The Benefits of Aluminium Georgian Bar Windows for Your Home
The iconic Georgian style window remains one of the most sought-after aesthetics for period properties and contemporary homes. The design is characterised by its geometric grids created by glazing bars (often referred to as astragal bars) or true divides that separate larger panes of glass into smaller segments. This was essential during the Georgian era due to manufacturing and technological constraints.
Historically, original windows were crafted from timber, which were prone to warping and required more maintenance to preserve their structural integrity. Modern Georgian windows - such as those from Origin - are manufactured from high-grade aluminium. These windows offer an advanced performance as well as a traditional charm, without some of the key disadvantages that timber brings.
In this guide:
Review the benefits of modern vs heritage-style window designs to find the best one for you.
Modern Georgian windows provide a heritage charm and offers superior longevity.
Aluminium provides exceptional strength and durability as well as being low-maintenance.
Comparing Contemporary and Georgian Bar Windows
When selecting a window style, you have the freedom to choose a more traditional or modern design. Compare the two popular styles below:
1. Gallery’s contemporary and sleek design: Systems like the OW70 Slimline Gallery Style Window prioritise uninterrupted views. With sightlines as slim as 65mm, they are a fantastic option for maximising natural light and are often preferred for modern home extensions.
2. Heritage Georgian-style grids: The Georgian style uses Georgian bars or astragal bars to create visual interest. The Georgian look is ideal for maintaining the architectural style of period homes or adding a focal point to a stylish new-build.
Gallery Windows favour slim sightlines and minimise profile on view. This means they can deliver more light and uninterrupted vistas. However, if you like the look of Georgian Windows, by getting them manufactured in a modern material, such as aluminium, grid patterns on Georgian window frames can be impressively slim, so you wouldn’t be compromising on a home’s light levels or outdoor views.
Quickly compare Gallery Windows and Georgian-Style Windows in the table below:
Why Choose Modern Georgian Windows for Your Home?
There are several reasons why you may choose modern Georgian windows for your home. These include their timeless design, the increase in property value they can provide or to ensure it is in keeping with a building’s original style.
1. Aesthetic Appeal
The visual appeal of a Georgian window lies in its pleasing symmetry and Golden ratio-inspired Geometry. The grid layout creates a sophisticated architectural statement that creates a unique heritage charm that large glass panes aren’t able to. Whether you're having a casement window installed or replacing a Victorian sash window, the traditional look of Georgian bars adds character and prestige for decades to come.
Explore more Georgian window case studies here.
1. Property Value
For property owners, high-quality glazing is a critical factor in market valuation. Installing new windows that improve your energy efficiency rating will likely increase your home's value. Meanwhile, premium aluminium windows with Georgian style grids are likely to attract higher than asking price offers from discerning buyers for their timeless elegance.
2. Maintaining Heritage Character
In conservation areas or in grade two listed buildings, maintaining architectural integrity is often a legal requirement. Aluminium Georgian-style windows replicate the traditional character of the original timber windows without the risk of rotting, warping and cracking. For homeowners who prefer the look of timber, the OW80 Premium Window offers authentic woodgrain finishes.
Advantages of Aluminium for Georgian Bar Windows
Aluminium is an incredibly strong yet lightweight material. It allows for long-lasting, secure and visually-appealing window frames that perform without compromise.
1. Durability and Lifespan
Unlike uPVC windows, which can fade or lose alignment over time, or wooden windows, which require regular treatment to maintain their function, aluminium is highly resistant to flexing, warping, and corroding. Origin’s in-house powder coating facility uses a 10-stage pre-treatment process to ensure a flawless, weather-resistant finish.
2. Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance
A primary benefit of modern windows is the reduction in energy costs compared to heritage windows.
· OW70 Slimline Window: Can achieve a U-Value of 1.2 with triple-glazing
· OW80 Premium Window: Can be upgraded with Aerogel, an impressive insulator used in spacesuits, to achieve an exceptional U-Value of 0.8. This superior thermal performance helps lower your energy bills and keeps the home comfortable all year-round.
3. Visual Impact
Because aluminium is stronger than uPVC or timber, it can support larger windows with slimmer frames. This allows the Georgian look to remain sleek and elegant, providing a refined architectural feature that enhances the internal and external design of the building.
1. Ease of Operation
Precision engineering ensures that every window operates smoothly for decades. Origin hinges are tested to 50,000 cycles, which is well beyond the residential standard, ensuring that the ease of operation remains consistent over time.
2. Enhanced Security
Security is a design priority for the Window Collection. Both the OW70 and OW80 are PAS 24 compliant and Secured by Design accredited. Features include:
· Nemesis multi-point locks on the OW70.
· Yale Encloser locks on the OW80.
· Crimped frames and locking handles.
Read more about Origin’s security features
For homeowners seeking a blend of 18th Century charm and 21st Century engineering, aluminium Georgian bar windows by Origin offer an unrivalled combination of aesthetic appeal, security, and energy efficiency. To explore bespoke configurations for your property, contact a local Origin installer or visit a showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any drawbacks to aluminium Georgian bar windows?
The primary consideration is the initial investment, which is typically higher than entry level uPVC windows. When adding design features such as Georgian bars, it can add to the overall cost. However, given their lifespan, visual appeal and superior strength, aluminium Georgian windows are widely considered a more favourable long-term investment.
What maintenance is required for aluminium Georgian bar windows?
Aluminium is exceptionally low-maintenance. Because the finish is powder-coated to a Qualicoat standard, it does not require ongoing sanding or painting. Routine cleaning with soapy water and lubrication is generally all that is required to maintain its visual appeal. More maintenance will be required in certain areas. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.
Are Georgian bar windows more expensive?
The inclusion of glazing / Georgian/ astragal bars are most often pieces of aluminium that are installed after the glass has gone in, so utilises more aluminium profile than typical Gallery-style windows. This therefore may increase the window cost slightly.
Internal Georgian bars (sometimes referred to as true divides) are another option. These are available on our OW70 in the Soho look.
Can you add Georgian bars to existing windows?
While aftermarket "stick-on" bars exist, when installed separately to the new windows, they often don't exactly match the colour or profile design of the existing window.
To ensure architectural integrity and a seamless finish, it is recommended to specify the Georgian look at the point of order.