A closer comparison
Compare timber sash windows.
Both options move vertically. The practical choice is how the sash is balanced, how the frame fits your opening and which joinery details suit the building.
Discuss your openingThe balance mechanism alone does not determine warmth, price, maintenance or planning suitability. Confirm the construction, glazing, seals and installation for the proposed window. Listed-building and conservation requirements must be checked for the individual property.
| Compare the detail |  Explore this system Timber sash · traditional weights
| Explore this system Timber sash · spiral balance
|
|---|---|---|
| How it balances | Cords run over pulleys to counterweights housed beside the opening. | Spring balances support the moving sash; the balance is selected for its weight. |
| Frame and opening | Allow for weight pockets and review box-frame depth, reveals and existing joinery. | Review the balance channels, frame depth and fixing detail against the available opening. |
| Appearance | Meeting rails, horns, mouldings, glazing bars and visible pulley details shape the result. | Meeting rails, horns, mouldings, glazing bars and balance-channel details shape the result. |
| Glazing and sash weight | Choose the glass and sash construction before confirming counterweight size and travel. | Choose the glass and sash construction before selecting the balance rating and travel. |
| Care and access | Discuss access to cords, pulleys and weight pockets as part of the frame detail. | Discuss access to the balance mechanism and the proposed hardware. |
| Thermal and weather performance | Confirm for the complete window, including glazing, seals and installation. | Confirm for the complete window, including glazing, seals and installation. |
| A useful starting point | When retaining cord-and-pulley operation is part of the joinery brief. | When a spring-balanced arrangement suits the available frame detail and chosen sash. |
| Your project | Discuss Timber sash · traditional weights | Discuss Timber sash · spiral balance |
From comparison to specification
Make it work for your opening.
Record the existing opening
Share a photograph, approximate dimensions, reveal depth and details of any existing sash box. This helps establish which frame arrangement fits.
Choose the joinery details
Work through pane divisions, horns, meeting rails, mouldings and ironmongery together. The mechanism name alone does not establish the finished appearance.
Confirm the complete window
Ask for the proposed glazing, sealing, operation, maintenance access and installation detail. Discuss any listed-building or conservation requirements before finalising the design.
Your project
Bring the opening into focus.
Share your plans, approximate opening sizes and the details that matter to you. We’ll work through the relevant systems and confirm the specification.
Discuss your project