Windows can have a dramatic effect on the overall character of a home. Not only does the size, shape and placing of windows dictate how natural light comes into a property, but the design can have a great impact too.

If your home is a period property from the Victorian or Edwardian eras it will almost certainly have been built with timber framed sash windows in place. So, if you are looking to make the most of your home’s unique character with sympathetic decor it is well worth starting with your windows.

Here are some of the key reasons as to why sash windows are often used for period properties in the UK.

Design

The traditional sash window dates as far back as the 17th century and modern units feature a design that has changed very little in all that time. The simple mechanism is contained in the wooden ‘box’ set around the moving glass frames and consists of a system of cords, pulleys, counterbalances and weights.

A sash window usually has separate top and bottom panels which mean that there is flexibility when it comes to combinations of opening and achieving different levels of airflow.

Modern versions

Many original sash windows are still in place and in perfectly good order. However, often due to lack of care, some have rotted away or become draughty or loose. This results in unnecessary heat loss, higher energy bills and can also raise security concerns.

Modern sash windows follow the tried and tested design but also conform to all the rules and regulations which govern UK housing and construction standards. Today’s sash windows can be bought from a local London sash window company and fitted with a wide variety of glass types such as; patterned, laminated or opaque. They also utilise double glazing in order to keep your home warm in the winter and work as noise insulators.

Extras

Fittings and accessories make all the difference anywhere in the home and windows are no exception.

Personalising a sash window by using polished or brushed chrome or brass fittings can blend into your decor or stand out as a style statement. Modern locks and latches mean that sashes are as secure as any other window type.

So, with these reasons in mind, it is worth considering a sash window for your property; whether it is a period or contemporary building.