Sash Windows
Sash Windows suit heritage homes, character properties, renovations, and new construction. Perma Seal supplies and installs single-hung, double-hung, and horizontal sliding styles, with custom materials, glazing, finishes, and profiles suited to each project.
What Is a Sash Window?
A sash is the framed panel that holds the glass and moves within the window frame. In traditional single- and double-hung windows, the sash travels vertically. Horizontal sliding windows use sashes that glide side to side. The right configuration depends on ventilation, cleaning access, architectural character, and available wall space.
This page is the starting point for choosing a sash-window style. If an existing wood window is sticking, rattling, drafty, or deteriorated, visit our sash window repair in Edmonton page.
Why Choose Sash Windows?
Sash windows suit both traditional architecture and contemporary homes because they combine controlled ventilation with a clean, balanced appearance.
- Flexible ventilation: Choose a single movable sash, two operable sashes, or horizontal sliding panels.
- Architectural fit: Profiles and divided-light patterns can be matched to heritage, character, or modern design.
- Repairable construction: Many wood sash components can be serviced individually instead of replacing the entire frame.
- Modern performance: Updated glazing, weather seals, and insulated frame options improve comfort for Alberta conditions.
- Custom finish options: Materials, colours, hardware, and glass can be coordinated with the building.
Types of Sash Windows
Perma Seal offers three practical configurations. Explore the dedicated pages for detailed specifications and examples.
- Single-Hung Sash Windows: The lower sash moves while the upper sash remains fixed. This straightforward design provides dependable ventilation with fewer moving parts.
- Double-Hung Sash Windows: Both the upper and lower sashes move vertically, giving more control over airflow and easier access for cleaning.
- Horizontal Sliding Windows: One or more sashes glide side to side. Within our product range, this is the horizontal sliding or glider option rather than a traditional vertical sash window.
We can help you compare operation, sightlines, maintenance, and energy performance before selecting a style.
Materials, Glazing, and Finishes
The right sash-window specification depends on the building, desired maintenance level, and architectural character. Perma Seal can coordinate:
- Wood: A natural choice for heritage homes, custom profiles, and traditional detailing.
- Metal-clad wood: Wood warmth indoors with a durable, weather-resistant exterior.
- Aluminum: Slim lines and low-maintenance performance for contemporary applications.
- Fiberglass and composites: Stable, insulating frames suited to demanding Canadian conditions.
- Custom glazing and finishes: Energy-efficient glass, divided-light patterns, colour matching, hardware, and specialty textures.
For projects that benefit from modified wood, explore our Accoya window options.
Repair, Restore, or Replace?
Existing sash windows do not always need complete replacement. Sound frames and original woodwork can often be retained while worn cords, balances, glazing, weather seals, hardware, and localized decay are repaired.
- Choose repair when the window’s core materials remain serviceable and the goal is to restore smooth operation.
- Choose restoration when heritage details, original profiles, or character-defining materials need careful conservation.
- Choose replacement when deterioration is extensive, performance goals cannot be met through repair, or a new configuration is required.
Visit our dedicated sash window repair Edmonton page for symptoms, repair options, and the service process. For larger heritage scopes, see our wood window restoration services.
Sash vs No Sash Windows: What’s the Difference?
Many homeowners ask: what sets sash windows apart from other window types?
| Sash Windows |
No Sash Windows (Casement/Fixed) |
|---|---|
| ✓ Slides vertically/horizontally | ✓ Opens on a hinge or doesn’t open |
| ✓ Classic and traditional style | ✓ Modern or minimalistic style |
| ✓ Excellent, with top-bottom flow ventilation | ✓ Ventilation varies based on type |
| ✓ Easier to maintain/replace sashes | ✓ Often requires full window replacement |
Energy Performance for Canadian Homes
Modern sash windows can preserve familiar proportions while improving comfort through insulated glazing, effective weatherstripping, warm-edge spacers, and stable frame materials. The best combination depends on orientation, existing wall conditions, and whether the project involves repair, an insert, or full replacement.
- High-performance glazing can reduce heat loss and cold interior surfaces.
- Well-fitted weather seals help control drafts and air leakage.
- Storm windows or compatible inserts can improve an existing heritage assembly.
- New units can be selected using Canadian energy-performance ratings.
Natural Resources Canada outlines practical options for upgrading windows and exterior doors, including repair, weatherstripping, glazing, inserts, and replacement.
Choosing and Installing Sash Windows
Perma Seal uses a clear process to match each project with the right operating style, material, glazing package, and installation approach.
? Free Evaluation & Quote
We visit your property, assess your needs, and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.
? Design & Materials
Choose glazing, hardware, and finishes to match your home’s style and character.
? Professional Installation
Expert-certified installers ensure everything fits perfectly and meets code.
? Ongoing Support
From maintenance tips to future repairs—we’ve got your back long after install.
From the first measurements through installation and future service, our team keeps the window’s appearance, operation, and long-term performance aligned with your priorities.
Why Perma Seal for Sash Windows?
Perma Seal has successfully completed over 5,600+ window and door projects across Alberta since 1964. From charming heritage societies to modern homes, our clients trust us for a reason.
With sash windows, we don't just meet expectations—we exceed them, every single time.
Sash Window Styles and Completed Projects
Browse examples of wood, clad, fiberglass, single-hung, and double-hung sash windows used in heritage and contemporary settings.
Plan Your Sash Window Project
Tell us about your home, preferred operating style, performance needs, and architectural goals. Perma Seal can help you compare options and prepare a clear recommendation for repair, restoration, or replacement.
Perma Seal, Alberta’s trusted name in windows and doors since 1964.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between single-hung and double-hung sash windows?
A single-hung window has one movable sash, usually the lower panel. A double-hung window has two movable sashes, allowing both the upper and lower panels to open for more flexible ventilation.
Is a horizontal sliding window a sash window?
Yes. A sash is the framed panel that holds the glass. In a horizontal sliding or glider window, one or more sashes move side to side rather than vertically.
Are sash windows energy-efficient?
They can be. Performance depends on the frame, glazing, spacers, weather seals, installation, and overall assembly. Modern units can be specified for Canadian energy-performance requirements, while existing windows may benefit from repair, weatherstripping, glazing, or compatible storm windows.
Can existing sash windows be repaired?
Often, yes. Cords, balances, glazing, weather seals, hardware, and localized wood deterioration can frequently be repaired while retaining the original frame and architectural character.
How much do sash windows cost?
Pricing depends on size, operating style, material, glazing, finish, hardware, installation conditions, and whether the project involves repair or replacement. Perma Seal provides project-specific recommendations and quotations after assessing the openings.