Grand Opening

1st December 2012

My most apt description of a sash window is a traditional window that can be opened from the bottom up or the top down. The typical sash window has both an upper and lower sash that utilises a sliding mechanism and has a movable casing that holds the glass panes in place.

The word itself refers to the style of a sash: up and down movement of two sashes, one front, the other behind.

A traditional sash window is also counterbalanced by weights on cords over pulleys.

Unlike the traditional side opening windows, the double glazed sash windows have many benefits. Many homeowners have always preferred the traditional look of sashes and also the fringe benefits afforded by them including:

Extra security especially for buildings, particularly ground floor apartments: The double glazed windows are especially safe because the latches are on the inside and people can be assured of airtight security. Additionally, the bottom sash is made of reinforced safety glass that is tough to smash.
Airflow benefits: The double glazed sash windows were made with the English climate in mind and draught proofing in sash windows is a big advantage. The sashes utilise the convection current theory; warm air rises as cold air replaces it. Therefore, the warm air leaves a home through the upper aperture while the cool breeze enters through the lower aperture.
Saves money on bills: Due to the improved airflow benefits that the double glazed sash windows provide, homeowners can save on energy bills through natural thermoregulation. This is in terms of heating, ventilation and air conditioning bills.
Eliminates draughts: Sash windows are also draught proofed with a sealing system that keeps unwanted cold breezes at bay. This is because the double glazed windows are sealed to reduce the air changes significantly from around 3 air changes per hour to 0.7 air changes per hour.
Sound proofing: Double glazed sash windows have a gap between the pains of glass that is approximately 25 – 35% of the total window depth. This achieves an improvement in sound insulation as sound cannot vibrate effectively through air as solids. In addition, the glass used reflects sound.

Easy to open and close: The sash windows have vertical sliding panes that open and close through opposing action. Well-fitted sash windows should be light to slide – unlike some poorly maintained sash windows of the very heavy windows that have suffered from a lack of maintenance.

So, there’s the grand opening of sash windows. Home buyers will always appreciate the splendour of the traditional wooden sash window appeal. That is why traditional wooden sash windows are becoming more and more popular among Surrey homeowners and why The Specialists in Traditional Sash Windows are quickly becoming the supplier of choice.