Read our handy guide to the various parts of sash windows, both exterior and interior, and the professional jargon associated with each.
Sash windows, a common architectural feature in homes and buildings, have a unique design and structure, contributing to their elegance and functionality. Their intricate construction involves various parts, each with a specific role in the window's operation and aesthetics. Understanding these components and the terminology professionals use can be immensely helpful whether you're looking to maintain, repair, or simply appreciate the beauty of your sash windows.
The following guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of these parts, divided into exterior and interior components, for easier understanding.
Exterior parts
Outside Lining: This is the outermost layer of the window frame. It helps protect the window from external elements and also provides a finished look to the window.
Glazing: The glazing is the glass part of the window. In the context of sash windows, it can either be single or double-glazed, which refers to the number of panes of glass used.
Horn (or Joggle): The horn is a projection on the top or bottom of the upper sash. Traditionally, it was designed to strengthen the joints of the window. However, it's often more about aesthetics than functionality in modern windows.
Bottom Rail: This is the lowest horizontal piece of the sash window frame. It holds the bottom of the glazing in place and provides a surface for the window to sit on when closed.
External Sill: The external sill, also known as the window ledge, is the flat piece at the bottom of the window on the outside. It's sloped outward to shed water away from the building and protect the wall below.
Interior Parts
Top Rail: This is the uppermost horizontal piece of the window frame. It caps off the top of the window and holds the upper part of the glazing.
Architrave: The architrave is a decorative moulding around the window. It covers the joint between the wall and the window frame, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the window.
Staff Bead: This is a thin strip of moulding that runs along the inside of the window frame. It holds the lower sash in place and provides a neat finish to the inside of the window.
Meeting Rail: The meeting rails are the middle horizontal parts of the upper and lower sashes that meet when the window is closed. They are critical in ensuring the window is air and watertight.
Inside Lining: This is the inner frame of the window, which provides additional insulation and support for the window sashes.
Sash Stile: The stiles are the vertical parts of the window sash. They provide structural support and hold the glazing in place. In a sash window, you have an outer and inner stile on each sash.
Window Nosing: Nosing is the decorative moulding around the edges of the window sash. It adds an aesthetic appeal to the window and can come in various designs.
Internal Sill: This is the flat, horizontal surface at the bottom of the window on the inside. It's the counterpart to the external sill and can also be used as a shelf for plants, decor, or other items.
Although the above list may suggest otherwise, we strongly believe a sash window is more than just a structural element in a building. It is a complex assembly of meticulously crafted parts, each playing its role in the window's functionality, security, and aesthetic value.
Knowing the professional jargon associated with these parts not only helps you communicate effectively with professionals but also empowers you to take better care of your sash windows. This deeper understanding can enhance your appreciation of these timeless architectural features and their intricate design.
