If you think of a house, you probably immediately picture windows. Think about a child drawing a house. They probably start with a box, with a triangular shape for a roof. Then they will often draw a series of boxes to represent the door and some windows. In fact, it is hard to imagine a house without windows. In modern terms, we think of double glazing. Epping homeowners likely assume that double glazing is a fundamental feature of a home, with good reason. But windows have not always been such a crucial feature in Epping or Britain.
In warmer parts of the world, windows have long been a feature of homes. For example, from the 13th century BC, archaeologists have found evidence of properties with holes in the roof to let in light, and later, holes in the walls. The problem was that this let in the wind and the rain. As a result many people covered their window holes with wooden shutters, animal hide or pieces of cloth. As you might imagine, this would have been draughty and cold, really only something that was an option in warmer places. The Romans were the first known to use glass in their windows. This was a breakthrough because it allowed the benefit of letting the light in without also letting the wind and rain through. This first appeared in Roman Egypt, a wealthy part of the empire.
In Britain, the use of glass was much later. In fact, many earlier homes did not have windows. From the 14th century AD, there is evidence of people using flattened sheets of animal horn to cover the window. This would have let a little light in but also the cold breeze. It is no coincidence that our word ‘window’ comes from a group of Scandinavian words which broadly speaking translate as ‘wind hole’ or ‘wind eye’, literally a small hole through which the wind can enter the house. This gives some idea of the problem of having windows. The experience of people in Britain was very different to having modern double glazing, such as the double glazing Epping customers can order from North London Glass and Glazing Ltd.
In fact, glass did not become a common feature of homes until the seventeenth century, which is surprisingly late. Before this, only cathedrals, large churches in wealthy areas, and other wealthy buildings could afford to have glass for their windows. From the 17th century, homes began to have glass, but even then, it was mainly small panes of glass, and few houses could afford clear glass.
What a difference compared to modern windows! In modern house in the Epping area, double glazing is expected, even considered a basic requirement. Modern double glazing lets lots of light in, but also keeps heat in and sound out. If you are looking for the best double glazing Epping has to offer, contact the team at North London Glass and Glazing Ltd. They are ready to help you find the best double glazing for your Epping property.