What were the functions of the platbands and shutters on old houses?

Beautifully carved platbands and massive wooden shutters are gradually becoming a thing of the past. In modern architecture, these elements are practically not used, but even some 100 years ago it was difficult to imagine a house without them. Why the windows were equipped with shutters and trims before - read on. Do not forget to like and subscribe to the channel - we have useful and interesting content!

Platbands

This element came to us from Italian architecture at the beginning of the 17th century, along with the spread of glass windows. Before the development of glass production in Russia, platbands, like glazed windows, were an attribute only of wealthy houses.

The windows in the overwhelming majority of housing were small, they lacked any species characteristics and did not even try to decorate them. A hole in the wall of the house was called a window, which acts as a ventilation and a source of natural light. In the cold season, this structure was closed with a valve.

The information that bull or fish bubbles were pulled over the window frames is no more than fiction. "Bullseye" and "Fishbubble" are just names for the shapes of complex windows.

With the massive spread of glass, frames and platbands appeared. Platbands were used to seal the gap (assembly seam) between the frame and the wall. That is, the assembly seam was filled with tow, and the top was covered with a wooden board. And so the platband appeared.

Why were the platbands so lavishly decorated?

The fact is that human psychology does not change and status is one of the priority areas of his activity. If now "position in society" is confirmed by a new iPhone or Mercedes of the latest model, then earlier one of the factors of success was large glass windows and beautiful carved platbands.

A solid frame, decorated with fine carvings, was not cheap, and glass was even more expensive. So this was the confirmation of the "high" status of the owner. And then a tradition was formed from this. Over time, glass became available, and the habit of chic windows remained and even spread to the rest of the house.

Shutters

If the platband covered the assembly seam, then the shutters protected the house from illegal entry through the windows. This design provides for a kind of lock, consisting of a metal bridge and a pin. The lintel presses the shutters to the window and is fixed with a pin inside the room through a hole in the wall. It is customary to close the shutters at night or in the absence of the owners.

In the south, shutters act as sun protection. They are closed during the day so that the sun's rays do not heat the room. In the southern regions, shutters with blinds are common. They save from the hot sun, but provide ventilation at home.

Do you have shutters and beautiful platbands on your house? Write in the comments!

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