Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
London window and door 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 to find the best solution for your home.
Stile and rail are horizontal and vertical members that hold glass in frames for doors or windows.
Frames
Whether you have an old period home or a contemporary new build frames are essential to the appearance of your windows. The ideal frame material is essential for your home because it can affect the way your window performs, lasts and how much it's worth.
There are three types of frames: UPVC (also known as polyvinyl chloride) aluminum, uPVC, and wood. The most well-known option is uPVC due to its low maintenance and energy efficiency. It is available in a variety of colours and is coated with a wood effect to give a more traditional look. It is also resistant to the elements and requires little maintenance, other than cleaning. If you live in a place that is exposed to extreme weather conditions, uPVC may not be the best option.
Aluminium is a good alternative for frames as it is sturdy and has an elegant design that is ideal for modern properties. It is also light and can be painted in any color RAL to get the ideal match to your building. It's not as efficient as uPVC however it is a viable alternative if you're seeking a more eco green alternative.
Steel is a great choice for older buildings as it can be powder coated to match the color of your stonework or bricks. The issue with traditional thin steel frames is that since they are not thermally insulated, they do not keep out the cold. The 21st century has finally caught up and it's now possible to get a simple steel frame that has an impressive thermal break performance.
Timber is a beautiful material for any kind of home, however its cost is more expensive than other materials. It does provide the best aesthetics and if cared for properly, will last for a long time. It is best to select a wood that is rated appropriately for your frames, because not all woods have the same qualities. Poor quality timber will not only begin to degrade prematurely, but it can lead to rotting and moisture ingress which can damage the window sashes and cills.
Sashes
Many homes of the past have Sash windows. They are easily identifiable and effortlessly stylish, with a stunning, timeless design that has stood up to the test of time. There are a number of benefits to choosing sash windows for your home, and they've been getting more popular in recent years due to their aesthetic and practical qualities.
A Sash window is a vertically sliding window that is equipped with two glazed panels that can be opened to allow ventilation, viewing out, and the list goes on. The opening and closing of sash windows are supported by a system of pulleys that are concealed in the window frame itself. The pulleys are not likely to break and the fact that they are contained with the window makes fixing them is simple and inexpensive.
In the Georgian period, sash windows became more popular as they let in more light to narrow streets and cottages. The glass panes of windows were typically equally divided to reduce their cost, because the technology was not yet advanced to the point where larger panes could be manufactured in a stable manner.
There are now several different kinds of sash windows available but the classic box sash remains one of the most sought-after options. These windows are a good option for those looking to retain the style and look of a traditional home, but with modern conveniences such as draught seals and security locks.
Sash windows can be either double or single hung depending on the style of design and frame. A single hung sash has a bottom panel that opens by sliding up, whereas double-hung sash comes with an upper and lower panel that can be opened by sliding horizontally across the other.
It is recommended to consult a window specialist to determine what kind of sash window is suitable for you. Sash windows, for instance, can be fitted with a variety of different hardware, such as Sash lifts or sash chains that allow windows to operate when they are opened. A sash is able to be equipped with a bar for staff, that holds the sash position and stops them from being pushed away by winds or draughts.
Cills
Cills can be repaired by carefully removing rotten wood and then putting in new. These should be shaped in a way that maximizes strength while retaining the historic fabric to the best extent that it is possible. A drip should be added to divert water away from the window's bottom.
Oak was used only for the most prestigious homes or for the earliest examples. It is therefore crucial that new cills are sourced from this wood and then painted, primed and then incorporated with a drip.
Resin-based fillers that are mixed with wood dust or timber consolidant may be used to repair small areas of damage and loss. This is a cost efficient method of maximizing the amount of fabric that can be preserved during repairs. sash window repairs london is also efficient in the repair of a damaged sash frames where the damage was caused by inadequate maintenance.
Glass
The most significant element of a window or door is its glass. It can be tinted or clear it can enhance the architectural significance of the building and help to save energy through solar radiation control. Tempered glass is specially heat treated to withstand greater than normal forces that are applied to its surface. it breaks into small pieces rather than splintering, and minimizes the risk of flying fragments.
Historic glass should always be protected during repairs, and extreme care must be taken to protect it from accidental damage. Sash windows from the past could contain crown glass (a type of flat glass with air bubbles or curving ridging) or cylinder glass which gives depth and character to an exterior. Original pieces of both types are rare and highly valuable. They should be kept in place whenever possible. Glass must be protected from paint strippers and chemical paint removers that can cause it crack or break. The putty that is used on wooden frames should also be carefully repaired and putty reapplied.
Resin-based repair products are able to remove loose paint and rust without damaging the surface finish or the profile of the wood. These products can be used to correct many minor issues, including decay, rot 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 kind of window has an attractive appearance compared to operable sash and is typically accompanied by a transom.
Casement windows open and close on hinges either on the sides or an mullion that is between. This type of window can be found in older homes, and is often used in conjunction with a fixed panel or wing to create a Bay Window.
Simulated divided-lites - A grid or grille that appears to have separate panes that are separated by muntins, but is actually made up of larger lites and muntins placed between them. This creates the appearance of smaller window units.