Sash Windows
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| Other Names | |
|---|---|
| Replacement Sash Window | |
| Description: | |
| Window built with moveable panels, called "sashes" which form a frame that holds a glass pane |
Contents |
Sash Window
A sash window is a window frame which holds panes of glass. These panes move within the frame, either vertically or horizontally. Sash windows generally refer to casement windows (including awning and hopper windows), sliding windows or single hung or double hung windows. Replacement sash windows may be installed as single units, be placed side-by-side next to other sash window units or be installed as part of a group of windows that includes different types of windows. Sash windows provide a maximum face opening which allows for ventilation of anywhere from one-half of the total window area to the entire window area. Depending on the window's operation, each sash includes springs, counterweights and weatherstripping to hold it in place.
Advantages
Homeowners turn to replacement sash windows when they are considering their options for new windows during a remodeling project for a number of reasons. Sash windows provide efficient venting of a room and, for vertical sash windows, draw in cool air from the bottom opening while allowing warm air at the top of the room to escape. There are also a variety of possibilities to move the sashes within the frame which give the homeowner the opportunity to clean both the inside and outside panes of each side of the window.
Placement
Sash windows are a suitable replacement window option for many rooms including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, family rooms and dining rooms. Special garden sash windows may be installed in an open area such as a conservatory, porch, pool room or garden room. Different types of sash windows may be included as part of a window grouping which is comprised of both picture windows and sash windows. The replacement sash windows in a window grouping may be placed in-between the fixed frames, on the outside of the picture window or above or below picture windows or other sash windows. Sash windows are also a popular window option for loft and attic windows and can serve as egress exit windows for basement bedrooms and other areas which require an emergency exit window.
Operation
Homeowners must review the size and shape of the window opening when considering the type of sash window that they want to install. Additional considerations involve the window's purpose, the home design -- both interior and exterior design -- and the placement of the window in relation to surrounding windows.
Sizes and Shapes
Sash windows are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes including small windows from 18 inches in length or width to nearly four feet in width or length.
Sash windows come in traditional squares and rectangles as well as in rounds, ovals, hexagons and octagon. Homeowners can find a standard size and shape replacement sash window to fit most openings or, for an additional add-on price, may custom order a window for a hard-to-fit wall opening.
Considerations
A major consideration relating to the question of when to purchase a sash window and when to purchase a fixed window may center on the window's price. Sash windows are a more expensive window option because the operating hardware adds to the price. Many homeowners install a fixed window whenever possible to reduce the cost of replacing windows.
If the window is needed for ventilation purposes, a sash window is the only option because it offers the needed venting. Replacement windows which are installed in areas in which there is already sufficient ventilation may be replaced with a picture window for cost efficiency.
A further consideration regarding sash windows involves the window's thermal resistance. Operating windows, by design, are susceptible to leakage and heat transfer. However, with proper framing materials and glazing, a sash window can offer the same energy efficiency as that which a fixed window can provide.
Framing Materials
When choosing a replacement window a homeowner will want to select the most durable and energy efficient framing material in order to ensure that the window will provide a cost-efficient window alternative. The window's purchase price is one consideration but as better sash windows become available, homeowners are increasingly aware that a modest savings during the initial purchase of the window can end up costing two, three or four times that amount in added maintenance and energy costs over the lifetime of the window.
Replacement sash windows are rated with a U-Rating, an industry standard which judges the thermal insulating capability of a window. The U-Rating is based on the window's ability to withstand the weather's elements and provide thermal insulation. The U-Rating is determined by the National Fenestration Rating Council which judges the energy performance for windows which are sold worldwide. The U-Rating is accepted by governments and manufacturers throughout the world. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that windows that have a U-Rating of 30 or under can save a homeowner between 7 and 15 percent annually in reduced energy costs.
Tax rebates, both on a local and national level, provide financial assistance to homeowners who want to buy well-insulated replacement sash windows. These incentives offer an additional cost reduction over the energy savings. The United States Department of Energy estimates that low U-Rated windows allow homeowners to recoup the added cost of an energy efficient replacement sash window's purchase through saved energy costs within four years of purchase.
The framing material is a major factor in a sash window's durability and energy efficiency and is a central aspect of a window's U-Rating. Replacement sash windows which are produced with a quality framing materials have better insulation which will prevent leakage and heat transfer and will keep energy costs low.
Framing materials for replacement sash windows include vinyl, fiberglass, wood/wood clad, composite and aluminum.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows are sturdy and durable. They are a relatively inexpensive, energy efficient window alternative. Vinyl windows with heat-welded joints offer superior resistance to temperature stress over mechanically joined frames because the heat-welded joints stiffen the frames. Vinyl windows are maintenance free though a homeowner may paint the window if he chooses. Vinyl frames do not corrode.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass window sash framing material offers good value for the expenditure. Fiberglass windows are a more expensive framing material but are known for being strong and durable with no incidences of cracking, warping or corroding due to weather elements. Fiberglass frames do not expand or contract with weather extremes -- actions which can cause stress on the sash's seals and panes. Fiberglass windows do not require maintenance but can be painted if so desired.
Aluminum
Aluminum replacement sash windows are a popular window choice because they are less expensive than other window options. They are durable and long-lasting. Due to the fact that aluminum conducts cold and heat it has been, in the past, a poor thermal insulator. Modern aluminum replacement sash windows have thermal breaks which separate the interior and exterior surfaces of the sash, improving its energy efficiency. Aluminum frames resist deterioration because the baked-on or anodized finishes protect the frame. Aluminum sash windows compliment a variety of architectural designs.
Wood/Wood Clad Windows
Many homeowners appreciate the look of wood windows which compliment both traditional and contemporary home designs. While wood frames are an excellent insulator for replacement sash windows they require yearly maintenance, in the form of painting or varnishing, to prevent rot and warping. The need for yearly maintenance can deter potential buyers. An option which offers the attractive look of a wood interior frame together with a weather resistant exterior is aluminum clad sash windows. Aluminum cladding is applied to the window frame's exterior to increase thermal resistance and provide protection for the window from the weather's elements. In addition, the option of aluminum cladding offers an elegant wood interior frame in conjunction with a protective exterior.
Composite
Composite sash windows are a new window framing option which utilize a composite material created from plastic resins and chemically-bonded blends of wood. One of the most popular composite window materials involves recycled plastic blended with wood chips. Composite replacement sash windows are a new addition to the window market so there is no long-term study of the windows' durability but increasing numbers of homeowners report positive experiences with the composite frames which do not corrode, deteriorate or require maintenance.
Glazing
The glazing options for a replacement sash window will compliment the framing material and produce a window with good thermal insulation. Proper glazing of a replacement sash window creates an energy-efficient window which blocks heat transfer and other weather elements.
Glazing options also include different textures, colors, cleaning options and window strengths.
Strengthened Glass
Glass for replacement sash windows is available as laminated or tempered glazing. These safety glass alternatives can prevent burglaries while offering an additional safety measure which to protect young children from being hurt if they crash into a window. Safety glass options are dependent on the window's location.
Self-Cleaning Glass
Homeowners who position a replacement sash window in a hard-to-reach area may wish to order a self-cleaning window. A self-cleaning window allows water and cleaning materials to roll off the window, automatically cleaning it. Replacement sash windows which are installed in lofts and gables can benefit from a self-cleaning option.
Glass Colors and Patterns
Replacement sash windows may be ordered with clouded or tinted glass including patterned glass or bronze, blue or brown glass panels. A homeowner may want to consider such privacy glass for a basement bedroom window or a bathroom window. Patterned or textured glass is available in a wide range of designs.
Multi-Panes
Multi-pane replacement sash windows are available with double or triple panes of glass. The air between the glass panes acts as an insulator. Specific window manufacturers offer the option to insulate the gap between the panes with an insulating gas such as argon or krypton gas. Multi-pane windows increase resistance to heat transfer and enhance the level of thermal insulation of the replacement sash window. Industry observers suggest that homeowners who are renovating in an extreme climate consider a triple-pane window.
Low E
The Low-E (low-emissivity) coating is applied to a replacement sash window while the window is still in the factory. It is offered by many window manufacturers who recommend the option for sun-facing windows. Low-E is an invisible microscopically thin metallic coating which suppresses the sun's radiative heat flow, thus reducing the window's U-Rating. As it blocks a portion of radiant heat transfer it lowers the total heat flow that enters a room. The Low-E coating can also help protect furnishings in a sun-facing room from experiencing fading due to the sun's rays. Homeowners can choose the level of Low-E coating for their windows which meets their home's needs, depending on the climate in which they live. Low-E coating options include Low-E coating for a low solar gain, Low-E for a moderate solar gain or Low-E for a high solar gain.
Accessories
Available accessories for replacement sash windows include screens, grilles and hardware.
Screens
All operating replacement sash windows include screens as part of the window order. The placement of the screen depends on the operation of the window. Single-hung and double-hung sash windows, sliding windows and inward swinging casement windows -- including inward swinging awning and hopper windows -- require screens which clip onto the outside of the window frame. Outward swinging casement windows have screens which clip onto the inside of the window frame.
Clip-on screens can be easily removed for cleaning purposes.
Grilles
There are a variety of grille designs which compliment replacement sash windows. These grilles may be custom-ordered to fit inside the two panes of a multi-pane window or as clip-on grilles which clip in and out of the sash. Frame options include colonial, diamond, classic, cathedral, cottage, prairie, trellis, checked, Victorian and traditional.
Clip-on grilles may be removed for cleaning purposes.
Hardware
Standard hardware for replacement sash windows includes locks, cranks and handles, with the type of hardware provided which meets the operating needs of the replacement sash window. Homeowners may request an upgrade to bronze or brass hardware if they wish.