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Windows are perfectly simple machines, but with a lot more going on than meets the eye—a prime example of which are window sashes.
If you’ve never taken a moment to really look at your windows, you’ve probably never stopped to appreciate the many details, like window sashes, that play a huge role in how well your windows work, how they look, and even how energy-efficient they can be.
Let’s learn a little more about the impact of sashes and how it affects the look and feel of your home.
What is a Window Sash?
Every part of your window has a job to do, whether the piece is stationary or movable. But what exactly is a window sash?
Sashes are the framework which holds the glass of your window to the frame. Sashes may be stationary, or they may move to open windows. They come in many styles, stains, and colors, and can be made of a number of materials to meet your home’s esthetic and energy efficiency needs.
Why Are Window Sashes Important?
Now, you might be wondering, why should I care about window sashes?
Window sashes play an important role for your window in five key ways.
1. Keeping Your Windows Secure
Window sashes are not just there to look pretty—they’re your home’s first line of defense.
Whenever they’re closed, they form a tight seal that keeps out drafts, moisture, and even unwanted intruders from entering your house.
Whether it’s the middle of a storm or just another day, your window sashes are quietly doing their job, keeping you and your family safe.
The sash is also where the lock is located, allowing you to prevent any unwanted visitors from coming in, and keeping little curious hands from opening windows to an unsafe environment.
2. Making Your Home Feel as Cozy as Possible
When it comes to making your home feel comfortable, window sashes play more of a role than you might think. These features work year-round in the often-unpredictable Nebraska weather.
For example, on summer days when the sun is beating down and just won’t let up, if you don’t have proper insulation, your home could turn into an oven before you can even say “dang, it’s hot!” That’s where window sashes come in.
When you have the right, high-quality window sashes, just closing them shut tightly is enough to do the trick. Sashes create an extra layer of protection against extreme temperatures and keep your home feeling cool instead of letting the sweltering summer heat take over!
And when winter rolls around, sashes do the exact opposite. By trapping the warm heat inside and keeping the freezing cold of winter air on the outside, sashes take care of you all year-round, no matter what the weather throws at you.
As your father always said, you’re not paying to heat and cool the outside!
3. Saving Money and Energy with Your Windows
Nowadays, most people are trying to do their part to live more environmentally-friendly lifestyles. If you’re looking for a new way to reduce your own environmental footprint, then start with the windows!
Window sashes are key players in this area, too. For example, older windows with worn-out sashes can be major energy drains, letting the heat escape during winter and the cool air seep out during summer months.
But modern window sashes are here to put a stop to all of that by providing insulation to cut back on energy loss.
And with less energy waste, you could very well be looking at lowering your energy bills. At the end of the day, high-quality sashes are good for your wallet and the planet—talk about a win(dow)-win (see what we did there? 😉)!
4. Making Your Windows Look Stellar
Let’s not throw “looks” out the window—appearances do matter, after all—especially when it comes to windows that you’ll be seeing from the inside and outside of your home on the regular!
The perfect sashes can tie your home’s esthetic together and give your house an extra chance to shine, inside and out.
Sashes come in different styles and colors to complement the window, your home’s interior and exterior design, and of course, your personal, one-of-a-kind taste. Whether you prefer traditional or modern designs, there’s a window sash that can make your home look even better.
5. Making Your Windows Work Like a Charm
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how sashes make a real difference on how your windows operate on an everyday basis. There are different types of windows with different sashes that suit different needs; here’s a quick look at some of them:
- Single-Hung Windows: A common type of window, single-hung windows have a top section (fixed upper sash) that stays put and a bottom section (moveable lower sash) that slides up and down.
- Double-Hung Windows: Both the top and bottom sections (both sashes) of double-hung windows can move up and down, so you get better airflow in your home. They’re also easier to clean.
- Sliding Windows: On sliding windows, one sash slides sideways to overlap the other sash, which is great for high trafficked areas where you don’t want your sashes getting in the way.
- Casement Windows: The sash on a casement window cranks out, hinging like a door, giving you tons of fresh air and a clear view of your outdoor surroundings.
- Awning Windows: Awning windows have sashes that hinge at the top and crank out from the bottom, so you can still get airflow even when it rains.
- Specialty Windows: Sashes on specialty windows vary wildly, as they come in numerous styles to suit any esthetic. Check out our selection of specialty windows to explore your options!
Why Window Sashes Matter with Pella Windows and Doors
The humble window sash may not be the flashiest part of your window or your home, but it sure does pack a punch.
After all, behind every beautiful window view is a sturdy sash, proudly doing its job to make your house feel like a home—keeping you safe and secure while saving on energy.
With Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, not only can we help you find the right window for any opening, but we also have some of the best warranties in the industry. Thanks to our Pella Care Guarantee, we make sure that your beautiful windows and their sashes are covered for years to come.
Schedule a free consultation today or call (402) 331-9225 and learn more about how we can help you showcase your unique style through your windows.
