What are the parts of a sash window called?

Sash windows are a great choice when it comes to choosing what kind of window you would like for your home, and for many lucky people, they might be moving into a home or already live in a home that has sash windows.

There are many parts involved in a sash window so if you are thinking about getting sash windows or already have them and you would like to know more about them then here you go.

The first thing to know is, when and where did they originate from? It is believed that they originally came from mainland Europe from countries such as France and then after the Great Fire of London in the 17th Century they came into fashion in the UK among the aristocracy. 

Next is, why are they called sash windows? Well, the name comes from the name that was given to the frame that contains the panes of glass; the frame parts are called sashes.

How they work is that the window will typically have one or more of these sashes that can be moved so as to open the window without the use of a hinge. 

So, when it comes to the parts of a sash window you first have at least one sash and then the outer box frame that contains them all in place. 

There will also be a cord and counterbalance. This is how when the window is opened it stays open. Basically, when you open or close the window the cord will pull on the counterbalance (that needs to weigh the same as the sash) the cord then acts as a pulley system to allow the window to freely open and close, all of this is contained within the outer box frame. 

A sash window will also have a seal around the box frame and between the top and bottom sashes, what this allows the sashes to do is move freely without being impeded, it basically creates a channel for them to slide through, this is called beading.

This beading today is also typically used as a draft excluder as well as a way to keep moisture out.

The window will also usually (but not always) have a window sill on the outside, inside, or both sides of the window. This is usually a decorative addition so isn’t always required to be there. 

Also, there might sometimes be sash window safety restrictors and what they do is control how far the window can be opened; as expected they are used for safety reasons, usually so that a baby or small child doesn’t have an accident with the window.

Sometimes there might also be an Astragal bar or a Georgian bar. Nowadays glass is manufactured so cheaply that there is no need to have individual panes in the window, instead going with one full sheet of glass. Many people though are looking for that traditional look as if there are individual panes of glass 

What an Astragal bar would do is go on top of the sheet of glass on the inside and the outside sheet to give the appearance that there are separate panes. 

A Georgian bar is very similar but it would go in between the glass, not on the outside.

Now you know all about sash windows. 

Sash windows are a great addition to many homes but sometimes it's nice to know the specifics surrounding a feature in your home.