Sliding into the heritage trend
The devil is in the detail when it comes to creating an authentic heritage aesthetic. Here, Kerry Blackford, Head of Product at ERA, explores the latest hardware options that can help fabricators enhance the appearance, functionality and security of sash windows.
For homeowners investing in sliding sash windows, performance, durability and energy efficiency will undoubtedly be key areas of focus – but so too will the aesthetics and this is where the right hardware options can add value to a fabricator’s offering.
Slim sightlines, run-through sash horns, deep bottom rails and external ‘putty’ lines. Such carefully engineered design features can all create an authentic heritage look and are best complemented with hardware that is sympathetic to the original era too. Period-inspired finishes and designs coordinated across the full suite of window hardware can all contribute to the character and kerb appeal that homeowners are looking to achieve, with new sliding sash windows.
Taking finishes first, a choice of heritage options is important for helping customers to create different aesthetics. Gold and chrome are enduringly popular, but demand for more industrial-inspired finishes has risen in recent times.
Finishes such as Hardex Pewter and Antique Black replicate the visual appeal of traditional hardware. Intricate patterns create a tactile surface, which, when combined with pewter or antique black finish, creates a premium, authentic appearance reminiscent of styles that date back to the 1800s.
For more modern properties, a contemporary look can be achieved, whilst still reflecting the established elegance that sash windows are known for, with brushed and gloss finishes in a range of shades such as Hardex Bronze, Graphite and Satin.
Classical designs also play an important role and can help to achieve a unified aesthetic across the entire window. For example, pairing cam locks with complementary tilt knobs can be effective. The styling of cam lock levers can be replicated on the bottom sash knob to create a coordinated look, as is the case with the Fab&Fix Classic, Heritage and Architectural ranges. Add sash eyes, bow handles and finger pulls in corresponding designs and colours for a fully suited finish. It’s the smaller details like these that can appeal to more discerning customers who are willing to upgrade for a perfectly matching appearance.
However, it’s essential that more traditionally designed hardware delivers contemporary standards of performance, quality and security. While homeowners aspire to recreate the aesthetics of yesteryear, they are rightly demanding hardware that will retain its appearance and keep their new windows functioning and secure in the years ahead.
Fabricators can offer this with advanced finishes, such as Fab&Fix’s unique Hardex coating, which uses modern manufacturing processes to achieve the highest levels of resilience for a low maintenance finish, without compromising on authenticity.
When it comes to security and usability, fabricators can give customers the confidence their sash windows are protected to the highest possible standard, without negatively affecting the visual effect, by offering PAS 24 compatible cam locks. Designed to sit discreetly on the window and to correspond with matching bottom sash knobs, Fab&Fix’s high security cam locks feature six fixing points, a stainless steel keep faceplate and a forged cam for increased resistance against physical attack – ticking the box when it comes to both design and security.
After spending more time at home than ever before, many customers are more familiar with and focused on getting the finer details of their homes just right. By offering an extensive choice of suited heritage hardware, fabricators can meet this demand, provide customers with more design freedom and further enhance a property’s value, kerb appeal and character.
