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 have been around for centuries and have been attributed to Robert Hooke, an English inventor and scientists. The oldest known windows were installed in England in the 1670′s, but one appears in a painting, The Milkmaid by Vermeer, which is dated 1658. Their design and versatility makes them a popular choice still today in homes, especially those who like a Georgian or Victorian look to their home.
The concept behind these types of windows is that they have moving sections or panels. And, those may slide horizontally, vertically or if the window is decorative, not at all. You can still find some of the classic six over six designs, which are three panes of glass across by two down on each section. But you can also find a variety of other designs also, like single panes for each sash or multiples panes on one panel and a single on the other. They now come in a variety of shapes, designs and sizes to choose from.
For these to work, the weight of the glass panels is balanced out by a counter-weight of some sort and that is then concealed within the frame of the window. And, then this weight is connected to the window by a cord or chain, called a sash cord, and it runs over a pulley that is located at the top of the frame. So whenever the window is opened, this cord is pulling or directing the sash that is moving along the right trajectory.
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.
Older homes today still have these types of windows, but they may be damaged or broken. A specialist company can have a look at them, letting you know what can be done. They normally can restore and repair these windows without having to replace the whole frame, making them look as good as 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.
Find complete details and information on how a sash window company can elevate the beauty of your home today! When you work with the professionals at sash window restoration London, you will be able to get the work you need completed fast and easy!
July 5, 2010 by James Pitt