If you’re comparing quotes from the best window installers, you’ll quickly spot that sash windows tend to cost more than other styles. And if you’re not entirely sure what makes a window a “sash”, you’re in good company. This traditional design has its own quirks, influencing how the windows operate, how much the windows cost, and even how you clean or maintain them.
Sash windows, which slide vertically rather than opening outwards, are a hallmark of Georgian and Victorian architecture and have been used in British homes since at least the 1670s. They’re especially common in conservation areas, where planning rules often require like-for-like replacements to preserve a property’s original character. Their design also plays a major role in how well they retain heat, which is something we explore in depth in our guide on Are sash windows energy efficient?
