Thinking about investing in a new set of windows?
Choosing the right windows for your home can seem like a big decision to make. There are many different things to take into consideration. In this article, we explain the core types of windows and their characteristics to help aid your decision.
Sash
Box sash windows, also known as vertical sliding sash are windows that are made from one or more moveable panels that form a frame to hold panes of glass. Sash is a popular choice for those looking to give their homes a traditional appearance.
Sash windows have a rich history within British architecture. They were the most popular choice of window type during the Victorian era and were used widely throughout the construction of 18th and 19th century Georgian buildings.
There are different types of sash windows to choose from, these variants differ slightly dependent on the period in which it was designed. You have the traditional style, which mirrors the historic design. The Venetian sees the development of a triple sliding sash system with two boxes on the outside and centre sliding sash. The Queen Anne Revival style is characterised by several panes in the upper sash and one on the lower. And the Regency and Gothic periods saw fashions change the rectangular sash shape to an arched silhouette.
Sash windows, even today, look best placed in traditional properties and are often the number one choice for the refurbishment and restoration of period Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Modern technology has evolved allowing us to install these beautiful historic designs with a modern-day twist. We can enjoy draught free, double glazed, energy efficient and secure sash windows.
Casement
A traditional casement is a window style that is attached to its frame by two or more hinges at the side. They are outward opening windows that are often seen divided into smaller panes of glass.
Casement windows came into popularity at the end of the 18th century, as the production and technology behind glass production improved. They allow lots of light into any room, six-pane is the most popular today, followed by four-pane styles.
Hardwearing, secure and practical, casement windows are hugely popular today and can be made to fit almost any space.
Casement window styles are also hugely popular in warmer climates due to their ability to fully open, an important function when people are trying to cool, circulate and ventilate their homes.
Tilt and Turn
Tilt and turn windows are characterised by their inward tilting or pivoting openers. The hinge mechanism allows the window to open in two ways; tilt from the bottom, opening into the room from the side and from the top.
You can adjust the opening type by changing the handle position, when positioned down it is shut, rotate 90 degrees to open horizontally and another 90 degrees to tilt inwards.
Tilt and turn windows are practical and popular because of their high security qualities and ability to create huge opening windows that are often used as emergency exists. Originating in Germany and highly popular throughout mainland Europe, the tilt and turn style is ideal for modern properties requiring a practical and safe ventilation solution.
Other features to consider:
Type of material – timber is not only stylish but is guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Glass type – we recommend double glazing. All of our windows and doors incorporate double-glazed units with enhanced thermally insulating glass, providing an extremely low U-value. We further improve the efficiency of the unit by filling the cavity with argon or krypton gas and using low conductivity spacer bars to minimise edge losses
Colours – let your personality shine through with your choice of colour, whether it be traditional or an eye-catching bright colour. Our windows are factory sprayed with a microporous paint which comes with a guarantee of 8 years.
To find out more about choosing windows for your home, contact us here, give one of our experts a call today, or call into your local Timber Windows showroom.
