truplas rigid spacer perfect for Georgian bars Georgian bars are one of the most requested heritage-style details in modern glazing. This guide explains exactly what they are, how they’re constructed and installed, how they compare with astragal bars, their impact on energy performance, likely costs, maintenance, and how to specify them with confidence. Where helpful, we’ve linked to Edgetech resources and included a trade-focused installation overview.

What are Georgian bars?

Georgian bars are decorative glazing bars that subdivide a window into a grid, recreating the classic multi-pane look of period sash and casement windows. In today’s double-glazed units, bars are arranged horizontally and vertically to form the hallmark Georgian pattern; the bar material normally matches the window frame and is typically uPVC, timber, or aluminium.

Georgian bar styling dates to the 18th-century Georgian period. Historically, small panes were necessary due to glassmaking limits; the bars provided structure. Modern Georgian bars are purely aesthetic—delivering heritage character with contemporary performance.

Are Georgian bar windows more expensive?

They can be. Georgian-bar windows may cost more than plain casements because there’s extra material and fabrication time involved. Final price depends on unit size, material (uPVC/timber/aluminium), bar pattern complexity, and whether you’re using internal (duplex) or applied bar systems.

Cost drivers to consider (trade):

Bar type (internal/duplex vs applied with back-to-back spacer)
Number of intersections and accuracy of centres
Bar profile/finish and colour matching
Fabrication steps and QA time
Retrofit vs new frame manufacture

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Are Georgian bars old fashioned?

The style is historic, but the products and performance are modern. Original Georgian windows used many small panes set within timber grids; today, bars are a design choice suited to Georgian-style properties and any home seeking period character without sacrificing modern glazing benefits.

How do Georgian bars fit?

Georgian bars are installed in two ways. Internal/duplex (“Georgian”) bars are incorporated inside the insulating glass unit (IGU) during manufacture: a spacer-bar grid is built using dedicated connecting keys/SDL clips, aligned to the frame sightlines, and sealed within the unit so both outer glass faces remain flat and easy to clean. By contrast, astragal bars are surface-applied after glazing: with a matching back-to-back spacer located inside the IGU for alignment, installers measure and mark centres, thoroughly clean/degrease the glass, fit any required edge/centre clips, apply the specified high-bond tape/adhesive to the bar profiles, and press the internal and external bars onto the glass—checking alignment and joints before final dressing.

Georgian bars vs astragal bars: key differences

Both options create a classic divided-light look, but they’re built differently.

Georgian bars (often called internal or duplex bars) sit inside the sealed unit, giving a clean, flatter appearance that’s simple to wipe down because the outer glass surface remains uninterrupted. They usually involve fewer components and fabrication steps, so they’re typically more cost-effective and well suited to new builds or projects where straightforward maintenance is a priority.
Astragal bars, by contrast, are applied to the outside (and inside) of the glass and paired with a back-to-back spacer inside the IGU to create pronounced depth and shadow lines—this delivers the most authentic period aesthetic, especially for conservation-style work, but it also means more parts, more alignment, and usually higher cost.

Rule of thumb: choose astragal for maximum heritage realism and 3D sightlines; choose internal/duplex Georgian for simpler cleaning, quicker fabrication, and tighter budgets.

Maintenance & care

Routine cleaning: Use standard non-abrasive glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Internal bars (duplex) simplify cleaning as there are no external profiles to work around.
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Applied systems: Check bar adhesion and joint integrity during annual maintenance; re-dress or replace components if necessary, following system guidance.
Timber bars: Follow the coating manufacturer’s maintenance cycle, particularly on exposed elevations.

Technical notes & manufacturing

Pattern accuracy: Keep bar centres consistent and aligned to frame sightlines.
Bar components: Many systems provide connecting keys and accessories for neat intersections and structural stability.
Compatibility: Confirm IGU build-ups, spacer selection, and bar adhesives/tapes are fully compatible—particularly for astragal systems with back-to-back spacers—to avoid thermal bridges and ensure long-term adhesion.

Our Georgian bar product

For Georgian applications, Edgetech supplies spacer technology that integrates seamlessly with heritage looks. TruPlas® Spacer Bar is a rigid, glass-reinforced thermoplastic spacer that can be used to create an authentic multi-pane effect for single glazing units and is supported by a complete range of connecting keys—making it an excellent solution for Georgian bar needs.

To explore spacer systems designed for high thermal performance and heritage aesthetics—such as Super Spacer® Heritage™—visit our product range.

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FAQs

Are Georgian bars fitted inside or outside the glass?

Georgian (internal/duplex) bars are fitted inside the sealed unit. Astragal bars are fitted outside and inside the glass (with a back-to-back spacer).
Edgetech

Do Georgian bars affect energy efficiency?

A well-specified IGU with warm-edge spacers maintains strong thermal performance. Focus on glass spec and spacer technology; ensure bar components are compatible to minimise thermal bridging.
Edgetech

Are Georgian bars old-fashioned?

The style is historic, but modern bars are an aesthetic choice that suits heritage and contemporary homes alike.
Edgetech

How are Georgian bars installed?

By fixing clips at the glass edges, positioning the centre clip, cleaning the surface thoroughly, applying adhesive tape, and pressing the bars into place—checking alignment as you go.
Edgetech

Do astragal bars cost more?

Often, yes—there are more components and steps (external + internal bars and a back-to-back spacer).

Trade next steps

Speak to our technical team for specification support, bar patterning, and spacer compatibility.
Request product information for TruPlas® Spacer Bar and Super Spacer® Heritage™.