Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
Give your home a first impression that will last with the highest quality windows and doors from london windows and doors. Visit our showrooms in Dorchester, Woodstock, Ingersoll and St Marys to find the best solution for your home.
Stile and rail - horizontal and vertical members that support glass in the frame of a door or window.
Frames
Frames are crucial to the appearance of windows, regardless of whether you have an old cottage or a brand new construction. Choosing the right frame material for your property is crucial as it has a direct influence on how your window functions, how long it lasts and, ultimately, the value of your home. worth.
There are three types of frames including uPVC (also called polyvinyl chloride) aluminum, uPVC, and wood. The most sought-after option is uPVC due to its low maintenance and energy efficiency. It comes in a variety of colors and can be coated with a wood-effect finish to create a more traditional appearance. It is durable and requires no maintenance, aside from cleaning. If you live in a place that is exposed to extreme weather conditions, uPVC might not be the best option.
Aluminium is another good choice for frames because it is sturdy and has a sleek design that is ideal for modern properties. It is also lightweight and can be crafted in any RAL color to create the perfect match to your building. It is not as energy efficient as uPVC however it is a good alternative if you are seeking a more eco green option.
Steel is a fantastic choice for older structures as it can be powder coated to match the color of your stonework or bricks. The problem with the conventional steel frames is that since they're not thermally insulated, they do not keep out the cold. Fortunately, technology in the 21st century has caught up with this and it is now possible to get a slim steel frame with incredible thermal break performance.
Timber is a beautiful material for any kind of property, but its cost is higher than other materials. It is a stunning material and, if properly cared for it will last for a long time. It is recommended to choose a hardwood that is rated appropriately for your frames, as different woods do not have the same qualities. A poor quality wood is not just going to decay rapidly, but also cause rotting and moisture ingress, which could damage your window sashes and cills.
Sashes
Many homes of the past have windows with sash. Sash windows are easy to recognize and elegant. They have a beautiful, timeless style that has endured the tests of time. Sash windows offer many advantages and are becoming more popular due to their aesthetics and practicality.
A sash is a vertically sliding two-paned window. It can be opened to allow for ventilation or to allow views out. The pulley system concealed within the frame of the window allows for the opening and closing of sliding windows. These pulleys are extremely durable and because they are built within the window frame, they can be easily and cheaply repaired.
In the Georgian period, sash windows became more popular as they allowed more light to narrow streets and cottages. Sash windows were made with their glass panes evenly split to make them more affordable. The technology was not yet sophisticated enough to allow for larger panes to be produced reliably.
There are now many different kinds of sash windows available however the traditional box sash is still one of the most popular choices. These windows are perfect for those who wish to keep the look and feel a period home, but also want modern features such as draught-seals, security locks and draught seals.
Sash windows can be either double or single hung, depending on the style of design and frame. A single hung sash features an opening at the bottom of the panel by sliding up, while double-hung sash comes with an upper and lower panel that opens by sliding horizontally across one other.
There are a few other differences between the two types of sash windows. you should discuss this with a window specialist before deciding which is the best for you. For example, sash windows can be outfitted with a range of hardware, including sash lifts and sash chains that allow you to operate the windows when they're open. A sash window may be also fitted with a staff bead which helps to keep the windows in position and prevents them from being pushed out of alignment due to winds or draughts.
Cills
Cills can be easily fixed by carefully removing decayed wood and then putting in new. They should be designed so that they maximize strength while retaining the historic fabric to the best extent possible. A drip should be added to divert water away from the windows' bottom.
Historically most sash windows were constructed from slow grown deal (pine) and oak only used in the more expensive homes and early examples of the style. east london double glazing is important to use new cills made from this material, and also to thoroughly prime, paint and add a drip.
Resin-based fillers mixed with wood dust or timber consolidant can be used to repair small areas of damage and loss. This is a cost-effective way to maximize the amount of historical fabric that is left in repair. This method can be very successful in making good damaged sash frames where the damage has occurred as due to poor maintenance.
Glass
Often the most important element of a door or window is its glass. It can be clear or tinted and can increase the architectural value of the structure. It can also offer significant energy savings by cutting down on solar radiation. Tempered glass is specially heat treated to withstand more than normal forces on its surface; it breaks down into small pieces, rather than splintering and also reduces the risk of flying fragments.
Historic glass should always be protected when repairs are needed and care should be taken to safeguard it from accidental damage. Sash windows from the past could contain crown glass (a variety of flat glass with curved ridging or air bubbles) or cylinder glass that gives depth and character to the facade. Both types are rarely manufactured so original pieces are valuable and should be kept in situ as often as possible. Glass should be protected from the effects of paint strippers or chemical paint removers, which could cause cracks and breakage. In the same way, the putty on wooden frames must be replaced and repaired with care.
Resin-based repair products can be used to get rid of loose paint and rust without harming the surface finish or profile of the wood. They can also be used for the repair of many other minor problems including decay or rot, structural movements, distortion, and deformation.
Sash windows - a type of fixed window where the sash slides open or shut on pivots at either side or at the top and bottom. This type of window is characterized by a an attractive appearance compared to operable sash and is typically associated with transom.
Casement windows - A kind of window that opens or shut by hinges at the sides or with a mullion in between them. This type of window is usually seen on older homes and is often paired with an affixed wing or panel to create a bay window.
Simulated divided lites A grille or grid pattern that appears to have separate glass panes that are separated by muntins, but actually utilizes larger glass lites with the muntins placed between them to give the appearance of multiple smaller window units.