PART 1 - SASH WINDOW: UNHINGED AND UNPARALLELED

Hinged window options may have its merits, but some prefer window designs that don’t feature hinges. It may be because hinged windows tend to start squeaking after a few years even with careful maintenance, or perhaps it clashes with the overall look of the house. Fortunately, there are many good unhinged windows such as the sash window.

The sash window has been around since the 17th century, and was a staple of house designs during the Georgian and Victorian eras. However, it remains one of the most popular window choices today. Sash windows feature vertically moving “sashes” that hold glass panels, which may or may have intricate patterns for added cosmetic appeal. The most common sash window design features a 2x3 column of panes per sash, also known as a six over six panel window.

Sash windows can be classified into two categories: single-hung or double-hung. Single-hung variants, also known as single sash windows, are defined by having one fixed sash (usually the upper sash) and another one that can slide up or down. To keep the sash from sliding down when opened, a sash window has a series of springs, grooves and locks on the side of the frame that serves as the anchor point. Locks are usually located at the bottom edge of the sashes.

Like its single-hung counterpart, double-hung or double sash windows also operate using the same frame and locking mechanism. However, both top and bottom sashes can be adjusted vertically. Although it can open only as much as a single sash window, having the ability to open up either at the top or bottom gives it versatility.

Unlike hinged windows that have hinges connected to the frame only at certain points, at least two sides of the sash windows are in full contact with the window frame, giving it excellent structural strength. As a result, sash windows usually have better wind and impact ratings than a hinged window at similar prices. Like other windows, sash window frames can be made of wood, metal, vinyl, or fiberglass frames.

PART 1 - SASH WINDOW: UNHINGED AND UNPARALLELED

PART 2 - THE HINGELESS, HORIZONTAL SLIDING WINDOW

Fans of contemporary home design are most likely familiar with the sliding window, which has become a staple for both commercial and residential buildings. This unhinged window design shares many traits with sash windows, but also has a few advantages of its own.

Some window experts consider the sliding window as a subtype of sash window and with good reason: the sliding window is basically a sash window laid down on its side. Although earlier versions of the sliding window have glass panels that are divided into smaller sections, new sliding windows almost always have single glass panes.

One thing that a sliding window excels at better than the sash window is size. Because sash windows operate vertically, ease of operation is greatly limited by the presence of springs and levers to counteract the weight of the sash and keep it up. Since the panels of the siding window operate horizontally, a larger, heavier panel won’t slide back to a closed position. This means sliding windows can afford to have larger panes than other types of windows, letting them provide a better view of the outdoors than their vertical counterparts.

PART 2 - THE HINGELESS, HORIZONTAL SLIDING WINDOW

Even larger sliding windows are surprisingly easy to operate, thanks to the presence of wheels and rails located at the top and bottom edges of the frame designed to reduce friction. The side of the rails may feature rubber stoppers to prevent the panels from shattering in case they are opened forcefully. A sliding window’s moving panels have a locking mechanism that fits a side hole located on the frame. Extra bolts that lock at the bottom edge of the frame may also be installed for better security.

Unlike sash windows, sliding windows almost always have two moving panels. This means it can be opened at the left or right side, whenever is more appropriate. Since sliding windowpanes use clear glazing, other window accessories, such as venetian blinds are often used to provide extra privacy and control the amount of natural sunlight. The clear-smooth panel surfaces also make it easier to clean than other windows.

PART 3 - FIXED WINDOWS - UNHINGED AND UNMOVING

Hinges are for windows with moving parts, so isn’t it natural to have an unhinged window that doesn’t move? The fixed window may not be as mobile as other options, but there are plenty of situations where unhinged and unmoving are the right option.

Also known as, picture windows, fixed windows are characterized by a single solid frame and lack of any sashes or moving windowpanes. As a result, fixed windows remain permanently closed. You may think that a window that can’t be operated is never a good choice, but a fixed window is far from useless.

One of the best things about fixed windows is that it offers the best water resistance and insulation of all window types. This is because other types of windows may still have small gaps at points where the moving panes meet the frame or the edge of another frame. Fixed windows have a solid, unmoving panel that leaves very little (if any) room for water or air to seep through.

Because of its outstanding ability to keep rainwater out, fixed windows are often used for skylights, providing natural sunlight with minimal risks of moisture damage during foul weather. Furthermore, fixed windows rarely have any nooks or crannies where dust can accumulate, making maintenance a breeze.

PART 3 - FIXED WINDOWS - UNHINGED AND UNMOVING

Areas that require great outdoor views but limited ventilation can greatly benefit from fixed windows. For example, bay windows that have too many casement windows are inefficient because opening all panels at once offers too much ventilation. Adding fixed windows to the mix prevents excess ventilation without sacrificing appearance and natural lighting.

Another, often overlooked advantage of fixed windows is ease of production. Because there’s no need to add hinges, rails, or even locks during the manufacturing process, siding windows take less time and resources to make than other windows of the same size. Fixed windows also require very little maintenance, since there’s nothing that require oiling or parts replacement. These, combined with a naturally airtight design, make the fixed window a very cost-efficient window.

This wraps up our eBook about windows without hinges! I hope that the next time you’re out window shopping, you’ll consider going “unhinged.”

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