The natural ventilation provided by sash windows comes with a multitude of benefits including more comfortable sleep, improved quality of the air you breathe and removing other common ventilation problems. In this blog, we will detail how the styles of sash windows have changed over eras and the advantages of adding them to your home.
So, are sash windows good for ventilation? Sash windows naturally circulate cool, fresh air into rooms by encouraging warm air to rise to the ceiling. This process constantly accelerates without the need for mechanical parts, and is an eco-friendly solution for ventilation.
Read on to find out the different types of sash windows available and why they are great for home ventilation.
Why do Sash Windows Provide Excellent Ventilation?
Sash windows provide a natural alternative to air conditioning, dating all the way back to the Georgian era over 300 years ago. Requiring no mechanical or electrical parts, these eco-friendly windows offer an excellent voice for ventilation in your home. The lack of moving parts also reduces noise for a peaceful atmosphere during the day and a better night’s sleep.
They are easy to open and are a gateway between the interior and exterior meaning only cool, fresh air enters and circulates around the room for ideal ventilation, the process being continuously accelerated by the movement of air. Rather than waking up feeling sticky on hot nights, the natural ventilation abilities of sash windows allow for a cool and comfortable night’s sleep.
Whether you are simply trying to improve the freshness of the air you breathe or remove dangerous fumes from common products such as paint and deodorants, sash windows can improve your overall quality of life. Sash windows can also alleviate common ventilation problems including damp, mould and condensation, all of which are a danger to your health and are a pain to maintain.
What Are Sash Windows?
Sash windows have two panels that slide up and down or side to side past each other to open. The panels that make up sash windows are known as sashes and are still a very popular choice, especially when it comes to period properties.
Which Type of Sash Window is Best for Ventilation?
There are three main styles of sash windows, based on the era they were designed in. The type of sash window added to your home shouldn’t affect the ventilation as the only difference is in the number of panels, only affecting the aesthetic, amount of light and strength of the frame. This is beneficial as you can choose the aesthetic to meet your personal tastes if you are installing new windows.
The only time where the ventilation should be affected is if your building has existing sash windows. The original installation, age and maintenance of the windows could mean that the windows no longer open properly or have become damaged, affecting the efficiency of the ventilation. Here are the differences between the different styles:
Georgian Sash Windows
Georgian style sash windows are one the oldest original windows that are still in use today. Easily recognisable against the era, these sash windows are distinctive with a grid design of six panels on each of the sashes. Limited by the manufacturing processes of the time, the maximum sizes of panels for Georgian sash windows were restricted. The solution was to split the sashes into smaller panels to create the unique design. In modern times, this style of sash window requires regular upkeep including repainting to maintain the integrity.
Victorian Sash Windows
Often presented as two separate sashes with just two panels on each, Victorian sash windows are considered a lavish window option that is still perfect for modern builds. Due to the reduced need for separators between the panels and the heavier glass panes, they let in an extra abundance of light when compared to Georgian sash windows. Sash horns are added to the sashes to strengthen the joints and frame.
Edwardian Sash Windows
The Edwardian style is considered the peak of popularity for sash windows, this style being known for its elegant style. Practically a combination of both the Victorian and Georgian styles, Edwardian sash windows have one sash with six panels and one with two panels. Again they used sash horns to support the additional weight of the two panel sash and strengthen the joints, allowing for a large amount of additional light into buildings.
What Materials Can be Used for Sash Windows?
Sash windows can be opened by two different types of mechanism. The first, cord and weight or box sash windows is a more traditional mechanism that involves a system of weights and pulleys on a sash cord to open and close the sashes. The more modern option is spiral based sash windows which uses a counterbalance created by a set of springs in a PVC tube. Although the spiral system is considered easier to install and the safer option, it will be visible so take this into consideration with the overall design.
There is also a wide range of different frame and glass materials to choose from. Bespoke sash windows are highly customisable to match your requirements, giving your house a unique look. The options vary based on your budget, personal taste and how much time you have to maintain the windows. Different material options include:
Wood
UPVC
Aluminium
Clear Glass
Frosted Glass
At London Joinery Services, we use only the highest quality timber to create bespoke hand crafted sash windows. For more information on the different types of sash windows available, contact us today or check out our different material options.
Do Sash Windows Need Trickle Vents?
To prevent condensation on sash windows, you can install trickle vents. These are installed into the head of the sash windows and allow direct airflow from outside. Trickle vents are what allow the air to circulate in the room, with hot air rising and allowing room for cold air.
However, sash windows do not actually require trickle vents to avoid condensation, opening the sashes a few inches at the top will have the same desired effect. It creates a barrier against hot air getting to the glass.
Bespoke Sash Windows London
Our bespoke, double-glazed wooden box sash windows are manufactured in our own facility in North London and can be designed to match any existing window style, including Victorian and Georgian as well as contemporary styling.
Contact us today to find your perfect bespoke sash windows from London Joinery Services.