The history of sash windows is interesting and covers a large period of our civilization. Also called the hung sash window it is made of one or more movable panels, also called sashes. It is an excellent window for ventilation with the panels controlled by pulleys, springs and balances, which direct the movement of the windows. Many Georgian and Victorian houses used these types of windows.

Over the years, there has been a dispute among Historians as to where the idea for these windows came from. It has been claimed by Holland, France and England. Regardless of who originated the idea it became very popular with the more affluent period of that period.

Historians have traced the earliest use of these windows to the 17th century in England. They definitely had a status symbol and were coveted by the more wealthy people. Before this new window was introduced, it was common to use lead-light windows. A window tax, in effect from 1600 to the 1800′s made the windows even more of a status symbol the population.

Fashionable adornments were worked around the windows and are still evident in some of the older houses in Europe. They were considered an elegant addition to the more expensive homes. Classic glazing was developed around the 18th century, which resulted in six panes over six panes and was a very popular window, which was most commonly used in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian houses.

World War II brought forth the idea of mass production. This idea advanced to the window industry. With the presentation of steel casements and windows that did not require any pulley or other attachments, sash windows lost their popularity and were discarded.

In diagnosing the reason, for the decline of this popular window it was determined that the labor costs did not make it feasible to continue production. The the mouldings used required special treatment and could not be massed produced. Builders, especially, found the later model windows were easy to install and maintain.

At the present time there has been a renewal of interest in sash windows. Renovation of other older houses has brought a desire to replace the original materials. As a result, the history of sash windows continues and will be noted in the recording of future history.