Sash bars or glazing bars are essential for a window design and serve an aesthetic and functional purpose. Dividing a window into smaller panes, these thin strips of wood (sometimes metal or PVC) support the glass and form patterns for decoration.
These bars have become a significant backbone in the design of traditional, modern architecture over time due to their practical use of necessity.
This post will discuss the history, advantages, and the materials used to make them.
History and Evolution of Glazing Bars
Glazing bars were born in the 17th century when it was nearly impossible to make big sheets of glass and carry them from one place to another. Instead of one large pane, windows were made of small panes held together in a lattice or leaded window design. This design could accommodate larger window designs and more complex patterns common in Georgian and late Victorian architecture.
As better glass-production techniques became available, the need for these bars decreased, but their aesthetic attributes continued to influence deck elevations. Nowadays, these bars are generally decorative, separating windows in styles that mimic the older window type.
Types of Glazing Bars
Glazing bars come in various types, each serving different architectural styles and functional purposes. The main types include:
- Astragal Bars: Traditional glazing bars are commonly found in older properties. They are set up on either side of the grass, which becomes tedious for multiple panes. Astragal bars are aesthetic glazing systems across multiple panes, used primarily in restoration projects to maintain a building's historical appearance.
- Georgian Bars: As the name suggests, Georgian bars are typically found in the windows of a Georgian-style house. They are installed within or over your window pane, creating a grid-like structure to give the illusion of several smaller panes.
- Duplex Bars: These add the look of Georgian bars but sit between two panes in a double-glazed unit. When done that way, the panels appear divided without losing energy efficiency.
- Mock Bars or Applied Glazing Bars: These are for purely decorative purposes when used. They are laid on a big glass pane as if various small panes are on it. They are commonly used in more energy-efficient modern window implementations.
Materials Used for Glazing Bars
These can be made from various materials, offering different aesthetics, durability, and maintenance benefits.
- Wood: Wooden bars are common and have a timeless look. They originated as traditional iron-style windows and are now used for period properties or restorations that want to maintain an authentic look. However, wood decays easily and, if not looked after, will lose any rot or warp over time.
- PVC: PVC bars are an affordable, light and easy-to-use roofing system. Some come in wood effects, and many finishes suit diverse architectural styles. More and more styles are made of PVC glazing bars (certainly in modern windows such as energy-efficient ones).
- Metal: Metal glazing bars, usually aluminium or steel, are more durable than wood and need less maintenance. They have a sleek, modern look and are often found in contemporary buildings. However, metal conducts heat, which may affect the window's energy efficiency.
Advantages of Using Glazing Bars
They offer several benefits, making them famous for modern and traditional window designs.
- Aesthetic Appeal: They infuse windows with personality and turn your home into part of the character on display. They are ideal for achieving a historical look, even in new buildings.
- Design Versatility: They can help make the most intricate designs and simple grid patterns. It is more creative to design windows that can be used with different construction styles or adapted for use with them.
- Historical Preservation: They are the traditional means for completing restoration work and keeping an older building true to its historical roots or aesthetics. They help to maintain the aesthetic of old windows and ensure that modern improvements like double glazing are possible.
- Enhanced Security: Blazing bars can create additional security by dividing the windows into smaller sections. This would also make access through the window harder for any possible intruders.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern glazing bars, especially those used in double-glazed units, are designed to include thin profiles, which can contribute to the building's energy efficiency. Craftsman and mock bars add a traditional glazing look without losing the insulation quality.
Conclusion
More than simply structural elements, a glazing bar is so important to the character and functioning of windows. The origins of this are historical—from their humble beginnings as a structural requirement to decorative elements that have evolved with ever-changing architectural styles and the advent of modern technology. The uniqueness of these bars is a key feature and part of the window design. Especially with the progress of materials and energy efficiency, we will probably still see these as a basic element in classicist architecture style or even more futuristic interpretations.
