Victorian Windows
There are two main differences between Georgian and Victorian windows, both a result of improved glass manufacturing techniques. As the ability to make larger panes of glass became more common place the need for glazing bars became lessened. The prevailing configuration for the Victorian period sash windows was 2 over 2, meaning there was just a single glazing bar running vertically in the centre of the larger sashes and therefore offering 4 panes per window. The second main difference was sash horns (the decorative feature on the sashes, halfway up or down the window!). The horns were actually a necessity because as less glazing bars were used the sashes became weaker. The horns allow for a stronger mortice and tenon joint to hold things in place.
We can recreate this look in one of two ways. Firstly, it’s fair to say that individual units of modern double glazing necessitate very thick and chunky looking glazing bars. We do not use this approach as we feel it detracts greatly from the aesthetics of the property.
False bar system
We can use a timber glazing bar adhesion system. To do this, when we order the double glazing we request that a grid is constructed between the two panes of the double glazed unit. Then in our workshop, we adhere ‘false’ timber glazing bars to the outsides of the glass. The inside timber bar carries the same decorative mould as the main sash and the outside timber bar is shaped to copy the angles of putty pointing. When all of these are together the slender look of the original glazing bars is achieved and when looked at from an angle, each section appears to be an individual pane due to the internal grid. This is an acceptable approach for use in conservation areas.
Specialist Glass
We can manufacture the sashes to carry high performance specialist double glazed units. These units have a slim perimeter seal enabling us to make solid glazing bars to exactly copy the original sashes. To obtain high performance values, these individual glass units are injected with inert gases which greatly improve their thermal efficiency.
