The sash window, or a window that slides open and closed either horizontally or vertically rather than a casement window which functions on hinges, is most common in older British and American styles of architecture. While there are still many examples of them and we know they were quite popular a few centuries ago, the origins of the sash window are a little cloudy.

It is believed that the design first came into existence either in France or Holland, but England mad the most use out of the window, which functions on a set of strings or balances and is made different from casement windows, which use hinges. By the seventeenth century the windows were fashionable in both England and its colonies in the Americas and was considered a status symbol.

The sash window is most commonly known today as a window with separate panes that slides open vertically by moving the bottom pane up and down, but it also refers to a window sliding horizontally, which was probably the original design of the window before the vertical design became more popular.

The oldest existing windows are found in the Ham House in Great Britain and they were put into place in the 1670s. However there are earlier mentions to the windows which can be found the 1658 Vermeer painting of the Milkmaid and the writings of an Brit in 1589 where he refers to them.

The windows weren’t regularly used, however, until the late 17th century and by the 20th century they were the most commonly found window in both Great Britain and the States. At that point in time, however, they were not so stylish as they once had been. They were most popular during the Georgian period of architecture.

A window of two glass panels by three glass panels in each of two sashes is the most typically seen design. It’s not the only one, however; there are many variations of the model. One common way to refer to them in the United States is the “double hung sash” which refers to two mobile panels in the window both being able to slide to open and close the window. A single hung sash has one static sash and one mobile one. In some instances of very high windows, you’ll find triple or quadruple sashes.

The origins of the sash window aren’t exactly known but we know they date back to common use in England in the mid seventeenth century. They’ve been around for many centuries, and their functionality and beauty can still be seen today.

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The origins of the sash window are generally thought to be in England, since there the earliest examples were seen in elegant houses. Windows, designed to let in light while shutting out the elements, were formerly fixed panels or casement windows, which were hinged at the sides, pushed outward to open and pulled in and latched to close.

Inventor and scientist Robert Hooke is credited with the invention. Hooke coined the term ‘cell’ for a basic unit of life observed under the early microscopes, developed many theories about gravity and the movement of heavenly bodies, designed many prominent buildings in London, developed a balance spring that replaced the pendulum in time keeping and ushered in the watch, and studied the physical properties of glass.

It is easy to match the sash window with the interests of this industrious man, who was very influential in the rebuilding of London after the Great fire of 1666 and was also the architect of some principal buildings. This style consists of one or more movable panels, with a weight, cord, and pulley system to defy the pull of gravity, and a framework of muntins, or wooden strips, to allow small panes of glass to be united in a panel, or sash.

Over time, sash windows made of wood will loosen in their frames, as continual opening and shutting wears the jambs and tracks, and the wood itself expands and contracts with the changing seasonal temperatures and shows the effects of weather. Older windows may rattle in the wind and let air leak in or out around the joints. They also may refuse to open as paint builds up in the seams, or refuse to stay pushed up when the sash cords get brittle and break with age.

Glazing is simply a term for a transparent panel, so single glazing is using one layer of glass (or in modern times plastic) which may consist of many panes in a framework of wooden strips called muntins. Double glazed windows consist of two panels in a frame, with an air layer in between for extra insulation from temperature and noise.

Newer materials include soft and hard wood, vinyl, metal such as non-corroding aluminum, and fiberglass. All of these materials have variations in insulating factors (wood is best, followed by fiberglass), durability (wood will rot if not kept sealed from moisture, although proper care will extend its life practically indefinitely), and strength.

The origins of the sash window in England may account for its popularity in other areas which were once English colonies.

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Some people may wonder what the origins of the sash window are. First of all, what are they? They are made up of panels of glass that can be moved, and are separated into panes. The glazed panels are referred to as sashes. Another name for them is also the hung sash.

There are different varieties according to the way they slide open. Opening horizontally is called the Yorkshire type. If it opens vertically then it’s just the regular type.

The weight of it needs to be balanced. There can be a heavy iron, lead, or steel weight placed inside the frame. A sash weight can also be applied to balance the weight of the panes. Without this balance, the window will not slide open.

The usual number of panes in each frame is nine. There are three rows of three, or sometimes six panes total which are two rows of three. This can vary greatly depending on the style of the home. A type of rope or chain is used to open it by attaching it to the frame and to the top of the panes.

They are most commonly seen in Victorian houses, and also Georgian. They are said to have been designed by Englishman Robert Hooke. He was a well renowned scientist and inventor. The oldest known installed version dates back to the year 1670.

The material used is typically a soft wood, which is flexible enough to mold the slats and frame. The wood is usually single glazed but can be double glazed as well. An average of four feet is a standard width for this type, but can vary just like the number of panes to suit the needs and style of the person’s home.

Knowing the origins of the sash window and how it functions can help one understand it’s advantages and also it’s disadvantages. By efficiently cooling rooms, money can be saved on power bills. The dual openings allow hot air to escape the top, and cool air to enter the bottom. They are very easy to clean as well, and both sides can be washed without leaving the room. The dual sliding panes make it easy to wipe the outside as well as the inside. There are a couple drawbacks however. The natural soft wood is known to rot easily, which often results in rattling panes. Air can seep in as well once the wood is warped. Most builders find them to be hard to maintain, but with a little know how, they can be cared for and look great on any home.

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