What are glazing bars?
Glazing bars, a timeless feature of British architecture since the Georgian era, were born out of necessity when manufacturing large glass panes was challenging and expensive. By holding smaller panes together, glazing bars enabled the creation of stunning sash windows, a design that continues to connect us to a rich architectural history while meeting the demands of modern innovation. Glazing bars were used extensively throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods and became a hallmark of their respective architectural styles. Today, they remain an iconic design element, offering a connection to the past while meeting the demands of modern innovation.
Some examples of Victorian and Georgian sliding sash windows:
The history of glazing bars in British architecture
Advancements in glass manufacturing have made it easier and more affordable to produce large panes of glass. Ironically, it’s now more expensive to replicate the smaller glazing units and intricate glazing bars of the past. Despite this, many homeowners value the refined beauty and historical authenticity that glazing bars bring to their properties, especially in conservation areas where maintaining period details is paramount.
Applied glazing bars offer a modern solution for those seeking the appearance of traditional Georgian or Victorian windows. They provide the same crafted charm as traditional glazing bars, but without the cost or complexity of multiple panes, making them a practical and cost-effective choice.
Structural Applied Glazing Bars
An applied glazing bar offers the timeless, attractive appearance of a Georgian or Victorian window with multiple panes. Unlike traditional glazing bars, which are typically integral to the window sash and positioned between the glass panes, applied glazing bars are fixed directly onto both the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass. They are also securely joined into the stile or rail of the sash, ensuring they remain intact over time. This innovative approach maintains an authentic aesthetic while providing a durable, long-lasting solution.
When used with double glazing, a spacer or duplex bar can be inserted between the two glass panes, running in line with the applied bars. This combination creates a convincing, period-style appearance with the robustness of modern construction.
Our structural applied glazing bars are crafted exclusively from timber; we do not use inferior composite materials. Available in a variety of styles, they can significantly enhance the look of your windows and doors, providing the traditional appearance of individual panes. These bars are securely fitted using specially developed clips and adhesive pads designed to bond effectively to glass. Our glazing bars offer an authentic visual feel, complemented by the illusion of individual panes created through back-to-back glazing spacer bars that are carefully matched to your chosen paint colour.
As a modern replacement product, applied glazing bars are virtually indistinguishable from the original, offering an ideal solution for those seeking a traditional glazing bar aesthetic without the expense and complexity of multiple window panes.
All our sliding sash windows, casement windows, French doors, bi-folding doors, and entrance doors can be manufactured with either our structural applied glazing bars or solid, integral glazing bars, providing flexibility to meet your design and heritage requirements.
Solid integral glazing bars
If you live in a listed building or a property subject to an Article 4 direction, you may be required to choose solid glazing bars. Available for all of our products, solid glazing bars are designed for external glazing applications. You can opt for either timber beading or traditional glazing putty to secure the glass in place, depending on your aesthetic and conservation requirements.
Additionally, Sashed offers a range of specialist slimline double glazing, single glazing, and authentic ‘hand-drawn’ historical glass, all specifically designed to complement solid glazing bars. These options ensure your windows achieve a genuine period appearance while meeting modern performance standards.
What is beading?
Beading adds the finishing touch to your windows and doors, holding the glazing securely within the frame while enhancing its look.
More extensive beading can lend a classic, country cottage feel to casement windows. In contrast, smaller, more delicate beading is ideal for replicating the graceful proportions of Georgian or Victorian sash windows. Whichever style you choose, our beading and glazing bars will always match, resulting in a bespoke, tailored finish.Timber or wood glazing beading is used on the interior of a window or door to securely hold the glazing within the frame.
At Sashed, we offer a variety of beading profiles to suit different aesthetic styles, including Lamb, Ovolo, Chamfered, and Square. Each profile can be selected in various sizes, allowing you to tailor the look of your windows to your preferences.
Larger, more substantial beading can create a bold, ‘chunky’ appearance—ideal for enhancing a traditional country cottage or rustic style. Thicker beading on casement windows can lend an overall solid and inviting feel. Conversely, finer, more delicate beading works especially well on sliding sash windows, helping to replicate the slim, refined proportions typical of authentic Georgian or Victorian designs.
No matter which profile you choose—Lamb, Ovolo, Chamfered, or Square—your beading will always match the style and dimensions of your glazing bars, whether they are astragal or solid glazing bars. This ensures a cohesive, authentic finish across all your windows and doors.
Glazing bar sizes
At Sashed, we offer bespoke customisation of your glazing bar sizes to perfectly suit your project’s needs. One of our unique offerings is a 17mm thick Lamb bar, a profile that is technically challenging to produce for use on double glazing and rarely available from other suppliers. This distinctive option allows you to achieve authentic, traditional aesthetics with exceptional craftsmanship.
