Sash-Style | Sash-window Components

Parts of a sash-window

architrave: a moulded trim that covers the join between the box-frame and the wall.
axle pulley: a pulley wheel set in the pulley stile over which the sash cord runs. The wheel can be cast iron, brass or nylon, the mounting plate is generally cast iron or brass.
bottom rail: the bottom rail of the bottom sash is deeper than the other rails to allow for the slope of the cill.
cill: the base on which the whole box-frame is built. In better quality work it will be made of hardwood (in the best, English oak). It is shaped to shed water.
draught-strip: not a traditional component of a sash window, the draught strips may be incorporated into the staff and parting beads and the bottom and meeting rails. Another type is inserted in a groove in the edge of the sashes.
fitch catch: a type of catch mounted on the meeting rails to fasten the window
glazing: traditionally single glazed, modern sash windows are now made to take sealed double-glazing units. Single glazing may be a requirement when restoring/conserving listed buildings.
horn/joggle: a short extension of the sash stiles beyond the meeting rails to strengthen the joint. With modern techniques they are not necessary, but they are a typical and decorative feature of a traditional sash.
inside lining: the timber that forms the inside face of the sides and head of the box frame. The staff bead is fixed to the inner edge of it.
meeting rails: the top rail of the bottom sash and the bottom rail of the top sash are called the meeting rails and are generally rebated for weathering and security.
nosing: the nosing projects as a ledge from the bottom of the inside of the frame. As sash windows are usually fixed in the inner skin of brickwork, there isn't the depth for a full window board.
parting bead: separates the two sashes and holds them in place. It is set into a groove in the pulley-stiles and head, and can have draught-proofing incorporated into it
pocket: access to the sash weights cut into the pulley stile
pulley stile: a side member of the box frame which carries the weight of the sashes and weights, suspeneded over the axle-pulley
sash bar: also known as a glazing bar or sash-gut, it separates the panes of glass in a sash that has more than one pane
sash cord: the rope that passes over the axle pulleys used to hang the sashes, counterbalanced by the sah weights
stiles: the side-members of the sash, the moulding from which they are made is called sash-stile
sash weight: a cast iron or lead weight, a pair of which counterbalance the weight of each sash
sash-lifts: a pair of small handles used for raising the bottom sash, most commonly made from brass
scotia: a concave moulding used to cover the join between the outside lining and the masonry
spiral balance: an alternative method of suspending sashes uses a spiral mechanism with a spring that is tensioned to counterbalance the weight of a sash. In a trdaitional box-sash they are set into the edges of the sash stiles, in modern sash windows they are grooved into the frame stiles.
staff bead: the moulded bead that holds the bottom sash in place is nailed or screwed to the inside lining. A draught-strip can be incorpoated into it.
top rail: the top rail of the top sash is made from sash stile
trickle-vent: a closeable vent to allow a small flow of air. Trickle vents are required in new windows to replace the air movement that we call a draught when it comes in around the sashes!
window board: where you put your plants and ornaments!

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