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 by using their top-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 a window or door frame.
Frames
Frames are essential to the appearance of windows, whether you have a classic cottage or a brand new construction. Choosing the right frame material for your home is essential as it has a direct impact on how well your window functions and lasts for and, ultimately, how much your home is worth.
There are three kinds of frames: uPVC (also known as polyvinyl chloride) as well as aluminium and wood. uPVC is the most popular choice due to its low-maintenance and energy-efficient properties. It is available in a variety of colours and is coated with a wood effect to create a more traditional appearance. It is also resistant to the elements and requires little maintenance other than cleaning. However, if you live in an area with a lot of sun, uPVC might not be the ideal choice since it will degrade over time in the extreme weather.
Aluminium is a good option for frames since it is lightweight and durable. It also is sleek and modern in style that is ideal for modern homes. windows replacement london is also light and can be crafted in any RAL colour for the ideal match to your building. It is not as efficient as uPVC but is a good alternative if you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative.
Steel is a fantastic option for older buildings because it can be powder-coated to match bricks or stones. However, the issue with the traditional steel frames is that they're not thermally broken and therefore do not really protect you from the cold. The 21st century has caught up to this and it's now possible to have a sleek steel frame that can provide an impressive thermal break performance.
Timber is a stunning material for any type home, however its cost is higher than other materials. However, it does provide one of the most attractive aesthetics and, if taken care of correctly, it will last for a lifetime. You should use a hardwood that is suitable for your frames, because not all woods possess the same characteristics. A poor quality wood will not only begin to degrade rapidly, but also lead to rotting and moisture infiltration, which can harm your window sashes as well as cills.
Sashes
Many of the older homes have sash windows. Sash windows are easy to recognize and elegant. They have a beautiful timeless design that has endured the test of time. There are a number of advantages to windows made of sash for your home, and they have been getting more popular in recent years due to their aesthetic and practical advantages.
A sash window is a vertically sliding window that is equipped with two glass panels that can be opened to allow ventilation, viewing out, and other purposes. The system of pulleys hidden within the window frame supports the opening and closing of sliding windows. These pulleys rarely break, and the fact that they are part of the window makes fixing them is easy and affordable.
In the Georgian period, sash windows were becoming more popular, since they allowed in more light into small cottages and streets. The glass panes of these windows were usually evenly divided to make them more affordable because the technology was not yet advanced to the point where larger panes could be manufactured in a reliable manner.
There are many different types of sash windows available however the classic box sash is among the most well-known. These windows are ideal for those who wish to maintain the appearance and feel of an old-fashioned home, but also want modern conveniences like draught-seals or security locks.
Sash windows can be double-hung or single-hung based on the design and frame. A single hung sash has a bottom panel that opens by sliding up, whereas double-hung sash have a top and a bottom panel that open by sliding horizontally across the other.
There are a few other distinctions between the two kinds of sash windows, and you should talk about this with a window specialist before deciding which one is best for you. For example windows made of sash can be outfitted with a variety of hardware, including Sash lifts and sash chains which allow you to operate the windows when they're open. A sash window can also be fitted with a staff-bead which helps keep the windows in position and stop them from being pulled out of alignment by wind or draughts.
Cills
Cills are particularly susceptible to decay however they are easily repaired by carefully cutting away rotten timber and splicing-in timber inserts. These should be shaped to obtain maximum strength while keeping as much of the original fabric as is feasible. A drip should be included to divert water away from the window's bottom.
Historically most sash windows were made of slow-growing deal (pine), with oak being used only in expensive 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 incorporate a drip.
Small areas of loss and deterioration can be made good with resin-based fillers that are mixed with wood dust or a timber consolidant. This can be a cost efficient way to increase the amount of historical fabric that can be preserved during the repair. This method is also efficient in repairing damaged sash frame where the damage was caused through inadequate maintenance.
Glass
Often the most important element of a door or window is the glass. It can be tinted or clear it can enhance the architectural significance of the structure and offer significant energy savings due to solar radiation control. Tempered glass is specifically treated to withstand more than normal forces on its surface; it breaks into small pieces instead of splintering and minimizes the risk of flying fragments.
It is crucial to ensure that historic glass remains in place and protect it from damage. Historic sash windows may contain crown glass (a variety of flat glass that has air bubbles or curving ridging) or cylinder glass, which adds character and depth to the facade. Both types are rarely manufactured so original pieces are valuable and should be kept in situ whenever feasible. Glass should be protected from the effects of chemical paint removers which can cause cracks and breakage. The putty used on wooden frames must be repaired and putty reapplied.
The use of resin-based repair solutions allows for the removal of loose paint and rust from surfaces, without causing damage to the profile and surface finish of the wood or its putty. They can also be used to repair many other minor problems including decay and rot, structural movement distortion, and deformation.
Sash windows are fixed windows that the sash opens and closes by pivots, either at the top or bottom or at each side. This kind of window is generally more attractive than operable sash windows and often contains transom.
Casement windows can be opened and closed using hinges either on the sides or an mullion that is between. This type of window is typically located in older houses and is often combined with a fixed panel or wing 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 uses larger lites of glass, with the muntins arranged between them to give the appearance of several smaller window units.