Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
Make your home's first impression that will last with the best quality windows and doors from london window and door. Visit our showrooms in Dorchester, Woodstock Ingersoll, and St Marys for the perfect solution to your home.
Stile and rail: Vertical and horizontal members which are used to hold the glass in a door or window frame.
Frames
Frames are crucial to the appearance of windows whether you have a classic cottage or a brand-new construction. The right frame material is vital to your home because it can affect the performance of your window, how long it is durable and how much it is worth.
There are several types of frames you can choose from: uPVC, aluminium and timber. uPVC is the most sought-after choice because of its low-maintenance and energy-efficient properties. It comes in a variety of colours and can be coated with a wood-effect finish for a more traditional look. It is extremely durable and requires little maintenance, aside from cleaning. If you live in an area that is subject to extreme weather conditions, uPVC might not be the best option.
london windows and doors is another good choice for frames since it is strong and durable. It also has a sleek designs that are ideal for modern properties. It is lightweight and can be finished with any RAL color to match your building. It's not as energy efficient as uPVC however it is a viable alternative if you're seeking a more eco green option.
Steel is an excellent choice for older buildings, since it can be powder coated to match your bricks or stones. However, the problem with the traditional steel frames is that they are not thermally broken and therefore don't really keep out the cold. Fortunately, technology of the 21st century has come to terms with this and now it is possible to get a slim steel frame with incredible thermal break performance.
Timber is a gorgeous material for any type property, but its price is higher than other materials. It does offer one of the best appearances and if maintained properly, will last for a long time. You should use a hardwood that is suitable for your frames, as not all woods possess the same qualities. Poor quality timber will not only degrade quickly, but it could also cause rotting and moisture ingress, which could damage your window sashes as well as cills.
Sashes
Sash windows are a feature that can be present in many a period property. They are distinctive and effortlessly elegant, with a gorgeous, timeless style that has stood the test of time. Sash windows have many benefits and are becoming more sought-after due to their aesthetics and practicality.
A sash window is a vertically sliding window that has two glazed panels that can be opened to allow ventilation, looking out and other purposes. The pulley system that is hidden in the frame supports the opening and closing of sliding windows. These pulleys rarely break and the fact they are contained with the window frame means that fixing them is simple and cost-effective.
During the Georgian era, sash window became more popular as they allowed more light to narrow streets and cottages. The glass panes of these sash windows were often equally divided to reduce their cost, because the technology was not yet reached the point that larger panes could be manufactured in a stable manner.
There are many different types of sash windows that are available however the classic box sash is among the most sought-after. These windows are perfect for those who want to preserve the look and feel the traditional home but also want modern features such as draught-seals, security locks and draught seals.
Sash windows can be double-hung or single-hung, based on the frame and design. A single hung sash has an opening on the bottom by sliding up, while double-hung sash comes with an upper and lower panel that can be opened by sliding horizontally across one other.
There are a few other differences between the two types of sash windows, and you should discuss the matter with a window expert before deciding which option is best for you. For example Sash windows can be outfitted with a variety of hardware, like Sash lifts and sash chains which allow you to operate the windows when they are open. A sash can be fitted with a bar for staff, which keeps the sash in place and prevents them from being pushed by winds or draughts.
Cills
Cills can be easily fixed by carefully removing decayed wood and re-inserting new timber. These should be shaped so that they maximize strength while retaining the historic fabric to the best extent that it is possible. A drip must also be included to channel water away from the bottom of the window.
Oak was only used for the most luxurious homes or the first examples. It is therefore important that new cills are procured from this material and thoroughly primed, painted and incorporated with a drip.
Resin-based fillers that are mixed with wood dust or timber consolidant may be used to repair small areas of damage or loss. This is a cost-effective way to maximize the amount historical fabric that is left in the repair. This technique can also be extremely effective in creating good sash frames that have been damaged, if the damage is a result of poor maintenance.
Glass
Often the most important element of a window or door is its glass. It can be tinted or clear and can increase the architectural value of the structure. It can also offer significant energy savings by reducing solar radiation. Tempered glass is treated to withstand more force than the normal glass surface. It breaks into smaller pieces, rather than splintering, and reduces the risk from flying fragments.
Historic glass should be saved in place when repairs are needed and care should be taken to shield it from damage caused by accident. Historic sash windows may have crown (a flat glass with curved ridging and air bubbles) or cylinder glass, which gives character and depth to the facade. Both types are rarely manufactured therefore original pieces are extremely valuable and should be retained in situ whenever feasible. Glass should be protected from paint strippers and chemical paint removers that can cause it crack or break. The putty that is used on wooden frames should also be carefully repaired and reapplied.
Resin-based repair products are able to remove loose paint and rust without damaging the finish or profile of the wood. These products can be used to fix many minor issues such as rot, decay and structural movement.
Sash windows - a type of fixed window in which the sash can be opened or shut on pivots at either side, or at the top and bottom. This type of window has a more decorative appearance than operable sash and is typically coupled with a transom.
Casement windows - A type of window that opens or shut using hinges on the sides, or with a mullion in between them. This kind of window is often located in older houses and is often paired with an wing or fixed panel to create a Bay Window.
Simulated divided-lites – A grille or grid that appears to have separate panes that are separated by muntins but actually made up of larger lites and muntins placed between them. This gives the appearance of a variety of smaller window units.