Posts Tagged ‘sash windows’
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
The sash window, or a window that opens and closes by sliding panes of glass over either horizontally or, more commonly, vertically, originated most likely in Great Britain in the 17th century. While the origins of the sash window aren’t precisely known, we do have a good idea of where it cam from and when it was most popularly in use.
It is thought that the original design came to Great Britain from either France or Holland. It was used more often in Great Britain as well as its colonies in the Americas. The window moves on strings or balances that made it easy to slide the wooden framed glass open or closed. By the late 17th century the style of window was increasingly popular in both Great Britain and the United States.
While the sash window is most recognized now as one that opens and closes vertically, the horizontal style also qualifies as a sash window, and was probably the original style of a sliding window. The vertical version would come later.
The oldest existing windows are found in the Ham House in Great Britain and they were put into place in the 1670s. However there are earlier mentions to the windows which can be found the 1658 Vermeer painting of the Milkmaid and the writings of an Brit in 1589 where he refers to them.
The windows did not become common until the seventeenth century, and about three centuries later they were the most common window to be found in England and the United States, though at that point they began to fall out of fashion. Georgian architecture especially is known for having a great number of them.
A window of two glass panels by three glass panels in each of two sashes is the most typically seen design. It’s not the only one, however; there are many variations of the model. One common way to refer to them in the United States is the “double hung sash” which refers to two mobile panels in the window both being able to slide to open and close the window. A single hung sash has one static sash and one mobile one. In some instances of very high windows, you’ll find triple or quadruple sashes.
The origins of the sash window aren’t exactly known but we know they date back to common use in England in the mid seventeenth century. They’ve been around for many centuries, and their functionality and beauty can still be seen today.
We know some perfect sash window companies in London. They also offer sash window draught proofing service. Are you interested in them?
categories: Windows,construction,property,office,business,house,home,diy,building,wooden windows,double glazing,sash windows,timber,glazing
Tags:building, business, construction, diy, double glazing, glazing, home, house, office, property, sash windows, timber, windows, wooden windows
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Friday, August 27th, 2010
If you are looking for all the character of yesterday together with the new technology available today, look no further than wooden windows. The modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows allow for high performance without getting in the way of style and tradition. All the benefits of modern technology married to the traditions of history are available in wood.
Wood is a very sustainable material to use in construction. It not only literally grows on trees, but it is possible to recycle it after use into something new. It uses very little energy to process and is an efficient insulator. Wood is an environmentally sound choice.
Compare it to artificial alternatives. Wood windows are made from hardwood timbers with a very high-quality paint job that will last for years. Maintained correctly, they keep their value while increasing the resale value of a home. PVC, by contrast, doesn’t take paint as well and won’t keep its value over the years.
You want a window that is fully weather sealed, and wooden windows offer that. The sealing is hidden, however, so you won’t see it but you will feel the extra warmth. Modern windows are available with an array of locks, from the stylish Espagnolette to high-security Chubb systems. They can be fitted with child proof locks, too, if you require them. The best manufacturers include brass locks and stays without extra charge.
Double-glazed to meet stringent building regulations, high end windows can even be filled with Argon gas, increasing their insulation performance. If you miss the old fashioned putty beads, but don’t miss applying them, wooden windows are an excellent choice. They can arrive from the factory preglazed. It looks like putty!
You can design any window you want. Create something fanciful or match your current decor. The choice is yours. There is no substitute for wood.
With timber, you get the keep the appearance of traditional windows. And you don’t have to compromise. You can also have all the benefits of modern design and technology.
Check with your local planning company. Sometimes, they will require that your house use wooden sash construction to maintain the aesthetic of the neighborhood. It would be a shame to get a letter from them instructing you to remove your brand new plastic windows!
The thought that wooden windows are drafty should be banished from your mind. These modern windows are a serious consideration for any renovation project. Even for new construction, wood is the material of choice.
Wooden windows may not be everyone’s choice. But with modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, they can be your choice without reservation. Get the best of both worlds with wooden windows!
Sash Windows London will give you all of the details you need to increase the value of your home and reduce your energy bills quickly! When you are working with professional Sash Window companies, you will have the benefits provided by knowledgeable technicians.
Tags:building, business, construction, diy, double glazing, glazing, home, house, office, property, sash windows, timber, windows, wooden windows
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Friday, August 27th, 2010
If you live in an area that reaches freezing point in winter, the terrible winds and draughts can make life inside your home or apartment pretty uncomfortable if you have leaky windows. Before the next winter sets in, therefore, it’s a good idea to have your sash windows draught proofed. Not only can you reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows, there are many additional benefits.
Energy preservation is of course the biggest benefit of this procedure. Older windows that no longer seal properly will allow the cold, frosty air to come into the room and the heat to escape, resulting in much higher than needed energy bills and a house that is unpleasant to live in. The solution is easy: get someone to draught-proof the windows round the jambs, sashes and sills again. If you know how to do this yourself it’s great, but the majority of us will be much better off getting a professional to do the job.
There are many other benefits to the process apart from saving energy. To name just one of these: older, leaky windows will often allow dust and dirt to enter your house/apartment. The worn-out seals round the window can’t keep dust outside.
When these are replaced again, the windows are as good as new and will keep your living environment dust free. This benefit alone justifies the cost of draught-proofing.
As windows become older, the parts round the sills, jambs and sashes become worn out. Eventually the windows must be replaced. This is where draught-proofing has another less than obvious benefit: it can easily extend the life of an older sash window by at least 3 to 5 years.
One other important benefit of having your windows made draught-proof is that of noise reduction. When windows don’t seal properly, they allow a lot of noise to enter your home or apartment. When these seals are replaced during the process of draught-proofing, the windows will once again keep noise out, just as when they were new. You will really appreciate this if you live on a very noisy street.
If you are an inhabitant of Europe or North America, you are no doubt used to the high energy costs associated with living in these areas. Why not reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows and get all the additional benefits mentioned above as a bonus? The cost certainly is nothing compared to all these benefits.
When it comes to making a better insulation for windows, you won’t get any other company like the sash window insulation company. They also have a secondary glazing London insulation that helps keep you comfortable and keeps energy prices at an all time low price.
Tags:carbon foot print, carbon footprint, construction, diy, energy saving, environment, home, house, insulation, office, property, sash windows
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Thursday, August 26th, 2010
One way of saving costs with home improvements is by do it your self sash window draught proofing. Just taking a few simple steps, large amounts of wasted energy can be preserved in a home.
The alternative to DIY projects is to hire out for paid services or have new windows installed or double glazing installed. Both of these options may be of interest for homeowners who are seeking to upgrade for investment purposes, though they are rather pricey. There are many ways of saving energy costs with simple steps which do not require a large investment.
Many homes lose an average of 20 percent of heat due to draughts and ventilation. With energy prices on the rise, this dramatically raises heating costs. So, this is very beneficial to find cost effective remedies. There are a few choices when it comes to sealing windows from air coming through. Each method is easily accomplished without assistance.
The choice of drapery has a huge effect upon air flow, choosing a fabric that is thick and heavy can naturally keep loss of heat, especially in cold evenings. Not only does this help with energy efficiency is also a way to add to the overall ambiance of a room. This is the easiest way for long standing improvements. The only drawback is during the day when light will typically be wanted in the home.
A rubberized adhesive stripping is also available at a very reasonable price. These strips can be measured and cut to fit precisely into various sizes of windows. They are placed along all edges where the frame meets the window. These strips will be noticeable depending upon the finish of windows, but if they are carefully cut and placed neatly, it should not take away from the overall appearance. Though, they may need to be replaced every couple of months depending upon the climate, it is still a way to create a more efficient environment.
Applying plastic sheeting to windows is a great way of eliminating breezes and loss of heating. These materials can be purchased as a package or separately. Typically, this method is known to last a whole average cold season. All that is needed, is to first apply a double sided tape to the window frame. The neater this is performed the better for appearance reasons. Then apply a previously measured plastic sheet, or place plastic over the adhesive and cut along the outer adhesive for a custom fit. Removal is easy and the materials can be recycled. This is an environmentally friendly project.
For those seeking to create better efficiency in their homes, do it your self sash window draught proofing is a great option. It not only saves from huge expenses of replacing windows; it is also very convenient.
Find the right sash window company by searching online. There you will find the right sash window draught proofing choice for you to use. Head online and learn more today.
categories: construction,insulation,environment,carbon footprint,diy,sash windows,double glazing,glass,windows,house and home,property,office,building
Tags:building, carbon footprint, construction, diy, double glazing, environment, glass, house and home, insulation, office, property, sash windows, windows
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Thursday, August 26th, 2010
One of the smartest things the owner of an older home can do to improve his or her living environment is to draught proof the windows. It’s relatively inexpensive to do and the advantages are numerous. The energy efficiency of the house will be immediately improved, but this is only one of the benefits you stand to gain. Do it your self sash window draught proofing is not only reasonably priced but also fairly simple to install.
While older sash windows certainly have character, they also have several inherent flaws. Fortunately, these problems can be remedied, and it’s especially easy with today’s more efficient materials and methods. DIY kits are widely available for those who are reasonably handy with this type of thing. Even hiring a handyman to do the job for you is fairly inexpensive and you can rest assured that every bit of money spent will return to you in the way of energy savings.
Heating a cold house in winter can be a major expense and ‘tightening up’ every draughty window in your home can reduce those costs by nearly one-half. Sometimes the savings are even greater. Fixing bad windows will also add comfort, making the home warmer during winter and cooler in summer. Added benefits include less outside noise entering the premises and a cleaner, less dusty living environment.
Lowering your energy consumption is also helpful to the environment. It’s a ‘green’ thing to do and will literally pay for itself in a very short time. Few things can be installed in your house that have zero net cost to you and yet provide so many advantages.
Sometimes all that’s required to draught-proof a window is to install some weather stripping and put in some new putty to re-seal the glass to the frame. If the frames, or sashes, have started rotting they may need to be upgraded, which is much more involved. Another option for draught proofing is to add a set of secondary windows. In an older house, the decision between replacement or repair should always favor repairing, if at all possible.
If you live in an area where there are restrictions on what types of windows your home may display you have only a few options. In conservation areas or in homes that are listed, window replacement may be strictly regulated. In such cases proper draught protection is vital.
Choosing do it your self sash window draught proofing is a good idea if you’re handy with this kind of thing. You can always hire a handyman to do the job and the cost should still be reasonable. And remember, you’ll be getting all that money back in the form of savings.
Making use of a sash window draught proofing process can be completed as a DIY task, or by using a sash window company. Halting those air leaks will reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home.
categories: environment,carbon footprint,sash windows,construction,diy,property,house,home,office,energy saving,carbon foot print,insulation
Tags:carbon foot print, carbon footprint, construction, diy, energy saving, environment, home, house, insulation, office, property, sash windows
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Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
In order to understand the origins of the sash window one must know what it is exactly and how it’s used as well as how it differs from other types of windows. Another common name for it is the hung sash. A glazed panel is another name for the word sash.
Typically they can be opened one of two different ways. Opening by sliding vertically is one way. Another way, often referred to as the Yorkshire way, is to open horizontally.
A sash weight will be used to balance the weight, or perhaps concealed inside the frame. It is usually constructed from a heavy material like steel, cast iron, or lead. This is essential to balance out the weight of the glazed panels. Without this weight, the window will not be a functioning one.
A type of pulley over the top of the frame will be connected to the sash weight by a cord, string, or chain. The classic version is three panes of glass over two, creating the typical six by six arrangement. However, this can be varied greatly depending on size and preference of the purchaser.
They are most commonly seen in Victorian houses, and also Georgian. They are said to have been designed by Englishman Robert Hooke. He was a well renowned scientist and inventor. The oldest known installed version dates back to the year 1670.
They are most often made from soft wood materials which are pliable enough to mold around the frame. A single or double glaze may be used on the wood. Standard width is around four feet, but can vary depending on the design of the home.
The origin of the sash window can help explain it’s many advantages. One is that it cools the interior of a home significantly. This is done by opening both the bottom and the top portion equally. This allows hot air to escape the room from above and lets in cooler air from outside in the lower portion of the window. Cleaning can be easily done from the inside. Slide the panes to different positions in order to reach the entire piece, inside and out. A few problems can be caused by the natural rot of the wood. This may cause rattling noises and also affect the insulation of a room. While considered to be high maintenance, these are a lovely option for new builders to consider and add to the distinct charm to old homes.
Learn more about the fabulous sash window companies in London today! When you are searching for knowledgeable and experienced professionals who provide sash window draught proofing service, you can locate them easily!
categories: windows,construction,property,office,business,house,home,diy,building,wooden windows,double glazing,sash windows,timber,glazing
Tags:building, business, construction, diy, double glazing, glazing, home, house, office, property, sash windows, timber, windows, wooden windows
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Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
Any home renovation contractor knows that older homes with sash windows are more likely to have windows that leak than their newer counterparts. This can cause financial woes due to high utility bills. With some do it your self sash window draught proofing tips, those windows will no longer be a problem.
In case sash windows are unfamiliar to some, they are wooden framed single or multi-paned windows. Each pane of glass is separated by strips of wood with putty around each pane. The putty tends to become hard and brittle causing it to allow breezes to emanate from the windows. This becomes very costly when the heating bill arrives.
It is not necessary to replace windows in a home with sash windows but some work is required. Remove the old putty around the glass panes. New putty can now be added to seal the pane of glass around the glass making it much more efficient.
Sometimes it may not be the panes of glass that are causing the problem but the framing itself. When wood gets cold it sometimes swells. Once the temperatures rise it retracts sometimes leaving gaps between the frame and the track.
Interior trim leakage can be easily fixed by attaching brush seals to each side of the window track. It requires trim around each window to be removed so that the track is easily accessible. Attach the seals at the top and at the bottom of each window track. The trim may be put back in place at this time to make the windows seal better.
If the trim around the window is where heat is escaping, remove it and replace it with new. Before putting the new in place, caulk the back of each trim piece so it creates a seal behind it. Tack it into place and allow it to dry completely before painting.
There are a number of different fixes for leaking windows. Most are do it your self sash window draught proofing efforts that can save money and prevent a home from being breezy. There are even kits that can cover the entire window and frame. They come with plastic that is intended to be shrunk with a hair dryer to the proper fit. Kits such as this are inexpensive and easy to install.
Does your windows have the greatest insulation? Well, if there not, you can get with the sash window company. You will learn that the sash window draught proofing can really help keep the windows insulated and ready for any cold air.
Tags:carbon foot print, carbon footprint, construction, diy, energy saving, environment, home, house, insulation, office, property, sash windows
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Monday, August 23rd, 2010
For someone looking to redo parts or all of their home, there are lots of different ideas and steps that you will have to come to decisions about. One of the most important features of the exterior of the house is the choice of window, which can make a big difference. Because of the new, modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, this popular option has become even better for your house than ever before and is certainly something that you should look into.
The window is such a crucial element of the home for a wide variety of reasons, because they encompass both the look and feel of the room and greatly affect both. In terms of looks, this piece can play a major part in setting a theme for the decor and can be visually stimulating, making it a centerpiece rather than simply a necessity for function purposes only.
Secondly, it determines how much light and air gets inside and it protects the inhabitants from the outside elements. For these reasons and many more, you definitely want to make sure that you are getting something good when it comes to your windows.
The modern process for sash windows makes them a number one choice for both of the above categories because they exceed expectations in both areas. Firstly, they are extremely elegant and classy looking and are often chosen simply on the basis on their looks alone because they are much more attractive than most other choices.
They also are usually equipped with a thicker glazed glass, so that less air gets through and they provide much greater protection than a standard sheet of glass. This, combined with the fancy and entrancing look, make them a very well-liked choice that pleases customers to no end.
It is also good to know that the one thing that they were notorious for, which is their tendency to rattle, has now been removed. With the way that they are now custom-fit into a home, any reputable brand that has a certification should not fall into this irritating pattern that homeowners go crazy from.
The modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows has truly updated them in terms of looks and quality of function and makes them a top pick for your walls. If you are not yet in the process of redoing your home, this may be something that entices you to start.
Find the best choices for sash Window companies by going online. There you will discover several sash windows London choices that you have to consider. Head online now and learn more.
Tags:building, business, construction, diy, double glazing, glazing, home, house, manufacturing, office, property, sash windows, timber, wooden windows
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Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Did you know there are modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows? The windows are not being constructed with methods that are friendly to the environment. The newest construction methods, for one, do not include lead stabilizers. This is great news.
This is good news for the environment and for the human race in general. Did you realize that buildings were made in years past with material that is now known to be hazardous. Lead paint was the reason many kids grew up with learning disabilities. They would eat the paint chips and suffer brain damage. This was a terrible tragedy that should never have happened.
The major component of insulation was asbestos. This is now considered a very hazardous material. Many suffer respiratory problems because they worked with and around asbestos for many years. The lead that was once used in sash windows would break down and be released into the air. This was a very dangerous situation.
This lead residue could be inhaled and cause many health problems. Today though, sash window manufacturers are using, instead of lead, calcium organic stabilizers. The calcium based stabilizers still offer the same durability as lead based products, but this compound is much safer. This a great development.
In addition to using non lead based products, many sash window companies are using recycled materials in their window manufacturing. This also insures that a lot of dangerous building material will not end up in the landfills and make it into the ground and into well water systems.
Many are interested in saving money on their energy bill. The new sash windows are produced with energy savings in mind. In years that have past, windows were not produced with insulation in mind. But now, windows are insulated so that they will keep warmth in during the winter, and cool in during the summer.
Many people actually receive government non interest loans in order to install energy efficient windows. If you are interested in this program, call your local government office for details and more information. There is a lot of grant money ready to be spent.
Sash windows are the favorite type of many people. Now they are even better than ever. They are safer and more energy efficient. Now is the time to look into these windows for your home.
The popularity of sash windows London area has not lessened over the years since they were invented. Sash window companies continue to manufacture designs that work efficiently and look great.
Tags:building, business, construction, diy, double glazing, glazing, home, house, office, property, sash windows, timber, windows, wooden windows
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Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Debating the question – Wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment? – is subjective, of course. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, there is no denying that wooden windows, being more traditional, give an impression of solid worth that plastic has a hard time matching. Even the best plastic blinds are… Imitation wood.
The winning team in this debate will have to convincingly argue that the material they support is superior in the perception of the clients who will come to the office. So let us see what arguments may be made.
Starting with answer number three, is it true that no one will notice? When you walk into a law office, do you find a barren waiting room with a Formica table and pressed polyurethane chairs in primary colors? Does the receptionist greet you from behind a plastic window where she sits in a cubicle filled with metal filing cabinets?
Or do you open a heavy wooden door with a brass knocker, to step into a thickly carpeted foyer with red leather chairs and an efficient looking lady seated behind a gleaming mahogany desk. Subscription magazines are waiting on a polished wooden coffee table, and the great outdoors is screened from view by heavy drapes, enhancing the atmosphere of privacy and privilege.
Of course people notice. Then, if what they notice is plastic, what are they thinking? ‘Hey, this guy is smart, and he knows how to save a buck. His furniture is plastic, so it won’t scratch easy. I bet he saved a bundle by using that composite door and look, vinyl windows! He’ll never have to paint those babies!’ Or are they thinking, ‘This office looks kind of lightweight. I wonder how long this guy has been in business, anyway?’
Even if the impression is fleeting, it may set the tone for the whole transaction. Therefore, if first impressions are important to your professional image, you should look to wooden windows to represent your firm. All companies that want to present themselves as trustworthy, financially sound, and of sterling character use the trappings of fine wood, rich fabrics, comfortable chairs, and subdued lighting.
If wood works so well for office furniture and floors, why would any other material be suitable for the windows of your office? Wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment? No contest.
Work completed by a double glazed sash window company makes your windows look and feel watertight. A sash window renovation can reduce energy costs.
Tags:building, business, construction, diy, double glazing, glazing, home, house, office, property, sash windows, timber, windows, wooden windows
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