When deciding to invest in new windows for your home, you may have come across the option of astragal bars and Georgian bars. These are largely decorative features for your windows that can enhance their aesthetic and provide safety benefits for your home. Traditionally, and in the case of single glazing, bars on the windows were used with the intention of holding smaller panes of glass together. Now, double glazing has evolved to the point where bars aren’t necessary for this reason, but they still add benefits to your home. Let’s find out more.
What are astragal bars?
Astragal bars are placed both within and on the outside of your double glazing, creating the illusion of separate, smaller window panes. This creates a double layer of the bars, which is an aesthetic replica of how windows would have been designed in the traditional era.
What are Georgian bars?
Unlike astragal bars, Georgian bars are only installed within the two panes of double glazing. This leaves the outside of the panes of glass plain, and can sometimes be the more cost-effective option. As with astragal bars, the main intention of the Georgian bars is to match the aesthetic of traditional windows.
What are the benefits of astragal and Georgian bars?
The benefits of bars adorning your new windows are plentiful. They include:
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Higher security
It will be harder to force entry through the strong bars that are within the windows, meaning that your home will benefit from a higher level of security.
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Increased privacy
The bars offer an interrupted view of the inside of your home, providing slightly more privacy inside your property from prying eyes.
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Emulate a traditional style
With astragal and Georgian bars, you can choose designs that reflect your home’s architectural style, to fit in with the existing design and time period of your home.
Should you opt for astragal or Georgian bars?
Both astragal bars and Georgian bars will offer you aesthetic benefits for your home, so you may be wondering which of the options will be the best for you.
- Georgian bars – A benefit of Georgian bars is that they are much easier to clean, given that the outside is simply a flat pane of glass. This is because the bars are situated inside the double glazing.
- Astragal bars – Due to the double placement of astragal bars, they can often look closer to original windows than Georgian bars. This can achieve a more authentic look, which can be beneficial if you live in a conservation area.
If you’re wondering more about the differences between astragal and Georgian bars within your windows, and you’d like to talk about it some more with our experts, contact us. We can talk you through the choice and help you make a decision, boosting your home’s aesthetics. Our team at Wandsworth Sash Windows is always happy to talk with you about how windows can benefit your home and enhance its appearance. Just contact us for more information.
