Throwing up a sash is not just some line Clement Moore said in his ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’, it was actually something people did back in that time and still do today. In fact, every time you open up your sash windows, you are throwing up a sash or the moveable part of the window, but you may call it opening a window.

These are not anything new to the window industry; sash windows have been made and used for centuries now. Having been attributed to an English scientist and inventor, Robert Hooke, the oldest known windows of this type were installed in the 1670′s in England. There is one that appears in a painting, The Milkmaid by Vermeer, dated back to 1658. Although common in Georgian and Victorian homes, they have found themselves in modern homes of today and are still popular.

The concept behind these types of windows is that they have moving sections or panels. And, those may slide horizontally, vertically or if the window is decorative, not at all. You can still find some of the classic six over six designs, which are three panes of glass across by two down on each section. But you can also find a variety of other designs also, like single panes for each sash or multiples panes on one panel and a single on the other. They now come in a variety of shapes, designs and sizes to choose from.

Basically, these work by having the weight of the glass panels counter-balanced by a type of weight that is hidden within the frame of the window. This weight is then connected to the window using a chain or cord, commonly called the sash cord.

That cord will then go over a pulley which is at the top of the frame, which helps to keep the window on track when you open as the cord pulls and acts as the guide.

The benefit of a window that has two moving panels is that they can be very effective in cooling the house during warm and hot weather. Opening the tops and bottom of a vertical window helps to let the hot air escape out the top and the cooler air to enter through the bottom. Another advantage to two moving panels is that they slide in different directions, making it easier to clean from inside the home.

People with older homes are finding that they don’t need to replace the original sash windows they have installed despite damage or wear from time and weather There are companies that specialize in restoring and repairing these types of windows usually without having to remove the frames. And the end result can have a window that looks brand new.

You don’t need to buy an older home to have sash windows anymore, there are many different designs you can now choose from to give your home a certain charm. Whether you have a new home or not, replacing traditional windows with these type will add something special the beauty of your home.