Green Investing Today

The origins of the sash window are believed to be in England in the 1670′s. This style of window and method of operation has retained its popularity since that era, both in restoration of historic homes and in new construction.

A sash refers to a panel of glass (or today it could be plastic) that is set as one or more panes of material into a frame which slides up and down, or side to side, to open a room to the outside or shield its interior from the weather.

Those who understand the principles of a sash window will see that many of Hooke’s other studies may have contributed to his invention of a moving panel of glass that could slide up or down or sideways to open a room to the outside air. Encasing one or more sashes in a frame equipped with a weight and pulley system to keep the sash opened to a set height resulted in the attractive and convenient sash window.

One of the earliest known houses to install the innovative designs was the Ham house, an ancestral home updated in the 1670s by the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale. This property has been owned by the National Trust since 1948 and used in many films.

New houses have this style of window as well, although the materials may be more modern. Either soft or hard wood is still seen in many houses, since it gives a traditional look and is a good insulator. Modern commercial buildings and cement block houses may have more informal vinyl or metal windows, often using aluminum which does not rot or corrode. Another durable material is fiberglass, which has the advantage of expanding and contracting the same as the glass panes. It is stronger than vinyl or aluminum, neither rots or corrodes, may be painted, and has a higher insulation rating than metal or plastic.

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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