Windows
Transform Your Living Space?
Having sash windows installed can breathe life into what would otherwise be a typical setup. If you’re intrigued to bring rustic, time-honoured originality to your home that pays homage to the class of yesteryear, incorporating sash windows could elevate your abode to new heights.
But how exactly can sash windows transform your living space? Here are some of the top benefits of installing sash windows in your home:
Safety & Security
In your quest to select the right type of window, safety is a determining factor. It’s important to choose something that protects your livelihood and secures an environment where you’re safe from harm’s way. What’s great about sash windows is they offer more security than conventional casement windows.
In many cases, sash windows are a preferable option because just one panel can be opened at any time. With this being said, sash windows are more difficult to climb through and thus provide added reassurance that you won’t be vulnerable to break-ins.
Additionally, you can easily implement safety features like locks, bolts, stops, and child devices for added security and peace of mind. Some locks are designed to allow ventilation but prevent the burglar’s dream of a fully open window.
Energy Efficiency
Despite seeming old-fashioned, sash windows can be fitted in an energy-efficient manner. They can be seamlessly installed with double or triple glazing to prevent heat from escaping and ultimately reduce your outgoing costs. This is especially important for those winter months, where retaining heat will help stay warm and reduce your energy bills.
In an age where it’s important to safeguard the best interests of the planet, the reduced energy consumption associated with sash windows means you’ll be doing your bit for the environment.
Environmentally Friendly
Sash windows are usually made of timber, one of the most environmentally friendly materials in existence. Timber uses less energy to process, produce, and transport, which helps sash window manufacturers achieve stewardship and social responsibility that’s transferred to the customer. Timber has an extremely long lifespan, which can be extended through reuse and recycling.
If the timber that’s sourced for your sash windows is attained from a sustainably managed forest, you’ll be making a conscious decision to save the planet. Also, windows that use timber have great structural integrity for providing added support.
Charm & Character
If you’re excited to achieve a stunning look within your home, sash windows go above and beyond to introduce character, charm, warmth, and comfort.
What’s great about sash windows is they’re aesthetically pleasing yet have a high level of functionality. There’s nothing better than when style meets practicality.
Not only do they look good and last for a long time, but they’ll help you maintain the value and authenticity of your property. Sash windows will help you achieve a comfortable ambience while allowing great viewability.
Versatility
The wooden nature of sash windows presents multiple opportunities to customize frames for eye-catching, personal appeal. You can carve, stain, or paint sash windows in line with your individual preferences.
Whether you have a specific look in mind or you’re looking to experiment with new styles, there’ll be many options at your leisure. By painting window frames you can prolong their lifespan to keep the wood nourished, protected, and safe from weathering.
Easy to Maintain?
Though period windows are heralded for their incredible appeal, many people are deterred by how much maintenance they perceive will be necessary. However, this is a common misconception because the technology of the wood used has come a long way.
Previous issues like wood blistering and peeling are a thing of the past. Today’s sash windows minimise water retention and damp penetration. Micro-porous paint is a great way to protect wooden frames for better maintenance and to eliminate the need for regular repainting.
Are Sash Windows Really
Worth It?
Sash windows will introduce an unrivalled level of prestige and quality to any property. If you’re intrigued to achieve a traditional look inspired by the grandiose nature of 19th-century homes, installing sash windows will help your home reach supreme authenticity.
With the right maintenance, sash windows will last longer than regular ones, meaning they’ll be a great investment. Whether you’re renovating a period property or building a new home, sash windows are an excellent opportunity to propel your living space to unprecedented heights.
No matter where you call home, it’s essential to create a place where you can relax, enjoy time with friends, learn, and develop. With sash windows, you’ll be investing in your hopes, dreams, and ultimately future.
