Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
London window and door can make an unforgettable first impression for your home with their high-quality windows and doors. Visit our showroom in Dorchester, Woodstock, Ingersoll and St Marys to find the ideal solution for your home.
Stile and rail - horizontal and vertical members that hold glass within frames for doors or windows.
Frames
Frames are crucial to the appearance of windows regardless of whether you have an old cottage or a new build. The ideal frame material is crucial for your home since it can affect the way your window performs, is durable and how much it's worth.
There are a few different kinds of frames to pick from: uPVC frames, aluminium and timber. The most well-known option is uPVC because of its low maintenance and energy efficiency. It comes in a variety of colors and comes with a wood effect finish for an elegant look. It is durable and requires no maintenance, other than cleaning. If you live in a location that is exposed to extreme weather conditions, uPVC may not be the best choice.
Aluminium is a good option for frames due to its light and robust. It also has a modern, sleek style that is ideal for contemporary properties. It is lightweight and can be finished with any color of RAL to match your building. It is not as energy efficient as uPVC but it's a great alternative if you are seeking a more eco green alternative.
Steel is a fantastic option for older structures, because it can be powder-coated to match your bricks or stones. The issue with traditional steel frames is that since they're not thermally insulated, they do not ward off cold. Fortunately, technology in the 21st century has taken over and now it is possible to create a minimalist steel frame with incredible thermal break performance.
Timber is a gorgeous option for any type of home, but it is an expense that is higher than other materials. It is a gorgeous material that, if cared for it will last for a long time. You should use a hardwood that is suitable for your frames, because different woods do not have the same characteristics. A poor quality wood will not only degrade prematurely, but it can cause rotting and moisture ingress which can damage the window sashes and cills.
Sashes
Sash windows are an element that can be found in many a period home. They are highly distinguishable and elegantly elegant, with a beautiful timeless design that has stood the test of time. There are window repair london to choosing sash windows for your home, and they've gained popularity in recent years due to their aesthetic and practical qualities.
A sash is a vertically sliding two-paned window. It can be opened for ventilation or viewing out. The opening and closing of sash windows is supported by a system of pulleys which are concealed within the window frame itself. These pulleys rarely break and the fact they are part of the window frame means that fixing them is simple and cost-effective.
In the Georgian period, sash windows began to become more popular because they allowed in more light into narrow streets and cottages. The glass panes of these windows were typically evenly split to reduce their cost, as the technology had not yet reached the point where larger panes could be made in a stable manner.
There are many different types of sash windows that are available, but the traditional box sash remains one of the most sought-after. These windows are a good option for those who wish to retain the style and look of a period property, but with modern conveniences like draught seals and security locks.
Sash windows are either double-hung or single-hung, based on the design and frame. A single-hung sash is opened to the bottom panel by sliding it up. A double-hung sash opens both the bottom and top panels by sliding them horizontally across one another.
There are some other differences between the two kinds of sash windows, and you should talk about this with a window expert before deciding which one is the best choice for you. Sash windows, for instance can be fitted with various hardware, such as sash chains or sash lifts that allow windows to operate when they are opened. A sash is able to be fitted with a staff bar, which keeps the sash in position and stops it from being pushed around by winds or draughts.
Cills
Cills are particularly prone to decay however they are easily repaired by carefully cutting out decayed timber and splicing in timber inserts. These should be shaped in a way that maximizes strength while retaining the historic fabric to the maximum extent that is possible. A drip should also be incorporated to direct water away from the bottom of the window.
Historically most sash windows were made from slow-growing deal (pine) and oak being used only in prestigious homes and early examples of the genre. It is important to choose cills that are new from this material, and to thoroughly prime, paint and add drip.
Small areas of deterioration and loss can be repaired with resin-based fillers that are mixed with wood dust or a timber consolidant. This can be a cost effective way of maximising the amount of fabric that is preserved in the repair. This method is also effective in repairing damaged sash frame where the damage was caused through inadequate maintenance.
Glass
Glass is usually the most significant component of a window or door. Clear or tinted it can increase the architectural significance of the structure and can offer significant energy savings due to solar radiation control. Tempered glass is 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.
It is crucial to keep historic glass in place and to protect it from damage. Historic sash window may contain crown (a flat glass with curving ridging and air bubbles) or cylinder glass, which gives character and depth to the facade. Both types aren't made in a factory, so original pieces are valuable and should be retained in situ as often as feasible. Glass should be protected from the effects of chemical paint removers that could cause cracks and breakage. The putty that is used on wooden frames must be repaired and putty reapplied.
The use of resin-based repair solutions 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 products can be used to fix many minor issues such as rot, decay and structural movement.
Sash windows - a type of fixed window where the sash can be opened or shut on pivots at either side or at top and bottom. This type of window is characterized by a a more decorative appearance than operable sash and is often coupled with a transom.
Casement windows - A kind of window that opens or shut on hinges at the sides or on a mullion between them. This type of window is often located in older houses and is often paired with a fixed panel or wing to create a Bay Window.
Simulated divided lites Grid or grille pattern that appears to have separate panes of glass separated by muntins, but actually uses larger glass lites with the muntins interspersed between them to create the appearance of several smaller window units.