I've seen a lot of windows in the US that open by sliding upwards. I'm from Europe where all windows open sideways by pivoting on hinges.
I was wondering why the reasons are and why they are so common in America but not everywhere else.
User Experience Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for user experience researchers and experts. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this communityI've seen a lot of windows in the US that open by sliding upwards. I'm from Europe where all windows open sideways by pivoting on hinges.
I was wondering why the reasons are and why they are so common in America but not everywhere else.
This is actually a "topic" in architecture, and seems to have more to do with usability. Its origins are unclear and ripe with unproven theories. It was adopted by the British, Americans and the Dutch.
Some reasons that might indicate why Sash windows are more popular:
For instance, the opening of the window can be finely adjusted, down to a narrow gap at the top or the bottom or both, giving good control of ventilation with little danger of rain blowing into the room. A 'French' window or inward opening casement is very vulnerable in this respect, and would be quite unsuited to British weather. The sash, being hung from each of its top corners, rather than from the side as with a hinged window, is less likely to distort under its own weight. This has several consequences. Less distortion means longer life: there are many sash windows still serviceable after 150 years or more. Imagine a 150-year-old plastic window! Casement windows need wider components for stiffness.
Further to the above, ventilation is superb with a sash window. Hot air in a room rises; this creates lower pressure towards floor level drawing in fresh air from outside through the bottom of the sash, and the hot air is pushed out of the top of the sash. Even with just a tiny bit open top and bottom, you can get naturally-powered ventilation, without a gale rushing through the room, or even creating a noticeable draught. And you can lock them slightly open very easily, so you get burglar-proof ventilation.