Window Woman guides
Anatomy of a box sash window
Knowing what each part is called makes quotes, surveys and conversations with your joiner far easier to follow.
The box frame
- Pulley stile: the vertical face the sashes slide against, with the pulleys set near the top.
- Pocket: a removable piece in the pulley stile that gives access to the weights.
- Weights: cast iron or lead, hanging inside the hollow box.
- Parting bead: the thin strip that separates the upper and lower sashes.
- Staff bead (inner bead): the internal moulding that holds the lower sash in place.
- Sill: the sloping bottom of the frame, which sheds water outwards.
- Head: the top of the frame.
The sashes
- Meeting rails: where the two sashes meet in the middle, usually closed with a fitch catch.
- Stiles and rails: the vertical and horizontal members of each sash.
- Horns: short extensions below the meeting rail of the upper sash, typical from the mid-Victorian period. See how to date your windows.
- Glazing bars: the slender bars that divide the glass into panes.
- Putty: traditionally linseed oil putty, holding the glass in place from the outside.
Cords and pulleys
Sash cord runs from the side of each sash, over its pulley and down to the weight. Frayed or broken cords are among the most common faults, and among the easiest to fix.
Common problems, simple fixes
- A sash that won't stay up usually has a broken cord, not a failed window
- Sticking sashes are often caused by layers of paint
- Rattles and draughts can be cured with discreet brush seals
- Keep paint off the cords and out of the running channels
More guides
These guides are general information for England and don't replace advice specific to your property or your local planning authority.