subject: Taking A Look At Sash Windows And Today's Homes [print this page] When Clement Moore wrote 'Twas the Night before Christmas', throwing up a sash was a common term. Today, most people may say opening a window, when in reality what they are doing is opening up a sash, the moveable section of a window of sash windows.
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.
Simply, this is a window that has moving sections or panes that can slide horizontally, vertically or in some cases, not at all. The original design had three panes across by two down on each section of the window. This gave it a six over six paneled look. Today, they come in many different shape and sizes and can hold a different amount of glass panes one each sash, or section of the window.
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.
The advantage of having both sashes moving is that they provide an efficient way of cooling the home in warm weather. For a vertical window, opening both top and bottom allows warm air at the top to escape and drawn in cooler air from outside in the bottom. It also makes it possible to clean the glass easier from within the home because the two panes can slide in different directions.
People with older homes are finding that they don't need to replace the original sash windows they have installed despite damage or wear from time and weather There are companies that specialize in restoring and repairing these types of windows usually without having to remove the frames. And the end result can have a window that looks brand new.
You don't need to buy an older home to have sash windows anymore, there are many different designs you can now choose from to give your home a certain charm. Whether you have a new home or not, replacing traditional windows with these type will add something special the beauty of your home.
