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Windows are your “eyes” to the outside world. They let in the light and, when open, the fresh air and breeze. We generally distinguish between sash windows and casement windows, but there are different types of windows in both categories. Sash windows have their own special charm, and in this article, we’ll expand on the different types of sash windows out there.
What is a Sash Window?
Sash windows slide up and down, whereas casement windows open outwards. History lovers might like to know that casement windows were first on the scene, with sash windows gaining popularity in the 17th century.
Different Sash Window Styles
Sash window styles often indicate the period during which a house was built. That could be important if you’re hoping to maintain the authenticity of an older building or hope to emulate it.
Queen Anne Style Sash Windows
The older the sash window, the smaller the panes. During this early eighteenth century period, windows consisted of a combination of small panes of glass. The upper or lower panes may have had curved tops, and coloured glass was often used. Often, the lower panes were larger than the upper panes, and the glazing bars were used to create striking patterns.
Georgian Style Sash Windows
During the Georgian era, slightly larger panes of glass were the most practical and attractive solution. As a result, Georgian sash windows often had six lower panes, and six upper panes with glazing bars to hold each pane in place. Bigger windows may have had an eight-over-twelve configuration while smaller ones would have a three-over-three pane style. And, there were several variations including three-over-six, twelve-over-twelve, and so on.
Victorian Sash Windows
As technology advanced, larger individual panes of glass became the norm. The same window opening that would previously have required a six-over-six pane structure became a two-over-two window. In other words, there were two upper panes and two lower panes. Of course, there were variations on the theme. For example, three-over-three pane windows. And, for those who were into cutting-edge design, one-over-one pane sash windows.
Edwardian Types of Sash Window
Glass panes kept getting bigger, with the Edwardian era popularising the six pane upper sash above a two pane lower sash. The upper sash could have had fewer panes, but the overall look was considered attractive, and the “influencers” of the day adopted it with enthusiasm. Again, there were several permutations, all of which took advantage of the option for larger panes of glass.
Bay Sash Windows
Bay sash windows, which had been around for some time, also became popular during this era. They added light by increasing surface area, with the windows built out from the main structure. Narrow windows with a one pane over one pane design became more common. Bay windows often harked back to the Victorian era - and box bay windows, built out squarely, and canted bay windows with a three-sided structure were also a style statement. There were several other variants, including oriel windows - another reflection of earlier bay window styles that gained wider adoption during this time.
With growing affluence, Venetian style sash windows, topped with an arch and first seen in the 16th century, also became a trend that more people could afford.
Types of Sash Window Mechanism
Just as there are many different types of sash windows, there are different types of sash window mechanisms used to operate them. Sliding sashes that were balanced using a counterweight are among the oldest forms of sash window mechanism. They’re still around today, and consist of a pulley to open the window, coupled by counterweights that make the task easier.
More recently, sash window mechanisms are made less cumbersome by using springs. They’re easier to install and operate while maintaining the original appearance of the sash window.
Overcoming the Disadvantages of Sash Windows
The top disadvantage of sash windows is that they tend to stick if the wooden frames become swollen or warped. Maintaining traditional wooden sash window frames so that they continue to slide up and down smoothly can be hard work. And, although aluminium frames are available, they are less attractive, and the metal can corrode.
Overcoming this problem, modern engineered materials look like wood, but aren’t as sensitive to the elements. Plus, they can be used as a layer covering steel–reinforced frames and window sashes.
This brings us to our final discussion point. In a world where law-abiding citizens must consider everything from burglary to civil unrest when securing their homes, how secure can sash windows be?
Security and Sash Windows
Sash windows are notoriously less secure than casement windows. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right locking mechanisms, even a window that has been left ajar can be difficult to open further. And, there are other refinements you can implement. For example, multipoint locking systems that engage with metal-reinforced window frames can make sash windows all-but-impossible to force open.
The glass itself can be far more high-tech than it seems at a glance. It can be soundproof, energy efficient, and it can resist blunt-force attacks. You can go even further and choose bullet-proof glass. Retrofitting an old sash window might not be effective, but bespoke versions, using modern materials, can maintain the authentic appearance of a building while enhancing security.
If you’d like to know more about security sash windows, made in the UK to your specifications, contact Stronghold Security Doors. Yes, we do windows too! Enhancing the beauty of your home while upgrading its security is just a phone call or email away.
