Aluminium Sash Windows: Heritage Style Without The Hassle

30 January 2026 | General

Traditional sash windows are beautiful. The vertical sliding motion, the classic proportions, the heritage charm that defines Georgian and Victorian architecture.

But the reality? They stick, rattle, and leak cold air. Opening them becomes a shoulder workout every time you want fresh air.

Modern aluminium vertical sliding sash windows change everything. All the heritage aesthetic, none of the frustration.

The VS600: Heritage Meets Modern Engineering

Direct Trade Windows uses the Smart VS600 system—the gold standard in aluminium sash technology.

With a 126mm frame depth accepting 28mm sealed glazing units, it delivers enhanced thermal performance while maintaining those slim, elegant proportions that define classic sash windows.

It handles windows up to 1600mm wide and 2800mm tall. Whether you need compact cottage windows or grand floor-to-ceiling designs for period townhouses, it replicates virtually any traditional configuration.

The Feature That Changes Everything

Both sashes tilt inward for cleaning the external glass from inside your home. No ladders. No precarious leaning out of upper-floor windows.

For high-rise buildings, apartments, schools, and hospitals, this isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. What would normally require professional cleaners becomes something any homeowner can manage safely in minutes.

Performance That Meets Modern Standards

Achieving a U-value of 1.6 W/m²K, the VS600 delivers A-rated energy efficiency. Your home stays warmer in winter, cooler in summer, all while maintaining that classic appearance from the street.

A concealed drainage system handles heavy rain effectively, and the flush-fitting design sits perfectly with your building facade. No external projections means no ledges where water pools or wind catches.

Why Aluminium Beats Timber

Timber sash windows demand constant maintenance: painting every few years, treatment against rot, adjustments as wood swells and contracts seasonally.

Aluminium eliminates all of that. It doesn’t rot or warp, and never needs repainting. Powder-coated finishes last decades with just occasional cleaning.

Its lightweight material means smooth operation year after year, with minimal expansion and contraction compared to timber.

Perfect For:

• Heritage and conservation areas where period character matters
• High-rise buildings needing safe, accessible cleaning
• Commercial buildings requiring low maintenance and durability
• Any property wanting classic aesthetics with modern performance

Customisation Options

Choose from classic gloss white, contemporary anthracite grey, or the full RAL colour range. Add solar control glass for south-facing rooms, obscure glass for privacy, or acoustic laminated glass for noise reduction.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to choose between heritage aesthetics and modern functionality. Aluminium vertical sliding sash windows deliver both—with windows that slide smoothly every single time.