Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
London window and door can make 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 ideal solution for your home.
london window and rail - vertical and horizontal members that hold glass within frames for doors or windows.
Frames
Frames are essential to the appearance of windows, whether you have a period cottage or a brand-new construction. The best frame material is crucial for your home as it will impact the way your window performs, lasts and the value it will bring.
There are three types of frames including UPVC (also known as polyvinyl chloride) as well as aluminium and wood. uPVC is the most well-known option due to its low-maintenance, energy-efficient properties. It is available in a variety of colours and is available with wood effect finishes for an elegant look. It is also durable against the elements and requires minimal maintenance other than cleaning. However should you reside in an area with a lot of sun, uPVC may not be the best option because it is susceptible to degrading over time in extreme weather.
Aluminium is a good option for frames since it is lightweight and sturdy. It also is sleek and modern in design that is perfect for contemporary homes. It is lightweight and can be finished in any RAL color that matches your building. It's not as effective as uPVC however it is a good option if you want an eco-friendly alternative.
Steel is an excellent option for older structures, as it can be powder-coated to match your bricks or stones. The issue with the conventional slim steel frames is that they are not thermally broken so they don't really keep out the cold. The 21st century has finally caught up to this, and now it is possible to get a simple steel frame that can provide incredible thermal break performance.
Timber is a gorgeous material for any kind of home, however its cost is higher than other materials. It is a gorgeous material that, if properly cared for, will last a lifetime. It is best to select a wood that is suitable for your frames, since different woods do not have the same qualities. Poor quality timber is not just going to decay quickly, but it could also cause rotting and water ingress which can damage the window sashes and cills.
Sashes
Sash windows are a characteristic which can be found in many a period property. Sash windows are easy to recognize and stylish. They are a stunning timeless design that has stood the test of time. Sash windows offer many advantages and are gaining popularity due to their aesthetics and practicality.
A Sash is a vertically sliding, two-paned window. It can be opened for ventilation or viewing out. The opening and closing of sash windows are supported by a set of pulleys, which are hidden within the window frame itself. They are very robust and, since they are built within the window frame, they can be easily and cheaply repaired.
In the Georgian period, sash windows became more popular, since they allowed in more light into the narrow streets and cottages. These sash windows had their glass panes evenly split in order to make them more affordable. The technology was not yet sufficiently advanced to allow for larger panes to be produced consistently.
Today, there are several different kinds of sash windows available but the classic box sash remains one of the most well-liked choices. These windows are a good option for those looking to keep the appearance and feel of a classic home but with modern conveniences like draught seals and security locks.
Sash windows are either single-hung or double-hung depending on the design and frame. A single-hung sash is opened to the bottom panel by sliding it up. A double-hung sash opens both the top and bottom panels by sliding them horizontally across another.
There are other distinctions between the two kinds of sash windows, and you should talk about this with a window specialist before deciding which one is the best choice for you. Sash windows, for instance are able to be equipped with a variety of hardware, such as sash lifts or sash chains that help operate the windows while they are open. Sash windows can be fitted with a bar for staff, which keeps the sash in place and stops them from being pushed away by winds or draughts.
Cills
Cills can be easily repaired by carefully removing decayed wood and inserting new timber. They should be designed in a way that maximizes strength while retaining the historic fabric to the maximum extent that is possible. A drip should be added to channel water away from the window's bottom.
Historically, sash windows were made from slow-growing deal (pine) and oak only being used in expensive homes and early examples of the genre. It is essential to choose cills that are new from this material, and also to thoroughly prime, paint and incorporate drip.
Small areas of loss and deterioration can be fixed by using resin-based fillers mixed with a wood dust or a timber consolidant. This can be a cost effective way of maximising the amount of fabric that is preserved in repairs. This technique can also be extremely effective in creating excellent frames for damaged sash where the damage is due to poor maintenance.
Glass
The most significant element of a door or window is its glass. It can be clear or tinted, and it can enhance the architectural value of the structure. It can also provide significant energy savings by cutting down on solar radiation. Tempered glass is heat treated to withstand more than normal forces on its surface; it breaks down into small pieces instead of splintering and reduces the hazard from flying shards.
Historic glass should be protected during repairs, and extreme care must be taken to protect it from damage caused by accident. The windows of the past may have crown glass (a variety of flat glass with air bubbles or curving ridging) or cylinder glass that gives depth and character to an exterior. Both are not manufactured, so original pieces are highly valuable and should be retained in situ whenever possible. Glass should be protected from the effects of chemical paint removers that could cause cracks and breakage. The putty used on wooden frames should be repaired and putty reapplied.
The use of resin-based repair solutions allows the removal of loose paint and rust from surfaces without damaging the profile or surface finish of the wood or its putty. These products can be used to repair a variety of minor problems that include rot, decay and structural movement.
Sash windows are fixed windows where the sash opens and closes on pivots at the top or bottom, or on each side. This type of window is usually more attractive than operable sash windows and typically has an opening.
Casement windows - A kind of window that can swing open or shut on hinges at the sides, or with a mullion in between them. This type of window is commonly found on older homes and is often paired with fixed wings or panels to create a bay window.
Simulated divided lites A grille or grid design that appears to have separate glass panes that are separated by muntins, however it actually uses larger glass lites with the muntins interspersed between them to create the appearance of several smaller window units.