Even though there are theories claiming that the sash window is of a Dutch origin, it is generally believed that this type of a window was invented in England in the 17th century. It continues to be a popular feature on many Georgian and Victorian homes in the UK which is why we have decided to pay special attention to this type of window. The benefits of opting for this option when choosing windows for you your home or office are numerous. That is especially true if you decide to use high-quality sash windows because they are available in various designs and they offer a good sound reduction, lower condensation rates and higher security and safety levels.
Sash windows have a frame, glazing and glazing bars, if required.
- Frame – This part keeps everything together and it can also come in various designs and colours. A frame consists of three main parts: a head, a sill and side jambs. The head and the sill are the two horizontal parts that make up the frame. The head is set at its top and the sill – at its bottom. The jambs, on the other hand, are the two vertical parts which you
find on each side of the frame. - Glazing – This is the piece or pieces of glass which are held by the sash. Older windows tend to be single-glazed but double-glazing windows are the most popular glazing options today.
- Glazing bars – Some sash windows have glazing bars that create the illusion that the glazing of the windows is made up of smaller pieces of glass.
However, there are a few other parts which make up this type of window and those include:
- Sashes – Although the word “sash” comes from French and it originally means “frame,” this part of the window is separate from its frame. Most sash windows consist of two sashes – a top and a bottom sash for vertical sliding sash windows. These are the movable parts of this type of window and they also serve as a frame that holds the window glass.
- Meeting rail – Where the two sashes meet.
- Top & bottom rails – The former is the top part of the top sash and the latter is the bottom part of the bottom sash.
Sash window hardware glossary
If you need to make slight modifications and repairs on your sash windows, you will also need to expand your hardware vocabulary.
- Sash lifts – they help you to easily slide up & down the bottom sash.
- Pole eyes – to slide down the top sash.
- Tilt knobs – located on the top of the bottom sash. They slide towards the middle of the sash to tilt the window inwards.
- Sash locks – installed on the meeting rails, by turning the latch, you can lock/unlock the window
- Safety restrictors – Fitted on either side of the sash, these restrictors stop both the top and bottom sashes from opening more that 100mm.
Now that you know so much about window parts, you can make more informed decisions the next time you need have a window fixed, replaced or installed.
