Classic Georgian Windows

A Traditional Look with Modern Performance

Georgian glazing bars, also called muntins or divided lites, were originally found on almost every window. Nowadays, they have transitioned from an architectural necessity to an aesthetic decoration. In the past, installing large glass panes was not technically feasible and the solution was combining smaller ones via these dividing bars. Whether you want simulated Georgian bars or real glass separating ones, we can design a bespoke solution that fits your project's needs and local historical preservation codes. 

Glazing Bar Styles for Georgian Windows and Doors

With the ability to manufacture large continuous glass panes nowadays, genuine Georgian bars are no longer technically required for new windows and doors Therefore, we offer several options to meet your architectural, performance and budget needs. They are:

  • Genuine glass separating bars
  • Viennese style
  • Helima style 

The most traditional type is the partitioning or glass separating bar, which was developed centuries ago to overcome the technical limitations of glassblowing. However, simulated bars are available in both the Viennese and Helima style to provide the same look without the unnecessary extra work and cost. Like the window frame itself, they are available and can be fitted in a variety of materials including timber, uPVC and aluminium. 

Genuine Glazing Bars

Genuine glazing bars partition the glass into a series of smaller panes, meaning the window does not consist of a single large piece of glass. In the past, more glazing bars and small panes of glass meant more opportunity for insulation problems. However, this is no longer an issue and modern windows with genuine muntins are still nearly indistinguishable from their single pane counterparts in terms of performance. Finally, real bars provide significantly better burglary protection and if the window is damaged, only the broken area need be replaced instead of the entire window. 

Viennese Glazing Bars

Viennese bars are mounted with an adhesive on either outward facing side of the glass only, or both sides. Therefore, they have no effect on the window's energy efficiency and ability to insulate. With multiple glazing, the space between panes can also optionally feature a matching bar. This makes them nearly indistinguishable from genuine old-fashioned muntins. For this reason, the Viennese technique is often used in historic buildings.

Helima Glazing Bars

Helima bars are powder-coated bars inserted in-between the individual glass panes. This means the outer window surface remains unchanged and is thus very easy to clean. The only disadvantage is that, being between the glass panes, the bars can serve to conduct energy and decrease a window's insulation ability somewhat.

Why Partition a Window at All?

Dividing Georgian style windows into multiple smaller panes has one obvious drawback: they typically have slightly higher U-values than a standard single pane casement windows (with or without Georgian bars). Nowadays, one may ask why it is worth choosing genuine Georgian bar windows at all.

The answer is a simple. The solid bars improve the structural integrity of not only the glazing, but also the entire frame. Thus, a damaged pane is much less likely - and if it does occur, it is more affordable to repair, since only small parts of the glass have to be replaced instead of the entire pane. Finally, there is the additional sturdiness and protection that a Georgian window provides against burglary attempts.

The Ideal Solution for Preserving Historical Buildings

Thanks to their classic aesthetics, Georgian windows are often used in the preservation of historical homes, orangeries, conservatories and more.

Modern windows can easily provide excellent thermal insulation and waterproofing, both of which are desperately needed in older buildings. The Georgian style bars serve to recreate the exact visual appearance of the facade the architect originally envisioned.

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