Sash windows need care if you expect them to do the job they were made for. If you neglect the upkeep, you may find they can’t open to provide ventilation. It is also likely you will ruin the aesthetic characteristics. We are professionals when it comes to keeping these features in check. Our company provides the highest quality services for sash window restoration Northumberland has.
Have you ever looked at a sash window and questioned what those little protruding components are? These discrete parts are sash horns. Each horn is a compact protrusion below the centre bar. They became central additions to the sash design from 1860 onwards. One could also refer to this as the mid-Victorian period. If you are wondering why they are there, we can explain it to you.
Why were the horns so important?
From the mid-Victorian age, homes typically had two panes of glass in every sash. But, many prestigious homes had only one pane. It was a mark of wealth because it was tricky and costly to produce large pieces of glass at the time. With only one piece of glass though, the glazing bar from the sash was detached. Lacking the bar, the frame was weaker. Along came the sash horns to strengthen the joints. They were born from Victorian engineering.
For period property restoration, the sash horn can become a critical part of preserving the integrity. These small objects are discrete in nature. However, they possess a huge amount of history and information. In many cases they are unique and beautiful.
Being sash window experts ourselves, we take every part of the installation seriously. When we have to work on these particular areas, we are very careful. That is why we are the foremost business providing sash window restoration Northumberland has.
There are many horn variants
Another fact we know about sash horns is that they come in multiple forms. We want to explore several of them in detail so that you are aware of the options that exist.
We will begin with the original sash window horns. These exist on windows in period buildings. They are usually vital to the window’s structure as we described above. The possibility of removing them is zero because of this. In the houses where people traditionally install sash designs, horns typically come with ornate finishing and carpentry. Such finishes offer square or round appearances depending on the window.
Next, we have clip-on or stick on horns. As you can tell from the name, they are not a part of the original joinery. You can add them to timber or uPVC sash windows. They will generate a mock appearance of a classic horn. Many options exist in order to complement the majority of architectural styles. Some people are against the concept of a mock sash window horn though. Their reasoning is that it detracts from their window’s look of authenticity because they aren’t original.
Finally, we have run-through sash window horns. You are able to employ them to help produce a visual style. This is one that appears extremely traditional. Run-through sash window horns exist as part of the window structure itself. Even when you view everything up close, they will make for an authentic appearance.
Let us take care of it with sash window restoration in Northumberland
At David Humble, we restore windows showing signs of deterioration. We are able to make them look as good as new. When possible, we work to get as close to the original window style as possible. Our process is simple, effective, and reasonably priced.
So, if you require the leading services for sash window restoration Northumberland has, contact us today. We can give you advice and a quote for any project.