The Rich History of Box Sashes

Box sashes first came to the UK in the late 17th century, and they quickly became popular. By the Georgian and Victorian eras, they were a common sight.

These windows were a sign of wealth and good taste, as they let in lots of light and fresh air. This was a big deal back then when indoor lighting wasn't great.

The Significance of Box Sashes

Keeping the Look

Old buildings need to keep their charm, and box sashes are a big part of that charm. They fit the style of these buildings perfectly. Changing them would be like putting modern shoes on an old-time outfit, and it just wouldn't look right.

Letting the Building Breathe

Old buildings need to breathe, and their walls are often made of materials that hold moisture. Box sashes help air flow through the building, and this keeps dampness away. It stops mold from growing, and it's like giving the building a chance to take deep breaths.

Saving Energy

You might think old windows waste energy, but box sashes can be quite good at keeping heat in. When they are fixed upright, they work well, and they can be as good as some modern windows. This results in a lower carbon footprint and cheaper heating costs.

Easy to Fix

Box sashes are built to last, and when parts wear out, they are easy to replace. This is not always true for modern windows. Sometimes, you have to change the whole window if one part breaks, and with box sashes, you can often fix just the part that's broken.

Adding Value

Houses with original features are worth more, and box sashes are a key original feature. They make a house more valuable. People who buy old houses often look for these windows, and they know they are getting a piece of history.

The Challenges of Box Sashes

●     Keeping Them Working: Box sashes need care to keep working well. The ropes can wear out, and the pulleys can get stuck. But with regular            checks, these problems are easy to spot and fix.

●     Making Them Weatherproof: Old box sashes can let in draughts, and this makes rooms cold and wastes energy. Reinstalling                                               weatherstripping  can significantly improve any gaps or cracks.

●     Painting and Upkeep: Wood needs painting to stay in good shape. Box sashes are often made of wood. This means they need to paint every               few years, but it takes time, and it keeps them looking good and working well.

Conclusion

Box sashes are more than just windows; they are a link to our past. They help maintain the integrity of our historic buildings and keep them looking good.

Their work can be continued for many years to come with proper care and innovative ideas. When we look after our box sashes, we are looking after a piece of history.