Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
London window and door options can help you create an unforgettable first impression of your home with their high-quality windows and doors. Visit our showrooms in Dorchester, Woodstock Ingersoll, and St Marys for the perfect solution for your home.
Stile and rail - horizontal and vertical members that hold glass in the frame of a door or window.
Frames
Frames are a crucial part of the appearance of windows, whether you have a classic cottage or a brand-new construction. The ideal frame material is crucial for your home because it will affect how your window performs, lasts, and how much it's worth.
There are three types of frames that are available: UPVC (also called polyvinyl chloride) as well as aluminium and wood. uPVC is the most sought-after choice due to its low-maintenance, energy-efficient properties. It comes in a variety of colours and is coated with a wood effect to create a more traditional appearance. It is extremely durable and requires little maintenance, aside from cleaning. However should you reside in an area that is exposed, uPVC may not be the ideal choice since it will degrade over time in the extreme weather.
Aluminium is a good option for frames because it is lightweight and robust. It also has a sleek, modern style that is ideal for contemporary homes. It is lightweight and can be finished with any RAL color to match the design of your house. It's not as efficient as uPVC but it is a viable alternative if you're looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Steel is an excellent option for older buildings as it can be powder-coated to match bricks or stones. The problem with the traditional thin steel frames is that because they're not thermally insulated, they can not ward off cold. Fortunately, technology of the 21st century has taken over and it's now possible to have a minimal steel frame that has impressive thermal break performance.
Timber is a beautiful option for any type of property, but it is a premium cost compared to other materials. It does, however, provide the best aesthetics and, if taken care of correctly, it will last for a lifetime. It is important to use an appropriately rated hardwood for your frames, as not all woods are created equal. A poor quality timber could cause premature degradation, as well as moisture intrusion and rot that can damage your window sashes or cills.
Sashes
Sash windows are an element that is found in many a period property. Sash windows are easily identifiable and elegant. They have a beautiful timeless design that has stood the tests of time. There are many benefits to choosing sash windows for your home, and they have gained popularity over the years due to their aesthetic and practical qualities.
window fitters london is a vertically sliding two-paned window. It can be opened to allow for ventilation or to allow views out. The opening and closing of sash windows are supported by a system of pulleys, which are hidden in the window frame itself. They are very durable and because they are incorporated into the window frame they are able to be easily and cheaply repaired.
During the Georgian period, sash windows were becoming more common, as they let in more light into narrow streets and cottages. These sash windows had their glass panes split evenly to make them more affordable. The technology was not yet sophisticated enough to allow for larger panes of glass to be made consistently.
Nowadays, there are many different kinds of sash windows available, however the traditional box sash is one of the most popular choices. These windows are a good option for those who wish to retain the appearance and feel of a classic home but with modern features such as draught seals and security locks.
Sash windows can be either single or double hung depending on the style of 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 an upper and lower panel that opens by sliding horizontally across the other.
You should consult a window specialist to determine which type of sash window is suitable for you. Sash windows, like can be fitted with various hardware, including sash chains or sash lifts that allow windows to operate when they are opened. A sash can be fitted with a staff bar which keeps the sash in place and prevents it from being pushed around by wind or draughts.
Cills
Cills are particularly susceptible to decay but they are repaired by carefully cutting out the decayed timber and then splicing-in inserts. They should be designed to maximize strength while retaining the historic fabric to the maximum extent that it is possible. A drip should be added to redirect water away from the bottom of the window.
Historically most sash windows were constructed from slow grown deal (pine) and oak, with the latter only being used in elegant homes and the early examples of the genre. It is therefore important that new cills are procured from this wood and then primed, painted and incorporated with a drip.
Small areas of loss and deterioration can be fixed by using resin-based fillers mixed with a wood dust or a timber consolidant. This is a cost-effective method to maximise the amount of historic fabric that remains in repair. This method can be very effective in constructing excellent frames for damaged sash where the damage is a result of poor maintenance.
Glass
Of course, the most important component of a window or door is the glass. It can be clear or tinted and can increase the architectural value of the structure. It can also provide significant energy savings by decreasing solar radiation. Tempered glass is treated to withstand more force than normal on its surface. It breaks into smaller pieces instead of splintering and reduces the risk from flying shards.
Historic glass should always be protected during repairs, and extreme care should be taken to protect it from accidental damage. The sash windows of the past may have crown (a flat glass with curved ridging and air bubbles) or the cylinder glass that adds character and depth to the facade. Both are not manufactured, so original pieces are highly valuable and should be kept in situ whenever possible. Glass must be protected from the effects of paint strippers or chemical paint removers that could cause it to break and crack. The wood frames should also be carefully repaired and putty reapplied.
The use of resin-based repair products allows the removal of loose paint and rust from surfaces without damaging the profile or surface finish of the wood or its putty. These can also be used to repair a range of other minor issues, including decay or rot, structural movements, distortion, and deformation.
Sash windows are fixed windows that the sash opens and closes by pivots, either at the top or bottom, or on each side. This kind of window has more attractive design than operable sash and is typically coupled with a transom.
Casement windows open and close using hinges either on the sides or the mullion between. This type of window is often located in older houses and is often combined with a fixed panel or wing to create a Bay Window.
Simulated divided-lites – A grid or grille that looks like it has separate panes, separated by muntins but is actually composed of larger lites and muntins between them. This creates the appearance of smaller window units.