Box Sash and Spring Sash Windows – What’s the difference?
As the truly traditional option, sash windows grace some of the most beautiful homes and buildings across the country, and wider world. Sliding vertically with ease, these graceful windows add unrivalled character and charm to the structures they are installed into.
In a previous article we delved into the different eras that shaped sash window design in this country; namely the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras. You can read our piece on the subject here.
Sash windows are available with two different operating mechanisms; either a weighted box sash, or a spring sash window. While identical in appearance from the outside, there are some key differences between these styles of sash window, which we will go into further here. If you are thinking of new or replacement sash windows for your home, this article may help you decide which option is right for your home.
What is a sash window?
A sash window opens vertically, operating on a lifting mechanism system. This contrasts with casement windows, which are hung on and operate via a hinge system opening outwards (or inwards in the case of tilt and turn windows). Sash windows became a staple of British architecture during the late 17th century, and can be found on some of our country’s most famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Chatsworth House and Number 10 Downing Street. While very traditional in nature, you can find them on all sorts of properties nowadays including farmhouses, Victorian townhouses, converted barns and even on new build homes. Their beauty and style makes them highly desirable among numerous homeowners.
What are box sash windows, and what are the benefits?
A box sash window uses either a cord or chains mechanism attached to weights and pulleys which lift the lower sash and hold it in place (it is also possible to have a moving upper sash if desired, which can help with air ventilation and heat control). They are the most traditional form of sash window that pay homage to their 17th century origins. Some of the benefits of this form of sash window include (to name a few):
Unrivalled beauty – The chains / cords mechanism is beautiful to behold and satisfying to operate. They elevate the class and overall charm of what is already the most beautiful form of window available.
Conservation and heritage – For Listed properties, heritage homes and those within conservation areas, a traditional box sash window is the most authentic choice, and in areas with stricter rules on the approval of windows, a box sash is the most historically accurate option available. For maintaining and preserving the character of a historic home, a box sash is unrivalled.
Long life – With maintenance and a high quality product, a traditional box sash can have a very long life span, hence why you can still find the original sash windows on so many historic buildings across the country.
Over time, the chains or cords on a box sash window may need to be replaced as the window gets older; however, this is a simple change that does not require the entire window to be replaced. Regular maintenance and polishing of the chains keep them looking their best and ensure the window continues to open smoothly and with ease. Box sash windows traditionally speaking also required a deeper frame to house this weights and pulley mechanism, which did mean they were too deep to fit into certain apertures in homes.
What about Spring sash windows? And their benefits?
In contrast to a box sash window, which uses weights and cords/chains to operate, a spring sash window uses a concealed, metal spring mechanism that lifts and lowers the opening sash/sashes with ease. From the inside, there is no visible operating mechanism unlike a box sash. This form of sash window also comes with many benefits, including:
More minimalist in appearance – The sleeker, hidden operating function of a spring sash window creates a more minimalist look, which can make them applicable in a great number of homes and buildings. This arguably, can also make a spring sash window a more modern option when compared to a box sash, especially when finished in an Anthracite Grey type colour for example.
Slimmer frames – The operating mechanism of a spring sash window requires less space than a box sash window, which can allow for thinner frames, which also helps them become an option in a greater number of apertures.
Less maintenance – While the maintenance and upkeep of a modern box sash window is minimal, for a spring sash window this is even less due to the absence of visible chains or cords.
Viability for new builds – A sleek spring sash window is still very traditional in appearance and nature, yet they are also a popular choice for newer build properties that desire character and authenticity without the need for a larger, box sash window.
While a spring sash window uses a different mechanism to a box sash, which as we mention above will need to be maintained and looked after, that is not to say a spring sash is immune to aging either. All new windows, and sash windows need to be maintained and looked after to ensure a long life, and easy day-to-day operation.
Sash windows from the Timber Windows range
We are proud to say that sash windows are a Timber Windows speciality. We take great pride in helping homeowners maintain, or restore the character and beauty in their homes through our range of engineered timber sash windows. Don’t just take our word for it, as our customer here comments “Having spent so long looking at rubbish products, once I tried a sash window from Timber Windows, I was sold straight away. They were fantastic!”. You can read this customer’s story here.
The Timber Windows range of sash windows includes both a box and spring sash option. We offer 3 sash frame depths as part of our range, providing a solution for any type of aperture. Our frame depths are 176, 149 and 142mm, with the 142mm sash being the thinnest sash window available on the UK market. Our thinner sash offerings are built to the same, high standards as our full box sash, ensuring that your home still benefits from an unmatched, beautiful sash window, manufactured in engineered timber with industry leading guarantees, for complete peace of mind.
With lockable sash fasteners and limit stops, security is factored into our range, in addition to our internally beaded glass which prevents would be intruders from removing the glass from the outside.
Here is a little more info about our 3 sash frame depth options for those considering new windows:
176mm – The traditional box sash frame option, most applicable for historical buildings and heritage homes that require this deeper frame. however, unlike other sash window options on the market, our 176mm frame is also available as a spring sash if you prefer the minimalist look, yet require a deeper frame.
149mm – Our slim sash option is our standard spring sash offering, not available as a box sash with chains or cords. Our spring sash window (which we often refer to as a hidden spring sash) is highly customisable, making it a beautiful option for almost any kind of home.
142mm – Our slimmest sash window option. Do not let the number mislead you however, this slim frame is available as a box sash window. Given the nature of our spring sash mechanisms, this frame is slightly too thin for that style of operation, however, we are proud to offer the most traditional form of sash window at a depth that makes it more applicable nationwide.
In addition to our sash window offerings, we also have a dedicated Listed Buildings range, with authentically designed products that have been approved by planning and conservation authorities nationwide. Still manufactured using our engineered timber, our listed sash windows incorporate a traditional putty glazed finish and authentic true bars, providing a window that preserves the character of these historic buildings. Where authorities are stricter, we also have a single glazed option available.
Please visit one of our showrooms where you can try our sash windows first hand. Feel the ease of operation combined with the strength of our engineered timber, and speak to a local expert about your project. You can also collect a free copy of our brochures for further inspiration, and if you want to learn more about our sash window range, you can do so here. We have also visited numerous customers over the years who have had our sash windows installed. Why take our word for it, when you can read how happy they are with their sash windows first hand. You can explore our numerous case studies here.