Monday, September 16, 2013

Sash Windows Could Add An Historic Perspective To A New Home

By Candida Lewis


Some interior design visions encompass the modern, while others embrace traditional. All across the spectrum of tastes, there is a need for windows in most buildings to provide natural light to the interior and a pleasant face to the exterior. Sash windows have been used for a long time to accomplish both goals.

A seventeenth century inventor and architect presented the world with sash window technology. There is little surprise that this type will be found in all manner of buildings, both public and private. The most common type of sash window is one that has divided panes of glass, set in a frame that was historically wooden. Refinements have been made in both materials and operations.

A cleverly designed weight and pulley, hidden in the frame, counter balances the weight of the panels to keep them open to the desired widths. These are not without maintenance and operational issues, as the wood frames are susceptible to swelling and rot and the cords to breaking. Protecting and enhancing the wood with paint or stain could cause addition maintenance issues on the grooves or runners.

These windows slide up or down in grooves in the frame to allow ventilation. Modern ones may be constructed of metal, with metal runners. These modern counterparts may use springs instead of weights in construction. While some have a fixed upper panel, an added benefit for both panels being movable is that by opening both top and bottom at the same time, a cross draft recycles the air in the house.

When repairing an historical property or updating for modern comforts, the appearance and character of the building must be maintained. Wooden sash windows have been used for so long that recreation or repair to comply with the requirements could be as easy as finding the right design and construction firm. Interior design for top of the line homes have also come back around to using this wooden style. Because buyers are looking for those upgrades, firms are prepared to meet those needs.

The definition of sash windows means at least two panels that can be moved, set into a frame. There may be many more panes of glass, or lights, in the design. The most common is something called a six over six, where there are 2 rows of 3 over the same. Larger and taller openings call for more lights within that frame, or even more frames. These differences may add architectural interest in new construction and give a nice, bright interior a boost.

Many home improvement projects under consideration could create a high quality look using wooden windows. They can be retrofitted into each opening, as needed, by construction firm. There are many ways to get a new look to an older property using this design technique.

Whatever the owner's intent or purpose of adding sash windows to the property is, there are choices to make. Some of the newer construction had used metal frames and runners, rather than wood. Other types use springs instead of weights and pulleys. There are options that an interior design firm or construction company could provide more information to allow whatever vision for the property the owner has, become reality.




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