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When you are the proud owner of a Georgian-style house, you will want to maintain the tradition that defined this distinct architectural period. Among the most obvious features, your Georgian sash windows are key to maintaining a period-style look.
Georgian-style sash windows typically have a six-over-six configuration. This means that each sash (upper and lower) is divided into six panes, arranged in a grid of three panes across and two panes down.
So, when you consider a single or double-hung sash window, you will have a lower sash with six panes of glass and an upper sash with the same number of panes.
Georgian vs Victorian Sash Windows
Victorian and Georgian sash windows have different histories. The Georgian period predated the Victorian, and styles differed based on the fashion, values, and technology of the times.
The six-over-six style was the practical solution between 1714 and 1837. Later advances allowed window panes to be bigger, leading to the Victorian “two over two” style, with each sash consisting of just two panes of glass.
In addition to the way glass panes were configured, the Victorian period was characterised by more ornamental details, while Georgian windows were designed for practicality and symmetry.
Georgian Sash Windows History
During the Georgian era, sash windows became the epitome of style. Building facades were considered beautiful when they were symmetrical. Open casements would have detracted from the look that fashionable homeowners wanted to achieve. Sash windows, on the other hand, presented the clean lines people were looking for at the time.
A classic Georgian facade would have featured an imposing doorway flanked by six-over-six sash windows on both the ground and upper floors. Today, many people who own Georgian buildings choose to preserve the aesthetic. Its elegance transcends the centuries while making a clear statement about its antecedents.
Modern Georgian Windows
Today, even modern buildings often feature the Georgian look, complete with sash windows. Even when restoring Georgian sash windows, many people prefer the simpler opening mechanisms that are available today.
While traditional Georgian sash windows featured a “box” style that concealed the complex pulley and counterweight system of the time, modern windows reflect the aesthetic but feature simpler mechanisms. On the surface, modern Georgian-style sash windows are true to their origins. However, they may feature spring-loaded opening mechanisms with fewer components.
In addition, modern materials allow for lower maintenance options while still exhibiting a traditional look. Wood, the material used on Georgian sash windows, has been replaced by engineered materials. They are less likely to swell or warp and require far less maintenance to keep looking good.
Astragal Bar Windows
Traditional glazing bars, each supporting their individual panes of glass, were a typical feature of Georgian sash windows. Nowadays, it often makes sense to install larger panes, but to maintain the look, faux glazing bars imitate the old-fashioned style. These sash windows, with their ornamental imitation of traditional glazing bars, are known as Astragal bar windows.
How to Clean Georgian Sash Windows
You’ll be pleased to know that cleaning Georgian sash windows requires the same tools and detergents you’d use on any window. The only complication is that you must also carefully clean all the glazing bars.
Use a soft cloth and mild detergent. If your Georgian sash windows need maintenance, you may find that the paint is flaking or peeling. This is a signal that you need to refinish them by sanding them down and repainting them.
Typically, this task has to be done every five to eight years, and each window frame and window bar receives the same careful treatment. It is a big job, and if rot has penetrated the wooden frames and window bars, you will need to do far more than simply refinish them.
Historically Appropriate Replacements
If you have a Georgian-style home or business premises, you may be eager to maintain the authenticity of the look while reducing maintenance. At Stronghold Security Doors, we make sash windows that perfectly match the original style of any building. But the materials we use are thoroughly modern despite their authentic appearance.
We use engineered wood that will not crack, warp, or swell. The finishes are durable and easy to maintain. Simply wipe them down to restore their pristine appearance. If your windows do not match the sizes we commonly see, that is not a problem.
We custom-make sash windows to suit the building rather than undergoing building work to make the building match our windows. The effect is timeless. Each Georgian sash window looks just as it would have when it was first installed. However, the durability of our materials means that refinishing is the last of your concerns for many years to come.
How Secure Are Georgian Sash Windows?
Sash windows, particularly older ones, have earned a reputation for being the weak points through which intruders enter buildings. If the window lock can be broken, the panes easily shatter, or the frame is ready to splinter, opening sash windows by force is a simple matter.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Big, welcoming windows can keep intruders out when you choose Stronghold Security Doors for British-manufactured excellence. We make windows to order, so whether your building sports Georgian-style sash windows or the later Victorian style, your new windows will be appropriate to the context.
At the same time, they will be more secure than ever before. We design for modern times while respecting history.
Secure Your Home the Elegant Way With Stronghold Security Windows
Stronghold Security Doors are legends in their own right. Our security windows match our ethos. We believe people should feel safe in their homes without sacrificing the welcoming look they love.
Our Georgian-style security windows feature strong locking systems, security-rated glass, and reinforced frames. We help you keep your home safe from intruders without detracting from your building’s unique style. Keep your home or business safe yet beautiful with us. Contact us today for more information.
