A traditional sash window
A sash window is a style of window often associated with period properties. It usually comprises of at least one movable panel referred to as a sash. The sash being a frame containing glass panels. Several panes of glass may be used to form the panel. They were first used in England in the 17th century and are commonly seen in houses from the Georgian and Victorian eras.
To help in opening the window, a counter weight contained in the window frame, balances the weight of the window pain and moves up and down via a cord and pulley system to hold the window in place at the desired position.
The traditional sliding sash-window is still a familiar feature of British property. Their place in our heritage dates back to the end of the sixteenth century.
Sliding sash windows can be dated visually, with Georgian sashes made up of lots of panes of glass, into Victorian sashes divided by single glazing bars or no glazing bars and horn details.
Edwardian sashes encouraged a return to Georgian elegance on a grand scale, large floor to ceiling windows, with multiple paned glass arrangements in the top sash. Of course, leaded lights, or stained glass, made their appearance in the Edwardian sash window, bringing about many beautiful colourfully lined streets.
Streets such as St John’s Street in Chester city centre offer many examples of a Chester sash window and it is estimated these houses were built between 1770 and 1830. They are now part of the Castlefield Conservation area.
Modern sash windows are available and they can also be retrofitted with double glazing to bring them up to modern standards of heat and noise insulation without ruining their outward appearance.
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