FAQs

If your uPVC sliding sash windows move slightly up and down when locked, this is typically due to necessary design tolerances rather than a fault. When locking the window, the lower seal compresses slightly, temporarily exaggerating the gap at the head of the sash. However, once the force is removed, the sashes naturally centralise, correcting the gap. This movement is completely normal and designed to prevent operational issues. If the movement seems excessive, checking the locks and balances may help optimise performance. Why do I have gaps between the Sash and Frame?

Sash windows need gaps around them to allow for thermal expansion during hot / cold weather and to reduce the force required to operate the locks. This gap is typically up to 3.5mm and is why the sashes are fitted with woolpile to accommodate these differences. Woolpile weather seals compress down, still sealing effectively, without increasing the friction, which could hinder the operation of the sash. Therefore, when a window is locked shut, with downward force, it is possible to compress the lower seal, exaggerating the gap at the head. This is normal, and once the force is removed, the sashes will centralise, correcting the gap at the head. Why do my sashes move up and down when locked?

Our Sliding Sash Windows well exceed UK requirements on all wind factors. In fact, the levels our Sliding Sash Windows have been tested to are considered Hurricane Weather Conditions! For more information on the weather testing our windows go through, check out this handy article we’ve put together to help you understand the capabilities of our windows. How do sliding sash windows work? Do you offer triple glazing on sash windows? How do I remove the top sliding sash with quick release? How do I glaze a uPVC Sliding Sash Window?

If you have foamed or packed your windows too tight, this is likely to make them stiff. If the sashes tilt fine, the bottom sashes can be adjusted on the shoe bar under the sash. If you have constant force, the coils might be running dry. This can happen with building dust, plaster dust etc. This can be fixed by spraying them with a silicone spray. How do I remove the bottom sash with Quick Release?

If your sash windows seem draughty, you should check the following: Does your sash sit even all the way across the bottom on the sill when the window is closed? Does your top sash fit even across the top at the head when your window is closed? Is the gap on the woolpile down the side even at the top, middle, and bottom? If you answered no to any of the above, then that could be why your windows are draughty and you should contact your installer to help you.

If you have foamed your window in, or packed the frame too tight, this could potentially cause the sash and the tilt arms to be hard to tilt inwards and to slide up and down. It’s also worth checking if you have accidentally bent the tilt arms. This could cause it to get stuck in the frame making the sash hard to tilt.

Your balance may have come disconnected; this can happen if the window has been carried or stored on its side. All our windows should always be handled in their upright position, if ignored this could influence balance tensions. Look to see if the balance is connected to the pivot shoe on both sides. If not, please watch our video for how to replace them. How do I replace the balances?

If you have put fixing straps on the windows to fit them you might have a screw going into where the show runs, this would stop your sash sliding up. It’s also possible that after fitting you’ve had shutters, blind hooks or anything else screwed to the outer frame of the window. The screw could’ve gone into where the shoe runs, which again would stop your sash from sliding past this screw. What are travel restrictors and do I need them?

Please check that the top sash has an even gap all along the top and the bottom sash has an even gap along the bottom. If you have bigger gaps at the end on either the top or bottom sashes, your head or sill could be bowed. This will stop your sashes from going as far as they should, and your window won’t lock. If you have a gap at the corners, your frame is likely fitted out of square, and this can stop your window locking.

The first thing to check is that packers have been placed under the sill directly under the jambs as this then allows the dead load to be transferred directly to the structure without bowing the sill which would then cause the sash not to locate correctly. If the lift hooks have not been fitted at the correct height this can also stop the bottom sash going down far enough and again stop the lock from engaging. My sashes are stiff sliding up and down, what do I do?

When the window profile is curved, there is no way for us to install the balance mechanism or the latches that keep the sash in the frame channel, therefore, if we did not fix the sash closed, it would fall inwards. Where are the fixing points? I’m not able to lock my sash window, what do I do?

There are two reasons as to why a dual foiled or woodgrain externally and smooth white internally sash window does not have a top sash tilt facility.

• The bottom channel of the top sash has fringe seal in it, so the white base profile is hidden. As you cannot have two materials in the same channel the tilt arms cannot also run in this channel. This means that the sash simply cannot tilt as it doesn’t have tilt arms.
• There is foil applied to the bottom of the outer frame and if the top sash tilted the foil would be ripped off.

The pole eye is to be fitted to the centre or one either side of the trickle vent (if fitted) of the top rail on the top sash. Check with a magnet to see if steel or plastic reinforcing has been used so the correct screw can be used (self-drilling for steel, Gimlet point for plastic). You will need to source your own pole and hook if required.

Lift hooks are located to the inside of the window at the bottom of the lower sash and placed approximately 19mm up from bottom of sash. Screw through the sash into the reinforcement using two screws, these then enables the lower sash to be pulled upwards. Check with a magnet to see if steel or plastic reinforcing has been used so the correct screw can be used (self-drilling for steel, Gimlet point for plastic). One lift hook is supplied as standard for windows under 900mm wide – we recommend fitting a single lift hook in the centre. Two lift hooks are supplied as standard on windows 900mm wide and over; we recommend to space them equally and max. 300mm from corners.

D handles are located to the outside of the window at the bottom of the top sash, screwed into the underside of the sash into the steel reinforcement using four screws. These then enable the top sash to be pulled downwards from the inside (once access is gained by tilting the lower sash inwards). One D-handle is fitted as standard for windows under 1200mm wide and is fitted centrally. Two are fitted as standard on windows 1200mm wide and over spaced equally – max. of 300mm from corners.

Start by sliding up the bottom sash and tilt it towards you. Release the tilt arms using an edged object such as a screwdriver. To release the tilt arm, place the edged object between the spring clip and the black button. Repeat the instruction on the other side. Now push the sash back into its upright position. Release the sash from the brackets found underneath the bottom sash by unscrewing the screws. You should now be able to carefully lift off the bottom sash.

Quite simply, your new sliding sash windows will slide up and down, allowing you to control the ventilation of your property. When shut, both sashes will lock together at the midrail to prevent them from being opened and protecting your property. Most sash windows with the same finish inside and out will also come with a bottom and top sash ‘easy clean’ tilt inwards facility.

You can design and request a price for your new sash windows here on our website. If you require a full service including survey and installation, you can enquire a price via one of our stockists.

Yes, we manufacture all our uPVC sliding sash windows in-house at our manufacturing facility in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. We have a large factory dedicated to uPVC sash windows only. Besides this we also manufacture uPVC Casement Windows & Doors as well as Aluminium Windows & Doors including our own Quick-Glide doors. Can I have more information about your products please?

We offer two different sill sizes for our sash windows, 150mm or 210mm. Both options come with an internal up-stand. The 150mm should be used if a none-projecting sill is required, for example if your window will sit on top of an existing stone sill. If your window requires a projecting sill you will need the 210mm option. How long do uPVC sash windows last?

With our sash windows, you can opt for a whole range of extras including, run-through sash horns and Georgian bars to match existing windows. You’re welcome to send us photos of your existing windows and we’ll be happy to design your new windows to match them as closely as they possibly can.

Even the most traditional looking sash windows come with modern elements that make them highly efficient. As standard our sash windows are supplied with an argon gas filled unit that achieve an energy rating of ‘A’ and a u-value of 1.4W/m2K. With different glass we can also achieve a u-value as low as 1.2. Quickslide sash windows come with colour-matching wool-pile, which helps to block out any draughts.

The glass we use for our uPVC sash windows is a 24mm air-filled double glazed unit. As standard the unit will comprise of 4mm clear glass to the outside and 4mm Low E glass on the inside. The Low E glass is a special type of glass, which blocks out UV rays but still lets natural light enter. The Low E coating also reflects the warm air back into your room instead of allowing it to leak outside. You have the option of upgrading your glass unit to be argon gas-filled. With this upgrade the heat conductance between the panes will be reduced and your sash windows will achieve a superb energy rating of ‘A’. If you live in a noisy neighbourhood you also have the option of choosing acoustic laminated glass, which comes with a noise reducing interlayer to help keep your home nice and quiet. How do I deglaze a uPVC Sliding Sash Window?

Travel restrictors are an optional safety feature that has been designed to limit the opening of the window by preventing the bottom sash to travel beyond a certain point. If requested, the travel restrictors will be positioned on the internal side of the top sash. The travel restrictors we use on our sash windows come with magnetic catches making them convenient and easy to use. Travel restrictors aren’t required but can add peace of mind especially for windows above ground level.

A tilt facility can be requested as part of the window specification. On sash windows with dual foils or a woodgrain finish externally and smooth white finish internally we are not able to offer tilt facility on the top sash. There are two reasons for this: 1. The bottom channel of the top sash has fringe seal in it so the white base profile is hidden and as you cannot have 2 materials in the same channel the tilt arms cannot also run in this channel. This means that the sashes simply cannot tilt as they don’t have tilt arms. 2. There is foil applied to the bottom of the outer frame and if the window tilted the foil would be ripped off. On curved/arched windows, the top sash will be fixed and the bottom sash will feature both the slide and tilt facility. Please note that slide and tilt restrictions apply on extra large sash windows. Any restrictions will be confirmed at the point of order.

With the right care, our sash windows can last for decades. How long exactly the windows will last is a difficult question to answer as it really depends on the circumstances. Windows installed in harsher environments such as coastal regions will likely need replacing before windows that have been sheltered from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Generally, sash windows that have been installed well, looked after and haven’t been subject to extreme weather conditions will have a lifetime of 25-30 years. Which sill should I choose for my sash windows?

Yes, every detail of our sash windows has been designed with security in mind. As standard our sash windows come with one or two locks (depending on window size) and you have the option of choosing a key-locking lock at no extra cost. You can take the security of your new sash windows to the next level by taking advantage of our comprehensive security upgrade. With this upgrade, your windows will feature top sash security blocks, two enhanced locks and reinforced tilt latches.

Sash windows vary in cost because of the high levels of personalisation available. We offer competitive pricing for our sliding sash windows. It would be difficult to say an exact price, as it depends on the dimensions, style and accessories that you choose for your project. You can use our online window designer or get in touch with our team to get a price.

To operate the sash window, start by unlocking the sashes. Use the lift hooks (also known as sash pulls) to lift the bottom sash slightly. Do not attempt to tilt the sash if it’s been lifted all the way to the top. You should now be able to tilt the sash by pushing both the sash buttons inwards and carefully pulling it towards you. Now slide down the top sash slightly, push both the tilt buttons inwards and pull it towards you. Both sashes will stay in a secure position when tilted and you do not need to support them. To close the sashes you must start by pushing the top sash into its upright position and slide it upwards. You are now able to push the bottom sash into its upright position and slide it to the bottom. You will hear a clicking sound when each sash has been pushed into its upright and secure position. Lastly, remember to lock the window.

A sash window consists of two sashes that slide up and down. Often these two sashes will be equal in size, although you do have the option of specifying a custom split. On advanced sash windows such as ours, both the top and bottom sash will come with a slide and tilt facility. For the sashes to slide up without immediately sliding back down, each sash is comprised with a mechanism used to counter-balance the sash eliminating the need for sash weights, sash cords and pulleys found on traditional sash windows. The balances are concealed in the two chambers found on each side of the sash window. Here at Quickslide we use a constant force balance system as well as a spring balance system.

Start by sliding up the bottom sash and tilt it towards you. R Release the tilt arms using a edged object such as a screwdriver. To release the tilt arm place the edged object between the spring clip and the black button. Repeat the instruction on the other side. Now push the sash back into its upright position. Release the sash from the brackets found underneath the bottom sash by unscrewing the screws. You should now be able to carefully lift off the bottom sash.

Start by unlocking the window. Use the lift hooks (also known as sash pulls) to lift up the bottom sash slightly. Do not attempt to tilt the sash if it’s been lifted all the way to the top. You should now be able to tilt sash towards you by pushing both the sash buttons inwards and carefully pulling it towards you. Now slide down the top sash slightly, push both the tilt buttons inwards and pull it towards you. Both sashes will stay in a secure position when tilted and you do not need to support them. To close the sashes you must start by pushing the top sash into its upright position and slide it upwards. You are now able to push the bottom sash into its upright position and slide it to the bottom. You will hear a clicking sound when each sash has been pushed into its upright and secure position. Lastly, remember to lock the window.  

Remove the bottom sash and unscrew the screws that hold the case in place within the chamber. Remove the profile piece as shown and carefully cut the profile making room for the case to be replaced.

Start by removing the bottom sash. We have a video on our FAQ page explaining how to do this in more detail. Release the balance as illustrated in the video (please watch carefully as this cannot easily be explained in writing). By releasing the balance, the tilt arm and shoe will automatically slide to the bottom of the chamber. Slide down the top sash and remove the top corner caps and top board. You should now be able to see the top section of the balance. By unscrewing the fixing screw as displayed you should be able to remove the balance. Insert the new balance into the chamber and fix it by screwing the screw back into the top section. Now slide up the tilt arm to allow you to attach the balance back into the shoe by pushing the balance hook in between the slot. Carefully pull down the shoe to return it to its correct position. How do I join the sash windows to the bay posts?

When you have removed the old glass unit you can carefully place the new unit into place within the sash. Secure the glass unit in place by fitting the top bead followed by the bottom bead. Now fit the side beads, we recommend you place your Don Carlos knife in between the sash and frame as displayed to avoid damage while fitting the side beads. All you’ve got left to do now is to fix your sash pulls back into position.

Start by sliding up the bottom sash as far as it goes. If you’re facing the internal side, reach under the sash and a use a Don Carlos knife to remove the sash horn board found underneath the top sash. Now release the sash from the brackets by unscrewing the fixing screws as shown in the video. Carefully tilt both sashes towards you and release the top sash from the tilt arms and brackets found on the side of the sash by unscrewing the fixing screws. If you opted for quick release tilt arms, you can use a sharp object to quickly release the tilt arm from the bracket fixed to the sash. Carefully rest the top sash on the bottom sash or better yet ask a friend to hold it for you while you slide the top sash off the brackets.

Start by sliding up the bottom sash to a position where you can tilt it towards you. Now slide down the top sash and tilt it towards you and slide it up as high as it can go. Release the tilt arms using a edged object such as a screwdriver. To release the tilt arm place the edged object between the spring clip and the black button. Repeat the instruction on the other side. By resting the top sash on the bottom sash you can release the sash from the brackets by unscrewing the screws easily. Please note that one screw sits behind the reveal (refer to video). You should now be able to slide the top sash off the brackets.