What are sash windows? In trying to understand windows, it is important to understand what the basic parts of the window are. An easy to picture comparison would be a door. A door has a casement, and a window has a casement. A door is set within the casement, and a window’s glass pane must also be set within its casement. The glass however, requires an additional frame for obvious reasons. This frame encasing the glass is called the sash. Whether the sash is made to slide or rotate on a hinge is what set s the different styles apart.
There are three basic kinds of hinged window. Casement windows are hinged on one side and usually crank outwards. They are most commonly called crank-outs for this reason. Those hinged at the top, swinging outwardly, are called awning windows. Hoppers are hinged at the bottom and open inwardly. This kind is often used in basements.
Louvered windows are a style not often seen in northern regions but more often in tropical climates. Many horizontally overlapping lengths of glass panes are mounted horizontally. The air circulation is good when they are swiveled open, but they cannot give the protection from harsh winter conditions needed in northern areas.
In order to purchase new windows it is important to understand the different styles. A double hung window is what is meant when people say sash window. Simply explained, double hung means two sashes hung in a frame, where either one or both can vertically slide open.
People sometimes use the term single hung when referring to a double hung window in which the upper sash does not move. Technically, this is incorrect. Two sashes are still hung within the frame, so it is still double hung.
When two window sashes are hung to slide horizontally rather than vertically, the window is called a slider rather than a double hung. They run on a track, and like double hungs, one sash slides past another.
People usually call double hung windows sash windows. A sash balance is a system of weights, pulleys and cords that give balance to old double hung windows so they would stay in place when lifted. Without the sash balance, the window would have to be propped open by something strong enough to hold its weight. New sash or double hung windows operate on a spring loaded system instead.
To cut down on noise pollution and boost a home’s energy efficiency, a homeowner can replace old double hung windows with new ones. Both of these things can be accomplished by filling the empty space left behind by the old sash balance system with foam insulation and installing new air tight double hung windows. New windows contribute more to a home than just looking nice. They also have the advantage of more efficient options, like a tilt out design that allows the owner to wash or paint the window on both sides easily.
Find out what the benefits of new sash windows are now. All you need to know on sash windows and the best sash window company in our sash window restoration London guide.