Where Do You Think London Window And Door Be One Year From Now
Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
London window and door options can make an unforgettable first impression for your home with their high-quality windows and doors. Visit our showrooms in Dorchester, Woodstock, Ingersoll and St Marys to find the perfect solution for your home.
Stile and rail: Horizontal and vertical members which hold the glass in a door or window frame.
Frames
If you own a period cottage or a modernist new construction, frames are crucial to the look of your windows. Selecting the best frame material for your house is crucial as it has a direct influence on how your window will perform, how long it lasts and ultimately how much your home is worth.
There are several types of frames you can choose from: uPVC, aluminum and timber. uPVC is the most sought-after option due to its low-maintenance, energy-efficient properties. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/london-windowrepair/ is available in a variety of colors and can be coated with a wood effect to give a more traditional look. It is extremely durable and requires little maintenance, aside from cleaning. If you live in an area that is subject to extreme weather, uPVC might not be the best option.
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 light and can be finished in any RAL colour for the perfect match to your building. It is not as efficient as uPVC but it is a great option if you want greener options.
Steel is an excellent option for older structures, since it can be powder coated to match your bricks or stones. The issue with traditional steel frames is that, because they are not thermally insulated, they can not ward off cold. Fortunately, technology of the 21st century has taken over and it is now possible to get a slim steel frame with impressive thermal break performance.
Timber is a stunning material for any type home, however its cost is more expensive than other materials. It does, however, offer one of the best appearances and if maintained properly will last a lifetime. It is important to use the right grade of wood for your frames as not all woods are created equal. A poor quality timber could cause premature degradation and moisture intrusion and rot, which could cause damage to your window sashes and cills.
Sashes
Many of the older homes have Sash windows. They are highly distinguishable and effortlessly elegant, with a gorgeous timeless style that has stood the test of time. Sash windows have many benefits and are becoming more popular due to their aesthetics and practicality.
A Sash window is a horizontally sliding window with two glass panels that can be opened for ventilation, looking out, and the list goes on. The opening and closing of sash windows is supported by a system of pulleys that are concealed within the window frame itself. These pulleys rarely break and the fact they are contained with the window makes fixing them is easy and affordable.
In the Georgian era, sash window became more popular because they brought more light to narrow streets and cottages. Sash windows were made with their glass panes split evenly to make them more affordable. The technology was not yet advanced enough to allow for larger panes of glass to be made reliably.
There are now several 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 want to maintain the style and feel of a period home, but also want modern features like draught-seals or security locks.
Sash windows are either single-hung or double-hung depending on the frame and design. A single hung sash has an opening on the bottom by sliding up, while double-hung sash comes with a top and a bottom panel that opens by sliding horizontally across the other.
There are other differences between the two types of sash windows, and it is recommended to discuss the matter with a window expert before deciding which option is the best choice for you. Sash windows, for instance, can be equipped with a variety of hardware, such as sash chains or sash lifts that allow windows to operate while they are open. A sash window may also be fitted with a staff bead which helps keep the sash windows in place and prevent them from being pulled out of alignment by wind or draughts.
Cills
Cills are especially susceptible to decay however they are easily repaired by carefully cutting away the decayed timber and then splicing-in inserts. They should be designed to maximize strength while keeping the original fabric to the best extent that is possible. A drip should also be included to channel water away from the bottom of the window.
<img width="354" src="https://www.sickseo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/window-2022-11-04-21-46-43-utc.jpg">
Oak was used only in the most prestigious homes or the first examples. It is therefore essential that the cills used for new windows are sourced from this material and thoroughly painted, primed and then incorporated with drip.
Resin-based fillers that are mixed with wood dust or timber consolidant can be used to repair small areas of damage or loss. This is a cost-effective approach to maximize the amount historical fabric that is left in the repair. This method can be extremely effective in creating good damaged sash frames where the damage occurred as the result of poor maintenance.
Glass
Often the most important element of a window or door is the glass. Whether clear or tinted it can increase the architectural value 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 smaller pieces rather than splintering, and minimizes the risk of flying shards.
Historic glass should always be saved in place during repairs, and extreme care must be taken to shield it from accidental damage. Sash windows from the past could contain crown glass (a kind of flat glass that has air bubbles or curving ridging) or cylinder glass which gives depth and character to a facade. Both are not manufactured, so original pieces are highly valuable and should be kept in situ as often as feasible. Glass must be protected from the effects of chemical paint removers that could cause it to crack and break. In the same way, the putty on wooden frames needs to be repaired and renewed carefully.
The use of resin-based repair solutions allows for the removal of loose paint and rust from surfaces without damaging the profile or surface finish of the wood or its putty. They can also be used to repair many other minor issues like decay and rot, structural movement, distortion, and deformation.
Sash windows - a type of fixed window in which the sash slides open or shut on pivots at either side, or at the top and bottom. This kind of window is typically more decorative than operable sash windows, and usually has transom.
Casement windows - A type of window that can swing open or shut using hinges on the sides, or with a mullion in between them. This kind of window is typically found on older houses and can be paired with an affixed wing or panel to create a bay window.
Simulated divided-lites - A grille or grid that looks like it has separate panes separated by muntins, but is actually composed of a larger lite with muntins between them. This creates the appearance of smaller window units.