About Traditional Sash Windows

A Georgian house with sash windows

A sash window or hung sash window is made of one or more movable panels or "sashes" that form a frame to hold panes of glass which are often separated from other panes or "lights"by narrow the term is used almost exclusively to refer to windows where the glazed panels are opened by sliding vertically, or sliding sash.

In operation, the weight of the glazed panel is balanced by a counter-weight concealed within the window frame, within th BOX. This is connected to the window by a sash cord or chain which runs over a pulley at the top of the frame.

Traditional sash windows are often found in Georgian and Victorian houses, Many late Victorian and Edwardian suburban houses were built in England using standard sash window units approximately 4 feet (1.2m) in width.

Construction of a sash window is usually of softwood, traditional sash window units are single glazed; double-glazed sashes are now available, it is more common for single-glazed sash windows to be replaced with top-hung casements when double glazing is retro-fitted. Some top-hung double-glazed units are manufactured to give the appearance of sashes.

Traditional problems with wooden sash windows include rot, swelling or distortion of the woodwork, rattling in the wind (due to shrinkage of the wood), and problems brought on by careless application of paint. The sliding mechanism makes sash windows more vulnerable to these problems than traditional casement windows.

Some people believe traditional sash windows to be relatively high maintenance, but they offer many advantages in return, looks, and comply with conservation area laws for older houses and buildings, they utilise natural resources and are environmently friendly, especially when double glased and constructed of softwood. It is also possible to clean all the sash windows glass from within the building by sliding the two panes to different positions.