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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