Britain has some of the most impressive period architecture in the world. This includes lovely buildings from various eras, including Tudor, Victorian, and post war. Of the various features, sash windows are one of the most beautiful. The elegance and value they add to properties is undeniable. However, they could potentially become rarer in the future. We want to have a closer look here, then you can speak to us about sash window restoration in Northumberland if you want to save your sashes.

Legacy

Sash windows have a fantastic pedigree. The design is hundreds of years old, with some believing it to have developed in Britain in the 17th century. Others say it is a little later and appeared in Europe first. Whatever the true origins, it became the most popular style of window in the UK very quickly.

There was an impressive evolution in sash windows for well over a century. The key thing is glass making techniques got better and better. As a result, it opened the door for different styles of sashes. This includes larger panes of glass. Even with these developments, classic designs like 6 over 6 were still very popular.

The 20s and 30s was an interesting time for sashes. The key thing is it was now possible to make thin, durable chains. They quickly became a solid alternative for traditional cords because they could offer a longer lifespan. Today, you can often identify the age of sash windows, or at least the last major upgrade, by whether they have a cord or a chain mechanism.

Developments weren’t all good for sashes though. The most significant was the development of uPVC casement windows and metal frames. The first became a cheap, easy to maintain alternative. Soon they were the most popular choice for new builds and upgrades. As sashes became rarer, people began to appreciate them even more. You can rely on us if you need sash window restoration in Northumberland.

What next?

Today traditional sash windows are highly regarded for their elegance and period charm. Many property owners want to retain them because they are rarer features now. More people are also discovering the fact that they are fantastic for ventilation, allowing an opening at the bottom to let fresh air in and another at the top to get rid of warmer air.

There is also a chance that sashes could become even rarer in the near future. We’re awaiting publication of the Future Homes Standard. It aims to achieve higher standards for new builds in the UK, focusing on fabric efficiency and using low carbon heating systems. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% as we continue the push to achieve Net Zero.

While the Future Homes Standard has good intentions and will lead to improvements in sustainability and energy efficiency, it could be bad for sash windows. It is tricky to make them airtight, meaning casement windows are likely to become even more popular. As a result, it could become even more important to preserve original timber sashes to retain their heritage value.

Do you need help with sash window restoration in Northumberland?

Preserving rare features is really important. It’s something we do really well in the UK to retain historical buildings. At David Humble, we work hard to help clients do just that. We’ve got the skills and experience to restore sash windows. Critically, we can use traditional skills to ensure they remain authentic. We even try to source original period glass where possible.

So, get in touch if you want to arrange sash window restoration in Northumberland. We’re happy to survey windows and give you recommendations and a quote.