Using Timber Glazed Windows for Victorian and Georgian Style Homes

The Georgian period covers the period from 1714 when George I became king to 1830 when George V died. The most recognisable characteristics of Georgian architecture are the symmetrical façades on grand, tall houses, having box sash windows. Those sash windows were a popular choice through the late 1920s. They were typically two moveable sashes that were each divided into six panes having narrow glazing bars. The Building Act of 1894 changed window regulations. Being flush with the walls of the exterior was no longer a requirement.

Victorian housing was a reaction to a population increase that doubled from 1841 to 1901. The Middle Classes rejected the back to back terraced housing that was popular in industrial areas. They wanted to own fashionable villas. There are three styles of Victorian houses: Classical, Gothic, and Olde English.

The Classical style has a symmetrical façade design with stucco walls, pediments, and columns. Gothic Victorian is most recognisable by the pointed arch doors and windows. Gothic-style houses are asymmetrical. The design is based on the interior layout. Quaint and picturesque Olde English homes have steep thatched or pitched tile roofs. Pointed gables with roof finials and carved barge boards adorn Olde English style houses.

Why Timber Glazed Windows?

English Heritage conducted a study on the thermal performance of traditional sash windows. The findings counteract misconceptions about the energy efficiency of timber sashed windows.

Timber sash windows are a unique feature of England’s heritage that are disappearing quickly.

The study used a 2 X 2 sliding timber window that dated back to the 1880s. The results showed even basic improvements and simple repairs create a significant reduction in heat loss and draughts. Using a combination of methods timber windows can be upgraded to meet the Building Regulations targets.

Mended cracks eliminate gaps that significantly reduce the amount of draughts and air filtration. The tested window reduced air infiltration by one-third. Draught proofing can reduce air filtration by as much as 86 percent for sash windows in good condition.

Heat loss through contact with frames and glass can be significantly reduced by taking simple measures such as plain roller blinds and closing thick curtains. There are more elaborate measures that can improve windows and reduce heat loss that will meet the modern Building Regulations.

They have no more than two as a U-value target. A good quality timber glazed window has a U-value of 1.7. Well-fitting closed shutters produce similar results. Using the two methods together results in a U-value of 1.6 and a 62 percent reduction in heat loss.

Modern timber double glazed windows are manufactured with advanced technology that provides the following benefits. Timber double glazed windows keep you warm and save on energy bills. Timber naturally generates warmth which causes natural heat retention. Double glazed windows have a 20 mm gap between the window panes that keep cold air out. Internal glass with a low-E coating reflects heat back into the room which minimises energy loss. Weather resistant seals, having no memory, always return to their original position.

About Author

Nathan Bishop is the owner Go Green Glazing. They are an Australian business based in Geelong that specialises in the retrofit of double glazed windows. His team has over 100 years of combined experience in window repair, replacement & retrofitting.