Good to know

Parts that make up a Sash Window.

1. Top Rail: The top horizontal framing member of a sash. Rebated (SEE GLAZING BAR) on the outside.

2. Box Frame: Sometimes referred to as a ‘jamb’, the main box frame consists of three TIMBER LININGS.

3. Sash Cord: The waxed type is best- it runs over the PULLEY WHEEL and holds the WEIGHTS. Spiral Balancers are an alternative.

4. Weight Pocket: The WEIGHTS hang in the pockets created by the TIMBER LININGS on each side of the window.

5. Parting Bead: A long, narrow vertical seal that fits in the BOX FRAME to form separate channels for the upper and lower sashes to run in, and holds the top sash in place.

6.Staff Bead: A moulded piece of timber made up of four sections, pinned around the BOX FRAME, which aids airtightness when draught proofed and also holds the bottom sash in place.

7. Meeting Bars/Rails: The horizontal framing members which meet the two sashes together in the middle. Their adjoining faces are bevelled so they close together tightly.

8. Stile: Vertical side framing member of a sash — there is one each side.

9. Apron: A decorative panel or cladding beneath the window. Not on all sash boxes.

10. Box Cill: A horizontal bottom section of the frame fitted internally at the base of the sashes. Shaped so that water flows away to the outside.

11. Bottom Rail: The bottom horizontal framing member of a sash.

12. Weight: A pair of lead weights hung on the SASH CORD counterbalance each sliding sash. The sash and weights must weigh the same.

13. Wag Tail: A strip of timber inside the BOX FRAME that separates the WEIGHTS. Also known as a ‘parting slip’.

14. Timber Linings: The sections that form the casings of the BOX FRAME – which must be hollow to house the WEIGHTS – are made in three parts: the ‘outer’, ‘inner’ and ‘pulley’ linings.

15. Pulley Wheel: A pulley mortised into the top of the PULLEY LINING; the SASH CORD passes over it to counterbalance the WEIGHTS.

16. Glazing Bar: A vertical or horizontal framing member that divides the panes within the STILES and RAILS. Each rebated – a cut which forms a groove – to hold the single-paned glazing or on replacement bars double glazing. Georgian sash windows have ‘six over six’ panes, but other configurations are common across London.

17. Soffit Lining: The windows head is made up of the main inner and outer TIMBER LININGS as well as a separate soffit lining; glued triangular blocks provide strength.

If you would like any further information on the above or if there is something that you don’t understand please feel free to call or email us- we are here to help!