What are Sash Windows?

There are various styles of windows one can choose from. However, there are two styles that remain as the most popular for homes. The first one is that which has hinges attached to either the top or the sides of the window. This kind allows for the opening of the window outwards. The other popular style is the one consisting of one or more panels that are movable. These panels can be slide over the top of each other to create a gap. The latter style constitutes the type of windows known as sash windows. Here, we want to look at a few aspects of this type of windows.

The way Sash Windows First came to be

Determining who invented or how the sash windows came to be is difficult. Certain people have theoretically credited them to either English or Dutch designers. However, in these types of windows first came to be in the late 17th century in England. Over a period of over two decades, the popularity of these windows steadily grew and they became the top choice for homeowners by the Georgian period.

How Sash Windows Work

There are always two or more glass panels found in a sash window. To open the window, you simply slide one over the other to create an opening in the window. Usually, the sliding is done vertically but certain sash windows do slide horizontally.

For proper opening and closing of the windows, they’re always counterbalanced using a weight which is often concealed inside the window’s frame. The operation of these windows is made easier through a system of pulleys that are hidden. Since these pulleys are entirely placed within the frame of the window and shielded from the outside, they rarely break down. However, whenever this happens, the window frames will require being broken apart or disassembled.

The traditional sash windows were made of many small panes referred to as muntins or lights. To create an illusion of a single large window, these small panes are joined using glazing bars. These windows consisted of two sets of six small panels each.

Single and double-hung sash windows

There are two sorts of sash windows that you’ll come across when you go shopping for them. These are the single-hung and double-hung sash windows. When you look at the two from afar, they’ll appear very similar to one another. The difference between the two sorts is that in the single-hung types, only one of the windows is free to move while the other is fixed permanently. Double-hung sash windows, on the other hand, are made of two movable panels.

Benefits of Single-hung windows

Single-hung sash windows have a few advantages over the double-hung types. They’re cheaper and energy efficient. Due to less moving parts in the single-hung sash window, this means that single-hung sash windows are less likely to require maintenance.

Benefits of double-hung sash windows

These types of windows are very common in today’s homes because they have quite a number of benefits. The most vital of all the benefits is the fact that there are easy to clean. Another benefit of these windows is the fact that they’re flexible. You have a choice of whether to open the bottom or top window. They can even be opened both partway to get two small openings at both the ends of the window.

Conclusion

Sash windows are a great innovation for homes. They can greatly transform the appearance of your property from outside. So, if you’ve never thought of it, you need to consider installing them on your property.

What Is a Window Sash?

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A window sash is truly the sum of its parts. If all of the pieces of a window sash were disassembled, it would probably be unrecognizable. Older windows can be disassembled, but newer windows increasingly come with parts that are factory-built and sealed. PVC window frames are welded together. Grilles are sealed behind glass. And the separate sheets of glass are no longer separate; rather, they are built as one unit, called an insulated glass unit (IGU).

What Is a Window Sash?

A window sash is the part of the window that you move up and down when you want to open and close the window. It’s a wooden frame keeping the panes of glass in place.

Glass

Two sheets of glass comprise a double-paned window. Sometimes this is called glazing, as in double-glazed window or triple glazed window. Single-paned windows are less common than in years past, with double-paned windows being more the norm.

Insulated Glass Unit (IGU)

The insulated glass unit is the heart of the modern window. IGU is a window industry term that refers to double- or triple-paned collection of glass, gas, seals, and gaskets. The window frame and peripheral items are not included with an IGU.

Window Frame

Window frame is a convenient term for the wood, fiberglass, vinyl, or metal parts that hold the glass together. In older windows, the window frame is actually composed of rails (horizontal pieces) and stiles (vertical pieces).

Window Grille

Within the window frame may be smaller sections of window that go under different terms but collectively called grillework. Older, single-pane windows may have true mullions, in which panes are separated by wood. Newer double-pane windows may have a mullion look. The industry term for this is GBG or grille-between-glass, in which false mullions are placed between the sheets of glass and serve no structural purpose. GBGs provide aesthetic appeal and allow for easier cleaning of the glass.

Gaskets

Glass must be sealed into the framework. Gaskets made of rubber or TPVs (thermoplastic vulcanizates) serve this purpose.

Argon and krypton are colorless, odorless gasses that are injected between the sheets of gas for its insulating properties. Single-pane windows have no gas. Seals allow for equalization of gas and outside pressure. IGUs come with the gas already inside.

Seals

Because of the difference in pressure between the IGU and the exterior, seals are built into the IGU to equalize pressure.

Double-Hung Windows

Window sashes are typically found in the double-hung window style, in which one sash is positioned above a lower sash. The lower window sash has the capacity to slide up and down until it is nearly parallel with the upper sash.

It is not uncommon in older windows for the upper sash to be fixed in place, while the lower sash remains operable. In this case, it may be referred to as a single-hung window. Newer double-hung windows, though, tend to have upper sashes that move up and down.

One benefit of this action is that it allows for the window to be open, without the hazard of people, namely small children, falling out of the window. An open upper sash is too high for most children to reach.

Fun Fact

Sliding sash windows became prevalent in England after the Great Fire of London, in 1666, when new building regulations stipulated that timber window frames had to be recessed behind stone or brick.

Casement Window Sashes

While mostly associated with double-hung windows, window sashes can be found on any type of window which moves, such as the casement window. Care must be taken with casement windows when they are open. A high wind can move casement window sashes and break them off.

Window Fogging and Leakage

Double-glazed IGUs often come with one problem: fogging. Fogging is the result of improperly installed gaskets or gaskets that have deteriorated over the years. Impaired seals allow gas to escape, greatly impacting the window’s insulating properties. As condensation builds, light and views are obscured.

Window defogging companies can fix this problem by drilling 2mm holes in the glass, injecting cleaning fluids, letting them dry, and then plugging up the holes. Window defogging is not a common practice, since the procedure often does not last for long.

Window Sash Replacement Kits

If the window sash breaks, it is possible to purchase a sash replacement kit. This avoids the cost and mess of total window replacement. Also, because it is designed for homeowners to be able to use, it helps avoid labor costs associated with entire window or individual sash replacement.

What is a Window Sash and Why is it Important?

Your windows are such a vital feature on your home so it’s important to know as much about them as possible. Knowing the components of your windows, such as the window sash, will help you stay up to date on them and you’ll be able spot any mishaps early.

Plus, the more you know about your windows, the better you’ll be able to make decisions when it comes to repairing or replacing them. The window sash is one of the most important aspects of your windows.

What is a window sash and why is it important? We’ll go over everything you need to know about window sashes in this article.

What is a Window Sash?

First thing’s first, what’s a window sash? In simplest terms, the sash is the section of the window that opens and closes. Depending on the type of window, there could be more than one window sash that’s operable.

You might be wondering what makes up the window sashes? Typically, the window sash has a very basic design and structure.

The overall sash is a frame that’s designed to be easily placed inside the entire window casement. Within the sash frame, there’s the window glass along with any framework that your window may have such as grids.

The sash locks into the window frame on a set of runners that allows it to be moved up and down.

The frame of the window sash usually features a locking system for added safety and security.

Why Are Window Sashes Important?

Window sashes are a crucial element to the overall performance and durability of your windows. If your window sash isn’t working properly, that’ll lead to a multitude of problems such as drafts and leaks.

It’s also important that your window sashes are in good working condition because if they’re not, opening and closing your windows will become a pain.

That being said, it’s pretty easy to tell when your window sashes are damaged or broken. If your window is hard to open and close and it sticks along the tracks, that could mean you have an alignment problem.

Fixing an alignment problem can be done, but if it’s is really bad and continues to happen, then you should consider replacing your windows.

Another reason why you need to make sure the sashes are working properly is for safety and security reasons. If the locks are worn out or broken, that poses a major security threat. Anyone can then break into your home with ease.

Also, if you have children and your sash locks don’t work, they can easily open the windows which is unsafe.

The Different Types of Window Sashes

Not all windows have the same window sashes. Depending on the style of window you have, the window sash or sashes are constructed differently.

For example, double hung windows feature two operating sashes that slide up and down and are very easy to use and clean. You can simply tilt them in to make sure you cover everything while cleaning them.

On sliding windows, the sashes open and close horizontally. Sliding windows are basically the same as double hung, just flipped horizontally.

A casement window sash is a bit different than the traditional sash. Casement windows operate on a crank and open outward to the left or right. The sash is connected to the crank system as opposed to being in the frame along a track.

Awning and hopper windows also have one sash that’s operable. Awning windows are hinged at the top and the sash opens outwards with a crank. Hopper windows are hinged at the bottom and the sash tilts open inwards.

What to Look For in a Window Sash

Being such a key component of the overall structure and integrity of the window, it’s important to make sure your window sashes are well-constructed.

Living in the Midwest, you know the weather extremes that occur throughout the year. Your windows play a major role in keeping your home comfortable year round.

You’ll want to stay away from windows that have wood or aluminum sashes. Wood is extremely susceptible to rotting, warping and expanding and aluminum isn’t cut out for the Midwest weather as it doesn’t react well to extreme weather conditions.

If you do have wood or aluminum windows and they’re out of shape, replacing them immediately is your best option to maintain an energy efficient home.

When it’s time to replace your windows, vinyl is the way to go. Vinyl windows are energy efficient and extremely durable. They’re perfect for homes in the Midwest because they’ll never warp, rot, crack or expand.

Also, be sure the sashes of your new windows have fiberglass reinforced frames and are foam insulated.

For the Best Window Sashes, Trust Feldco

If you find that your window sashes aren’t working as they should be and they’re beyond repair, you can trust Feldco for all your window replacement needs.

Our vinyl windows are extremely energy efficient with foam insulated frames and sashes as well as double or triple pane glass.

We’ve served over 400,000 homeowners in the Midwest so it’s no surprise why we’re named America’s #1 window and door company. You can get started on your window replacement project today with a free quote online.

Sash Windows: What you need to know

Sash windows (or double hung sash windows, as they are called in the US) look beautiful and add a great deal of elegance to any home.

They not only look great, they are also very practical.

This is why, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of sash windows, as homeowners have come to see the superiority of sash windows over other types of windows.

If you are thinking about installing sash windows in your home, here are some facts about sash windows:

What is a sash window?

You may have heard of the term ‘sash window’ but not everyone knows what they are. Sash windows are a type of window composed of two window frames that slide open horizontally and independently of one another;

When were sash windows invented?

Sash windows are found in many older period properties and date back to the 17th century in England. Their invention is attributed to natural philosopher, architect and polymath Robert Hooke FRS;

Where are the oldest surviving examples of sash windows?

The oldest surviving examples of sash windows were installed in the 1670s, at Ham House, a Grade I listed building, situated beside the River Thames in Ham, London;

How do sash windows actually work?

While construction methods have varied over time, sash windows all tend to function in a similar way. Each window consists of two sashes (window frames) that are suspended by a rope or chain. The rope from each sash is passed through a pulley system and has a heavy sash counter weight on the end allowing each frame (sash) to be opened and closed independently of the other;

Which types of properties have sash windows?

Sash windows have been around for the last 300 years and are found in Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian period properties;

What are the ‘typical’ elements of sash windows?

The earliest sash windows were constructed using 6 – 12 individual panes of glass in a timber frame Glazing bars were placed horizontally and vertically to provide further support. However, as glass became cheaper fewer panes were used in each window.

Each window is composed of 2 window sashes. The lower sash opens at the bottom and the upper sash opens at the top. Each can be raised or lowered to the height required to allow effective ventilation. Sashes are supported by individual counter weights housed in side cavities. The weights are attached by a rope and pulley system that allows each window to open and close smoothly and easily.

Why have so many properties removed sash windows?

From the 1950 sash windows were seen by many as being ‘old fashioned’ and home owners replaced their sash with other modern steel framed windows. Yet, fashions change and more and more people are now recognising the aesthetic appeal and practicality of sash windows. This has meant that sash windows are now the first choice for many people looking for practical, reliable and visually attractive windows for their home.