Photo Courtesy of Soft-Lite Windows
There is some confusion around exactly what a window sash is and isn’t. Most simply, it’s the part of the window that holds the glass in the frame and it moves. It’s one of the most important parts of any window that opens and closes. Some windows have one sash and others have two.
Double hung windows have two window sash or sashes (depending who you ask sash can be singular or plural). If both sides of your sliding window move then it has two as well. Single hung windows and casement windows always have one only sash.
Why is a Well-Made Window Sash Important?
Think about other parts of your home. The parts that move are more likely to break and the same holds true for your windows. If your window sash isn’t quality, then it’s not going to hold up to repeated openings and closings.
Cheaply made windows don’t often have well sealed window sashes. This leads to windows that aren’t as energy efficient as ones with a quality sash. You may even end up with water leakage or condensation with a poorly made window sash. It also can make it easier for someone to break in through a window without actually causing visible damage.
What Makes a Quality Sash?
When looking at replacement windows for your home or business, find out about the construction of the window, especially the sash. Welded sashes are more durable than those screwed together. Of course, vinyl conducts less cold or heat than aluminum windows which benefits homeowners in central Indiana. You also want the sash meeting rail (where either two sashes come together or the sash meets the non-moving window) to include a quality lock and weather stripping.
Although comparing different brand window’s air infiltration isn’t a guarantee that you’ve found a quality window sash, it’s a very good indicator. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association® has set the industry standard to .30 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air leakage as acceptable. That is just over 2 gallons of air per minute. Choosing a window with a lower air leakage generally means a better window sash.
Blair Windows offers windows from several high-quality manufacturers including Soft-Lite. Their Pro Series windows have an air leakage rating of .07CFM. Less leakage means better energy savings. If you’d like to learn more about their windows or any of the other replacement window brands we offer, call us today at (317) 356-4666 or fill out our contact form and we’ll schedule a free consultation.
