A sliding sash window is made up of two sashes, an upper and a lower, that slide vertically past each other within a box frame. Traditionally the sashes are balanced by weights concealed inside the frame and connected by cords or chains, though a spring or spiral balance system is often used instead today. The style has been a feature of British homes since the 17th century and remains closely associated with Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Box frame: the outer frame that houses the sashes and, on a traditional weighted window, the concealed weights.
Sashes: the upper and lower moving panels that hold the glass, jointed with mortice and tenon construction.
Meeting rail: the horizontal rail where the upper and lower sashes meet when closed.
Sash horns: the decorative extensions at the base of the upper sash, typically seen on Victorian and later designs.
Glazing bars: the narrow timber bars dividing the glass into individual panes.
Staff bead and parting bead: the timber mouldings that guide the sashes as they slide and hold them within the frame.
Sill: the horizontal timber at the base of the frame that sheds water away from the window.
The tall, vertical proportions and fine glazing bars give sash windows a distinctive period character, well suited to Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties, though they work equally well in a contemporary setting. Because the sashes slide rather than swing open, they don’t intrude into a room or onto a path or terrace outside, and both sashes can be opened together for effective ventilation at the top and bottom of the window.
If you need an exact match to existing period frames, or something unusual, that’s where our joiners do their best work. But we also supply sash windows to standard sizes for straightforward replacements and new builds, and price that work competitively, not just bespoke commissions. Everything is made at our factory in Chester, and you deal directly with the people building your windows from your first enquiry through to fitting.
Get a free quotation: 01244 371571 · enquiries@parryjoinery.co.uk
