The sash window was initially imported from Holland and were first used at Chatsworth House in 1676-80 and then in 1685 at the Banqueting House at Whitehall. They became exceedingly popular and their this phenomenal 250-year success story is due to the many excellent qualities of the sash window. For instance, the opening of the window can be finely adjusted, down to a narrow gap at the top or the bottom or both, giving good control of ventilation with little danger of rain blowing into the room.

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Ventilation is superb with a sash window. Hot air in a room rises; this creates lower pressure towards floor level drawing in fresh air from outside through the bottom of the sash, and the hot air is pushed out of the top of the sash. Even with just a tiny bit open top and bottom, you can get naturally-powered ventilation, without a gale rushing through the room, or even creating a noticeable draught. And you can lock them slightly open very easily, so you get burglar-proof ventilation.

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Sash windows are less highly regarded today than they were, but they are very much victims of their longevity. That rattling, draughty but unopenable old window may well have functioned beautifully for the first 100 years of its life; but in refusing to die gracefully has become the victim of inexperienced tradesman and heavy-handed DIYers. A new plastic window will need replacing entirely in about 20 years; in the same period a sash window will probably only need new cords and a coat of paint if that.

The slim profiles of original sash windows are often overlooked when being replaced with modern chunkier alternatives which usually results in less light and darker rooms not to mention a complete change of the buildings character both inside and out. Your windows are the eyes of  your property.

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