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 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 are vertical and horizontal members that support glass in a window or door frame.
Frames
Frames are crucial to the appearance of windows regardless of whether you have an old cottage or a new build. Selecting the best frame material for your house is vital since it has an immediate impact on how well your window performs, how long it lasts and, ultimately, the value of your home. worth.
There are three kinds of frames including uPVC (also known as polyvinyl chloride) as well as aluminium and wood. The most popular option is uPVC due to its low maintenance and energy efficiency. It is available in a wide range of colors and can be finished with a wood-effect coating to give a more traditional look. It is also durable against the elements and requires little maintenance other than cleaning. If you live in a location that is exposed to extreme weather, uPVC might not be the best choice.
Aluminium is another good choice for frames because it is strong and durable. It also has a an elegant design that is perfect for modern homes. It is also lightweight and can be crafted in any RAL color to create the perfect match to your building. It's not as efficient as uPVC but is a good option if you want greener options.
Steel is a great option for older buildings since it can be powder coated to match the colour of your stonework or bricks. However, window companies london with the conventional slim steel frames is that they are not thermally broken and therefore do not really protect you from the cold. Fortunately, technology of the 21st century has caught up with this and it is now possible to create a minimalist steel frame that has impressive thermal break performance.
Timber is a stunning option for any home, but it comes at a premium cost compared to other materials. However, it does provide one of the most attractive aesthetics and, if taken care of properly, will last for a long time. It is recommended to choose a hardwood that is suitable for your frames, because not all woods possess the same characteristics. The wood of poor quality is not just going to decay prematurely, but it can cause rotting and moisture ingress which can damage your window sashes as well as cills.
Sashes
Many of the older homes have windows with sash. Sash windows are easy to recognize and stylish. They are a stunning, timeless style that has stood the test of time. There are many advantages to windows with sash for your home, and they've gained popularity throughout the years due to their aesthetic and practical qualities.
A Sash window is a vertically sliding window that is equipped with two glazed panels that can be opened for ventilation, looking out and other purposes. The pulley system that is concealed within the frame of the window allows for the opening and closing of sliding windows. The pulleys are not likely to break and the fact they are contained with the window means that fixing them is relatively simple and affordable.
In the Georgian period, sash windows became more popular because they let in more light to narrow streets and cottages. The glass panes of these windows were typically evenly divided to reduce their cost, as the technology had not yet advanced to the point that larger panes could be made in a stable manner.
Nowadays, there are several different kinds of sash windows that are available but the classic box sash is one of the most sought-after choices. These windows are a good choice for those who want to retain the look and feel of a traditional home, but with modern conveniences such as draught seals and security locks.
Sash windows can be double-hung or single-hung based on the design and frame. A single-hung sash has an opening at the bottom of the panel by sliding up, whereas a double hung sash has a top and a bottom 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 talk about this with a window specialist before deciding which option is the best choice for you. Sash windows, like, can be fitted with various hardware, including Sash lifts or sash chains that allow windows to operate when they are opened. A sash window can also be equipped with a staff bead, which helps to keep the windows in position and prevents them from being pushed out of alignment by winds or draughts.
Cills
Cills can be easily fixed by carefully removing decayed wood and re-inserting new timber. These should be shaped to maximize strength while retaining the historic fabric to the maximum extent that is possible. A drip must also be included to channel water away from the bottom of the window.
Oak was used only for the most prestigious homes or early examples. It is therefore important that new cills are procured from this material and thoroughly primed, painted and then incorporated with drip.
Small areas of damage and loss can be made good by using resin-based fillers mixed with a wood dust or a timber consolidant. This is a cost-effective way to maximize the amount of historical fabric that is left in a repair. This method is also efficient in repairing damaged sash frames when the damage was caused by inadequate maintenance.
Glass
The most significant element of a door or window is its glass. It can be clear or tinted, and it can enhance the architectural value of the structure. It can also provide significant energy savings by decreasing solar radiation. Tempered glass is specially heat treated to withstand greater than normal forces on its surface; it breaks into small pieces, rather than splintering and also reduces the risk of flying shards.
Historic glass should always be saved in place when repairs are needed and care should be taken to protect it from damage caused by accident. Sash windows from the past could contain crown glass (a type of flat glass with curved ridging or air bubbles) or cylinder glass that provides depth and character to an exterior. Both types aren't made in a factory, therefore original pieces are extremely valuable and should be kept in situ whenever possible. Glass must be protected from paint strippers and chemical paint removers which could cause it to break or crack. The putty that is used on wooden frames should be repaired and reapplied.
The use of resin-based products for repair allows the removal of loose paint and rust from surfaces, without causing damage to the surface finish and profile of the wood or its putty. These can also be used to repair a range of other minor issues, including decay, rot, structural movement distortion, deformation, and distortion.
Sash windows are fixed windows that the sash can be opened and closed on pivots at the top or bottom or on each side. This type of window is typically more attractive than operable windows and often contains transom.
Casement windows - A kind of window that can swing open or shut using hinges on the sides or on a mullion that is between them. This type of window is typically found on older houses and is often paired with a fixed wing or panel to create a bay window.
Simulated divided lites A grille or grid design that appears to have distinct glass panes separated by muntins, however it actually uses larger glass lites with the muntins interspersed between them to give the appearance of multiple smaller window units.