What are Georgian windows?
The Georgian era is a period characterized by beautifully designed classical architecture and traditional double-glazed Georgian windows that feature authentic bars. These simple cottage style windows combine the benefit of double-glazed window units with timeless appeal. Georgian windows are exemplary for keeping your home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and being cost-effective year-round.
Additionally, Georgian windows are specifically made for your property and the Georgian bars can be tailored to fit on any position on the window that you would prefer. Horizontal and vertical bars can create patterns and are a simple way to enhance the aesthetic of older properties. Furthermore, installing Georgian windows in older properties is also a nice way to incorporate traditional design aspects to a modern new home.
Designs and styles of Georgian sash windows
The Georgian windows design is a product of one of the most sought after eras in architectural history, spanning from 1730 to 1830, which has influenced a lot of the residential architecture during the time. Overall, this is a classical style.
Georgian-style windows usually have a pattern of ‘six over six’ which means that six windowpanes sit upon another six windowpanes in each window. The panes in Georgian-style windows are separated by a ‘Georgian bar’, or a metal bar. Hundreds of years ago this method of making windows was the most practical, but nowadays Georgian windows have been updated to contain either one or two panes of glass, that sit on top of the ornamental bars.
There are a variety of traditional finishes and unique colour schemes that allow homeowners a choice in creating their own window designs. Early Georgian colour schemes typically included burgundy, Saga green, and blue-grey: however, as the style changed throughout the years, colours became lighter and included shades such as soft grey, flat white, eggshell blue, and light green. Unlike UPVC, which lacks a natural textured woodgrain effect, a wide range of textures are available which are almost indistinguishable from real timber.
Glazing designs can also help homeowners enhance the look of their property through Georgian windows. This can be accomplished through bevelled patterns, colours, and leaded glass designs. Each of these varying features can be applied to both the side frames or the top openers of the Georgian window.
Double glazed Georgian bar windows can also be purchased that have a ‘spacing bar’ between the glazing. This produces a look that is more classic and matches the authentic and traditional look for otherwise newer, modern homes.
Storm Georgian Windows
Storm Georgian Windows are specifically designed to mimic traditional Georgian timber windows in every aspect. Classical cottage windows are the inspiration for the storm blends that allow intricate time period detailing along with authentic colour options and advanced material technology. Innovative design allows homeowners to create unique concepts for the window, which allows for a virtually maintenance free solution with unmatched aesthetics.
Storm Georgian Windows are visually appealing and they also perform exceptionally with energy conservation against the notorious British weather. The windows provide unrivalled thermal performance, and our storm window offers an impressive A+13 energy rating as a standard. Storm Georgian Windows can also incorporate innovative acoustic glass as an upgrade.
Flush Georgian Windows
What are Georgian sash windows? Sash windows hail from the Georgian era were a symbolic and fashionable feature on homes. This style was seen as a symbolic and fashionable feature due to the use in many of England’s historic buildings such as the Kensington and Hampton Court, Palace.
One of the most popular styles of sash windows uses six panels over six panels. Part of these windows’ looks comes from the wood material. Earlier casement windows tend to lose their beautiful look when they are open. Sash windows, however, retain their timeless look when open or closed. Sash windows on Georgian houses made of wood also feature decorative pediments over the windows. Homes with bricks used a decorative brick header above the sash window.
Due to the London Building Act, boxes of sash windows must be installed behind the brickwork, or masonry, of the building. This offers a wider glazed area and incorporates the window’s small glazed bars. With limited amounts of wood visible on the window, the glass component will stand out.
Sash windows were functional by allowing anyone to open the window even by just a fraction. Fractionally opening windows allowed for ventilation during rainstorms while keeping the rain out. The lifespan of a sash window is significantly higher than other window styles. The components of the Windows were within the box which makes them moisture resistant and gives them added longevity.
Casement windows in most buildings have been replaced with sash windows during the Georgian era because of the look and function of the windows. The design Incorporated nicely with the dominant architectural style of the era as well.
With our Georgian sash windows, you can expect to be able to make the choice of the finest timbers including Oak, Accoya, and Saple. Acoustic class, limited security glass, restoration glass, and slimline double glazing are just some of the specialist glazing options available. We offer elegant, slim profiled horns and mouldings in order to match your current windows.
We always use the highest security fasteners, locks, and restrictors in terms of hardware. Our windows are painted with full factory spray finish and high-performance microporous paint and the full perimeter has drought proofing. We offer full design, installation, and service.
Unlike storm windows that overlap in the frame flush, Georgia Windows are an elegant window solution that fit flush into the window frame offering timeless and sleek window lines. The flush window gives an elegant yet simple look.
Georgian windows have been developed to be virtually maintenance-free based on a traditional and timeless design. They are very popular in period homes and cottages but demand has been increasing for their use in newer, contemporary homes and even in conversion properties due to their clean, sharp lines.
Our flush Georgian windows, as with our storm windows, can incorporate triple glazing or feature our innovative acoustic glass as an upgrade. If modern features are what you’re looking for, you should consider a timber look flush Georgian window.
What are the benefits of Georgians sash windows
Top to bottom flexibility
One of the advantages of sash windows is the flexibility that they offer, which allows either the top section to be opened, the bottom section to be opened, or both sections to be opened at once. As with all of our timber windows, elegant bespoke design like this can be installed in as few as six weeks.
Energy efficiency
Millions of homeowners have recognized that rising energy bills are a key concern. Windows installed at a property play an essential part in keeping fuel costs limited. If windows are installed without the energy-efficient qualities, energy bills will be higher and the home won’t be as comfortable throughout the year. All of our window designs can be in installed with energy-rated windows and we are enthusiastic to give you what you want. Whether you want the A+ variety or simply a rated version, leave the window design to us.
Security
At Smart Sash windows, we are all about peace of mind when it comes to your family’s security. We only work with doors and windows that have been manufactured using the most up-to-date technology and building techniques. While our products are pretty to look at, we also pride ourselves with exceptional performance across the board in terms of reliability and first-rate security for you and your family’s safety. Rest assured that you and your family, your possessions, and home are safe.
Noise reduction
In addition to security and energy efficiency, noise reduction can be a major factor when determining which replacement windows to use. We offer the ability to reduce unwanted noise from outside that could potentially disturb your peace and enjoyment inside the home. Noise pollution is particularly prevalent in areas that have been built up or in homes near busy roads. Noise-reducing windows is an important consideration when making new home improvements. All of our products keep noise reduction in mind and our experts always remember to take the amount of noise pollution and wanted noise reduction into consideration when guiding you about your new window options.
How should you care for Georgian sash windows?
It’s imperative to take care of your Georgian sash windows regularly. Inspecting for damage and wear as the seasons change, storms happened, or as the weather warms up or cools down, are good times for inspecting.
Cracks and flakes first begin to show after prolonged exposure to sun or frost. You should take note of any changes in the appearance of your windows and regularly check them. Paintwork should be updated regularly to ensure that the timber is always fully protected.
Moving parts should remain free from dust and dirt. You can ensure that moving parts are clean simply by wiping with a soft cloth. Also, ensure that putty remains tight and continues to hold a good seal. Never pull or force chords which seem to be stuck or difficult to move, instead have them checked by an expert to prevent damage or breaking.
Proper maintenance and care will prolong the life of your Georgian sash windows significantly and can potentially save you from having to replace them entirely in the future. Stick to a routine of care to keep your original windows because original is always best.
Take extreme caution when cleaning or painting windows on upper floors. Never lean out of the window beyond your waist, and always have somebody available to assist you with the cleaning or painting.
Original glass should always be cleaned with care so as not to risk cracks or breaks. There’s nothing worse than having to replace a beautiful piece of history due to accidental breakages.
What services does smart sash windows offer on Georgian sash windows?
If your period sash windows have been suffering from rotting, cracking, water ingress or the sashes are stuck, loose, or rattily, don’t think that replacement is the only solution. On the contrary, contact smart sash window experts for repair and renovation services that include:
Window repair
We take pride in the standard of care that we carry out for sash windows, and we pride ourselves on being able to extend the lifespan of these period windows and doors. Paint deterioration leads to sill decay which is a common problem, so we offer a repair service that can help to restore sash windows to their original strength, functionality, and beauty.
To make these repairs we utilize the original joints, strengthen them and effectively apply a specialist epoxy resin to harden the tendon joints used in the construction of sash window. We remove any part of the frame that’s been damaged by rot prior to applying the resin to achieve the best possible finish.
Window renovation
Our range of services for sash windows is extensive. Our specialist renovation service starts by ensuring the surrounding room is completely protected by dust sheeting as well as ensuring every power tool is set up with dust extraction.
Once the set up is in place we continue to remove the sashes from the box frame followed by smoothing out paint build-up and prime any bare timber as needed. Realigning meeting rails and glazing bars is also important so that unobtrusive seals can be installed. In order to make sure the necessary slide mechanism operates correctly and smoothly, we replace old staff beads with brand-new, specially made beads. It’s plain and simple!
Double-glazing
Double glazing is an essential part of any modern property so we work with the latest advances in the double glazing industry. We offer beautiful double glazed soft or hardwood sashes that incorporate warm edge technology but still retain the necessary period features that you want to be included in the original moulding designs. The work is carried out in our special joinery workshop with experienced and skilled craftsmen.
Additional services
In addition to the above-mentioned services, we also fix drop proofing seals for casement windows and doors. We specially manufacture sized seals to achieve a tight fit between the door or window and its frame. Other services include replacing damaged glass and fitting of new security fixtures. We offer a wide range of security catch locks for sash windows that are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes to match the look of your windows and suit your preferences. If any broken glass needs to be replaced, we offer a wide range of glass including clear float, laminated, toughened, round and sealed.