You may not even realize it, but the windows that are in your home that open on the top and the bottom are called sash windows. These windows were first designed in the late nineteenth century. The appear in many homes in the original thirteen colonies. They became popular and are now used all over the world.
The best thing about these windows is the ability to decide which way you want the breeze to come in. By lowering the top section or raising the lower section it controls how the air flows. With older windows there may sometimes be an issue with how the sections slide. Most of these issues can be repaired. If it can not be repaired then a window can be replaced. Modern versions can have double panes of glass and can tilt.
They are called sash because the two sections are called sashes. You may notice that both parts are not the same. This is by design and does not affect the mechanics of the window. Some do have the same size sashes.
The problems that some people run into is not being able to close a section. Sometimes objects will get lodged withing the tracks. If you try forcing it closed it can damage the track or the other moving parts. A simple examination can reveal the object that is causing the problem.
House settling can cause warping in the frames. If this has happened then have a contractor take a look. These problems can be repaired. It may also be a good opportunity to replace the window and upgrade. Try not to make this repair on your own. If you want to keep the window then have a professional try to repair it.
The climate will change the way that the window operates. If the weather has been warm then it may loosen the the window on the track. This will result in a window sliding too quickly. Just keep a good grip on it until it is secured by a latch.
During the winter months it may be more difficult to open the window. You can use a slow and controlled amount of pressure to get the window to move. There may be some room to wiggle the sash windows into the position that you desire.
Instead of discarding your old double hung windows, call in a sash window restoration London firm. A sash window company can refinish, repair and renovate old windows so they are as good as new.