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London's Sash Windows Add To The City's Architectural History

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Amenta Sademtk
London's Sash Windows Add To The City's Architectural History

Sash windows, or vertical sliders as they are also know, are windows that function using pulleys and weights to open and close the window. They are a truly iconic part of English architecture glazing repairs east London. In fact, in Holland, where sash windows were also popular throughout the 17th and 18th century, they were called "English Windows," despite the fact that it's debated whether or not the Dutch or the English invented the style. Some architectural historians also believe they may have been invented by the French as well.

These traditional windows have been used throughout London and the surrounding countryside from the 17th century, well into the 20th century. The complicated mechanisms that ensure the windows function smoothly are expensive to create, which serves to the sash window's allure as a status symbol. Sash Windows were also used in many famous English buildings, such as 10 Downing Street, headquarters of Her Majesty's Government, and Ham House, which is located in Ham, London, south of Richmond.

It wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that sash windows truly fell out of favour with the advent of more energy efficient double glazed windows. As a result, over 75% of traditional windows were removed and replaced with modern windows that could help save money in the long term, but did not offer the same aesthetic appeal that traditional windows provided. While saving money is certainly a must, it is actually rather tragic that so many pieces of London's architectural history had to be removed in the interest of savings.

The good news is that it's no longer the case that traditional windows must be sacrificed to save money. If you are a London homeowner with sash windows, for the sake of historical integrity, do not get rid of these beautiful gems! Instead, it's vital that you do your due diligence when seeking out a London glazier for your home. Seek out a company that is able to responsibly double glaze sash windows, which not every company can or will do. This option will offer you the benefit of maintaining your home's original box frame, and all the architectural character that it brings to your home, while simultaneously offering the benefits of two paned windows, including thermal insulation and efficient soundproofing.

Please note, though, however, that if the governing bodies of London deem your building "historically valuable," then double glazed window replacement is simply not going to be an option for you. It would be considered an inappropriate renovation, and permits are not granted for renovated historical architecture with modern building materials glaziers london. Your building would require original materials wherever possible, and original material recreations when that is not an option. Unfortunately, this means that many traditional buildings in London are rather doomed to be draughty forever due to poor insulation, but this is done in favour of maintaining the historical accuracy and integrity of these important buildings.

It's vitally important that London's Sash Windows be maintained, protected, and renovated in the best possible way. After all, they are not merely a major part of the city's vital architectural history, but they are also beautiful architectural details on the faces of the buildings they grace.

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