The window sash is the panel of material that holds the window glass and sits inside the window frame. In double-hung windows, both sashes slide up and down in the frame. In casement windows, the sash swings outward as the window opens. While the sash is an often-overlooked part of a window, it has several important roles, and therefore you should put some thought into the sashes on the replacement windows you choose for your Michigan home. Here’s a closer look at this important window component.
Your window sash is more than a picture frame for the views you see outside your window. It also plays the following roles:
A sash that clings tightly to the glass prevents air from flowing in between the glass and the sash material. One reason why older windows lose their energy efficiency is that older wooden sashes become warped and begin letting air seep in.
The right window sash is a good insulator. In other words, it does not allow a lot of heat to pass through it directly. In the summer, an efficient window sash leads to lower cooling bills, and in the winter, it keeps your heating bills in check.
Your window sashes can serve as an accent to your decor. If you choose a darker color, for instance, you can create contrast between the dark sash and a lighter-colored frame. Then, you can use that same darker color as an accent color throughout your home, such as in throw pillows and tabletop decorations.
A sash in good condition makes your windows easy to operate. In a double-hung window, for instance, the sash should slide smoothly in the frame so you don’t have to pull on the window too hard in order to open it. As older wooden sashes age, they tend to become rough, and this makes the window harder and harder to open and close.
A good sash makes for a good window. You want a sash material that is an effective insulator, does not become rough and worn over time, and resists warping when exposed to temperature changes and moisture. Fibrex® from Renewal by Andersen is a good option that meets all of these criteria. It is also an eco-friendly choice as it is made with wood fibers left over from manufacturing processes. Fibrex comes in an array of colors, and it does not need to be scraped, stripped, or re-stained like real wood does.
You also want to keep the thickness of your sashes in mind. While they do provide a nice accent, sashes that are too thick take away from the view outside of your window and also inhibit the flow of sunlight into your home. Fibrex sashes are thinner than the average sash, due to the strength of the material. The check rails, which are the pieces of the sash that run along the top of the bottom portion of a double-hung window, come in two styles. Contemporary check rails are rounded on top, whereas traditional ones are more angular.
To learn more about our sash material and for help choosing the windows that are best for your Michigan home, contact Renewal by Andersen.
Topics: Michigan home, window sash,
