English sliding windows: pros and cons

Sliding windows with special binding were first used in the construction of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, United Kingdom, and they became especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming a symbol of Georgian architecture and a characteristic feature of a typical English house. Now the lifting mechanism of a double-glazed window is especially popular in the USA, where it has long become a classic.

Why are English windows so easy to recognize even from afar? Thanks to the layout of the structure. Traditionally, this is not a solid glass unit, but several rectangular or square inserts. It is clear that initially such small windows as part of the overall system were made of wood and, in fact, were separate glass. However, now, when English windows are usually made plastic, decorative crossbars are used..

They are horizontal and vertical intermediate strips of a double-glazed unit, which are simply laid between the glasses to decorate the structure and create a real English window in appearance. The width of the spros can be from 8 to 45 millimeters. On plastic windows, aluminum bars are usually used.

The second main feature of English windows is the lifting mechanism. They open up, not wide open, rise. Traditionally, the upper part is fixed, and the lower one moves according to the principle of a wardrobe door, but not to the side, but up and down. At the same time, modern options can be two movable structures that close the window opening or open it completely. There is also an option with a tilt-opening mechanism, which allows you to conveniently wash the glass from all sides without leaving home.

Advantages of English lifting windows:

• Classic, attractive, stylish appearance.
• The lifting mechanism, like the doors of the wardrobe, like sliding interior doors, saves space. You can simply open the window, you do not need to remove the flower pots or open the curtains. You can organize anything on the windowsill – a working kitchen area, a desk – the window opening mechanism will not interfere.
• English windows very rarely see through, due to the fact that the sash presses the profile. Modern seals and protective inserts complete the picture of reliable and warm windows.
• There are options for choosing a profile, wooden, plastic, two-chamber.
• The vertically ascending sash will never pop in strong winds. Very convenient, unlike a swing window, which can even shatter if it is slammed shut by a gust of wind.
• Fittings close the English windows inside. They are considered more reliable protection against hackers..
• English windows are perfectly combined with a variety of options for decorating the window opening from the inside, they look especially stylish with roller blinds and Roman blinds. As for the mosquito net, manufacturers offer a special option – an accordion.

Cons of English lifting windows:

• There is a sad story that Joseph Ignace Guillotin, the creator of the famous guillotine, invented his decapitation machine under the impression of English windows. The story goes that Guillotin visited England, where the opening bottom sash of the window hit him painfully in the neck. True or not, the principle of the guillotine is a bit similar. We emphasize: modern lifting windows fix the lower opening sash in the raised position, so that the risk of sudden closing is almost excluded..
• Traditionally, English windows open only halfway, so in the event of force majeure and an urgent need for an adult to get out through the window opening it will be more difficult.
• The lifting mechanism is quite heavy, so opening the window will force you to make an effort.
• If a traditional double-glazed unit made of rectangular and square inserts is used, then the windows may have a problem with thermal insulation, and they will turn out to be too bulky. The way out is the use of decorative spros.
• The seal will have to be changed almost every year, more often than with conventional windows.
• The price of an English window will be higher than that of the usual double-glazed window made of the same material.

The choice, as always, is yours, but I think that English windows, which have served people for more than 400 years, deserve attention, because they have many advantages, and for the most part, the shortcomings are quite correctable.