subject: How To Understand Windows And Shopping For Sash Windows [print this page] 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.
Hinged windows come in three different basic styles. Hoppers are often used in basements and are hinged at the bottom, opening inwardly. Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing outwardly. Casement windows, commonly called crank-outs, have hinges on the side and crank outwardly.
Another style of window more common in tropical climates is the louvered window. Many small lengths of glass panes are mounted in an overlapping horizontal pattern and are swiveled open for air circulation.
Double hung window is the proper term when discussing sash windows. The word "double" refers to the number of sashes in the window. Two sashes are mounted within the same window, where one or both vertically slide past one another. Understanding this can help a person shopping for windows.
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.
A sliding window is a window in which two or more sashes are arranged to slide horizontally instead of vertically. Like a double hung window, the sashes slide past one another on a track.
Double hung windows, the kind people are referring to when they say sash window, originally had a weight system, called a sash balance. It was a system of weights, cords and pulleys that helped balance and hold in place the window sashes when they were opened. Without the sash balance, one would have to insert something strong enough under the window to hold it open. New double hung windows use a spring loaded system rather than a sash balance.
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.
