A Rediscovery Of Sash Windows Today

| Sunday, March 4, 2012
By Andrew Brentford


Have you ever wondered while reading 'Twas the Night before Christmas' exactly what Clement Moore meant about throwing up a sash? If you assumed it had something to do with the window itself, then you were right. When someone says they have put the window up in the room, they most likely have sash windows, and what they have done is put the sash up, the moveable part of the window.

Sash windows are attributed to Robert Hooke, an English scientist and inventor and have been around for centuries. You can find one in the painting by Vermeer, the Milkmaid, dated in 1658, but the oldest known windows installed in England was in the 1670's. They were popular in Georgian and Victorian homes, but still hold that same popularity today because of their design and usefulness.

Basically these are windows that have moving sections and they may slide vertically or horizontally, while there are some today that don't move at all. The classic arrangement to these windows is normally three panes across by two on each section, giving a six over six paneled window. But there is no steadfast rule, today they come in all different shapes, sizes and number of panes for both sashes.

Basically, these work by having the weight of the glass panels counter-balanced by a type of weight that is hidden within the frame of the window. This weight is then connected to the window using a chain or cord, commonly called the sash cord. That cord will then go over a pulley which is at the top of the frame, which helps to keep the window on track when you open as the cord pulls and acts as the guide.

These provide an effective way of cooling your home since both sashes are able to move. This allows you to open the top and the bottom of a vertical window, permitting the hot air at the top of the room to escape through the top and cooler air from the outdoors to enter through the bottom. The moving of both panels also makes it easier to clean the glass because they are able to slide in different directions.

Older homes today still have these types of windows, but they may be damaged or broken. A specialist company can have a look at them, letting you know what can be done. They normally can restore and repair these windows without having to replace the whole frame, making them look as good as new.

Having the charm of sash windows is easier today than ever before. Many different styles are now available and they are easier to use then they were years ago. If you are looking for something to add to the beauty of your home, these may be what you have been looking for to add that perfect touch.




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