Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
London window and door options can aid in creating an unforgettable first impression of your home by using their top-quality windows and doors. Visit our showroom in Dorchester, Woodstock, Ingersoll and St Marys to find the perfect solution for your home.
Stile and rail - horizontal and vertical members that support 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 property is vital as it has a direct influence on how your window performs and lasts for and ultimately how much your home is worth.
There are three kinds of frames that are available: uPVC (also called polyvinyl chloride) aluminum, uPVC, and wood. uPVC is the most well-known choice due to its low-maintenance, energy-efficient properties. It comes in a variety of colours and is available with a wood effect finish to give a more classic look. It is also durable against the elements and requires only minimal maintenance, other than cleaning. However, if you live in an exposed location uPVC may not be the best option as it can degrade over time in extreme weather.
Aluminium is another good choice for frames because it is strong and durable. It also has a sleek designs that are ideal for modern properties. It is light and can be finished with any RAL color that matches the style of your home. It's not as energy efficient as uPVC but it is a good alternative if you're seeking a more eco green option.
Steel is a fantastic choice for older buildings as it can be powder coated to match the color of your bricks or stonework. However, the issue with traditional slim steel frames is that they are not thermally broken so they do not really protect you from the cold. The 21st century has caught up and now it's possible to get a simple steel frame that offers incredible thermal break performance.
Timber is a gorgeous material for any type home, however its cost is higher than other materials. It is a stunning material and, if properly cared for, will last a lifetime. It is best to select a wood that is rated appropriately for your frames, as not all woods have the same characteristics. The wood of poor quality is not just going to decay rapidly, but also cause rotting and water ingress, which could damage the window sashes and cills.
Sashes
Many of the older homes have sash windows. They are easily identifiable and effortlessly elegant, with a beautiful timeless design 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 is a vertically sliding two-paned window. It can be opened for ventilation or view out. The pulley system hidden within the window frame supports the opening and closing of sliding windows. These pulleys are very durable and because they are integrated into the frame of the window they are able to be easily and cheaply repaired.
During the Georgian period, sash windows began to become more popular, since they allowed in more light into the narrow streets and cottages. The glass panes of these windows were typically evenly split to reduce their cost, since the technology had not yet advanced to the point that larger panes could be made in a reliable fashion.
There are many kinds of sash window that are available, but the traditional box sash is among the most popular. These windows are a great choice for those who want to keep the style and look of a traditional home, but with modern features like draught seals or security locks.
Sash windows can be either single or double hung according to the type of design and frame. A single-hung sash can open the bottom panel by sliding it upwards. Double-hung sash can open both the bottom and top panels by sliding them horizontally across one another.
You should consult an expert in window design to determine what kind of sash window is right for you. Sash windows, like are able to be fitted with various hardware, including Sash lifts or sash chains that allow windows to operate when they are opened. Sash windows can be equipped with a bar for staff, which holds the sash in place and stops it from being pushed around by wind or draughts.
Cills
Cills can be easily fixed by carefully removing decayed wood and then putting in new. These should be shaped to ensure maximum strength, while also preserving as much of the original fabric as possible. A drip should be added to direct water away the window's bottom.
Historically most sash windows were constructed from slow grown deal (pine), with oak being used only in prestigious homes and early examples of the style. It is important to make new cills from this material, and to thoroughly prime, paint and add a drip.
Resin-based fillers containing wood dust or timber consolidant may be used to repair small areas of damage or loss. This is a cost effective way of maximising the amount of historical fabric that can be preserved during a repair. This method is also efficient in the repair of a damaged sash frame where the damage was caused by poor maintenance.
Glass
The most significant element of a window or door is the glass. Whether clear or tinted, it can add to the architectural significance of the structure and help to save energy through solar radiation control. Tempered glass is treated to withstand higher forces than normal on its surface. It breaks into smaller pieces instead of splintering and minimizes the risk of flying fragments.
Historic glass should 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 cylinder glass, which gives depth and character to the facade. Original pieces of both types are rare and highly valuable. They should be kept in place whenever feasible. The glass must be protected from the effects of paint strippers or chemical paint removers that could cause cracks and breakage. The wood frames should also be carefully repaired and applied again.
The use of resin-based repair products can be used to remove loose paint and rust from the surface without causing damage to the profile and surface finish of the wood or its putty. These products can be used to repair various minor issues such as rot, decay and structural movement.
Sash windows - a type of fixed window in which the sash opens or closed on pivots at either side or at the top and bottom. This type of window is typically more attractive than operable sash windows and typically has transom.
window company london are a type of window that swings open or shut by hinges at the sides or with a mullion in between them. This kind of window can be found in older homes, and is often paired with an wing or fixed panel to create a Bay Window.
Simulated divided-lights – A grid or grille that appears to have separate panes separated by muntins but is actually made up of larger lites with muntins between them. This creates the appearance of many smaller window units.