Posts Tagged ‘wooden windows’

Sash Window Repair Companies In London Are Quite Busy

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Sash window repair companies in London are certainly not hurting for business. In fact, there’s more than enough work to go around and the good shops are rushing just to keep up with referrals. London is an area where there’s never an end to older homes in need of window repair.

While some vendors would have you believe that window replacement is the only way to go, don’t be persuaded too easily. They’re probably selling ‘the latest and the greatest’ hi-tech, low-E, multi-thermal-paned, gas-filled plastic-paned replacement windows. That’s the latest thing, anyway. It’s nothing personal, but what looks worse on a one- or two-hundred year old home than modern, plastic framed windows?

In most cases, older sash windows can be repaired and restored to make them like new again. If they were installed when the house was originally built they’re OLD. They probably need some maintenance.

Many people who live in older homes have never experienced their windows working properly. Repairing them might be as easy as scraping away some old coats of paint or as involved as replacing sash cords (or chains), realigning the windows and rebalancing the counter-weights. The pulley wheels may need to be serviced and any faulty putty replaced.

These older windows almost all need the benefit of modern draught proofing techniques. This will not only stop the draughts but also insulate against noise, dust, heat and cold. Old sash windows are known for being draughty due to the methods used in the initial installation. This problem can be easily eliminated.

When facing the choice of whether to repair or replace windows on an older house, the best advice is to replace only as a last resort. These windows have been doing their job for decades… Maybe even centuries. When properly repaired and maintained, they can last just as long as the house. And they look so much better than the newer alternatives. There are numerous top-quality sash window repair companies in London. Try one out.

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Know More About Sash Windows In Europe

Monday, April 26th, 2010

If the pages of history were to be read and checked for the origins of sash windows, there would be none found. It is a disputable claim therefore of the British, claiming to be the first people using the sash window design. However, if one were to check minutely, trace of sash window would be found in France in the sixteenth century. This gives substance that France would have pioneered sash windows in Europe and has the rightful claim of origins in the historic perspective.

The sixteenth century saw the beginnings of sash windows in Europe. It was glazed windows that were used at that time. Usage of horizontal sash windows was noted by the end of the sixteenth century and in the seventeenth century came the use of vertical sash window also. By this time there is evidence of mechanization of the sash window, and this is supported by the fact that modernization of the jigs and fixtures used by the people then had also occurred.

Colonization was also a major occurrence during this period. While the English people from Britain marched into countries across the world they carried with them the culture, art and architecture of the particular nation. Sash window was also included in this architectural bounty.

This is how sash windows made its entry into Britain from the shores of France. French artisans, skilled in the form of sash windows were taken by the Queen to her kingdom.

It was there in England, thereafter, that these artisans would complete the first major architectural project using sash windows. The claim of Britain to be pioneers of the sash window comes about with this historic project. There is however no doubts that modernization of the sash window like introduction of counter balance etc, did take place in the land of the Queen.

The origins of sash windows in Europe can be well contested due to the ample number of proof that exists of it there in history. It is, however, also a fact that this form of window provides the house a historical touch, even if it is installed on a modern building.

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Sash Window Replacement Wood Or Plastic? Which Is Greener For The Earth?

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Sash windows have been used in houses for many years. In fact, they have been used for over 300 years. If you own a house in which you need to replace the windows, which should you choose? For sash window replacement, plastic or wood is your most important decision. In order to care for the environment, you should consider each option carefully.

Depending on how many of your windows need to be replaced, then you could have several options about what to do. If only one or a few need replacement, then it would probably be best to stick with the type you have already. But if they all do, then you have a real choice. Many people are trying to cut down on the number and types of plastics they use and so environmental researchers believe that wood is a better choice for many reasons.

But many people think that wood is expensive. Also, many people have ideas that this involves using non-sustainable products which end up being more of a burden on the environment than using plastic windows. Also many people think that uPVC may be warmer, easier to maintain and easier to replace if anything should go wrong. Finally, there is the assumption that plastic windows are more secure than wooden ones because they can be locked.

It is known however, that many of these assertions do not live up to the evidence. Wood may be expensive, but good quality plastic windows which are moulded to look like wood can be just as much. The wood windows may pay for themselves in a matter of years because there may be lower maintenance costs involved.

The way it is made, plastic uses petroleum by-products and is much worse for the environment than wood from a sustainable forest. Also, plastic does not degrade in landfill for many years, and when it does, leaches hazardous toxins into the earth. Wood is a completely organic product and is broken down in a matter of years by insects in the soil.

In the end it is up the the householder to look at the pros and cons and to examine all the up to the minute evidence. At the moment, on the face of it, wood is a far better option if the environment is being considered, but it may be that in the future, composite plastics prove to be a far better bet.

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Arguments Against The Plague Of Plastic Windows In London

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

No matter where you visit in the city of London in this modern age, you will find modern buildings with equally modern windows. It is concerning experts interested in conservation that there is the plague of plastic windows in London which is ruining many of the older buildings in this historic city.

There are many areas in the city that are considered to be of importance in terms of conservation. With an inundation of double glazing, experts are worried about the effect that this is having on original and traditional buildings. It seems that the other features of a traditional property such as large carved bannisters, delicate cornices and the much sought-after traditional fireplace are being overshadowed by the plight of the original sash window.

Many argue that the replacement of sash windows in properties helps to reduce the effects of Carbon on the planet. As well as this they also argue that modern alternatives help to reduce the loss of heat, thus saving the owner money. The overall conclusion by these people is that the small feature of sash windows in traditional buildings can be sacrificed in order to help the planet and save money.

There are however ways in which you can contribute to reducing Carbon emissions and reduce heat loss without having to resort to removing your beloved sash windows. The first thing you can do is carry out a process known as draught-stripping. This involves attaching brush strips to the two frames of the sash window. This results in there being a tighter seal whenever the window is closed. Another option is to fit a second unit inside of the original sash window. This means that you can keep the sash windows intact, retaining an original feature of the property, but help to reduce heat loss, thus saving you money.

Many also argue that original sash windows in an older property are costly to repair or have replaced entirely. Experts actually state that this in untrue; it can often cost a lot more to have double glazing fitted instead (often it runs into several thousands of Pounds). If you make the effort to maintain the sash windows then they will require little maintenance over the years and will last you well into the future.

The main concern about the plague of plastic windows in London is the detrimental effect it is having on our historical and traditional buildings. Older public buildings attract visitors thanks to their original features and charm – which is being lost with modern alternatives to sash windows. It should also be noted that if you own an older property with these original windows, replacing them with uPVC is very likely to reduce the value of your property – something you may live to regret should you ever find yourself in a position of selling it!

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