Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
London window and door options can help you create an unforgettable first impression of your home with their high-quality windows and doors. Visit our showroom 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 within the frame of a door or window.
Frames
Frames are a crucial part of the appearance of windows regardless of whether you have an old cottage or a new build. The right frame material for your home is vital because it has a direct impact on how well your window will perform and lasts for and, ultimately, how much your home is worth.
There are a variety of types of frames you can choose from: uPVC frames, aluminium and timber. The most sought-after choice is uPVC because of its low maintenance and energy efficiency. It comes in a variety of colours and is available with a wood effect finish to give a more classic look. It is durable and requires no maintenance, other than cleaning. However, if you live in an area with a lot of sun, uPVC might not be the best option because it is susceptible to degrading over time in extreme weather.
Aluminium is a great choice for frames since it is light and durable. It also has a sleek, modern design that is perfect for contemporary homes. It is lightweight and can be finished with any RAL color that matches the design of your house. It's not as efficient as uPVC but it's a great alternative if you are looking for a more environmentally green alternative.
Steel is a great option for older buildings since it can be powder coated to match the color of your stonework or bricks. However, the issue with the conventional slim steel frames is that they are not thermally broken and therefore aren't able to withstand the cold. The 21st century has caught up, and now it is possible to have a sleek steel frame that can provide incredible thermal break performance.
Timber is a gorgeous material for any kind of home, however its cost is more expensive than other materials. It does provide the best aesthetics and, if taken care of properly, will last for a long time. It is best to select a wood that is rated appropriately for your frames, since not all woods have the same qualities. Poor quality timber can cause premature degradation and also moisture intrusion and rot that can damage the window sashes or cills.
Sashes
Sash windows are an element that is present in many a period home. Sash windows are easy to recognize and elegant. They are a stunning, timeless style that has stood the test of time. There are many advantages to windows made of sash for your home, and they have gained popularity in recent years due to their aesthetic and practical qualities.
A sash is a vertically sliding two-paned window. It can be opened to allow for ventilation or view out. The opening and closing of sash windows is supported by a system of pulleys, which are hidden inside the frame of the window. These pulleys rarely break, and the fact that they are part of the window frame means that fixing them is simple and inexpensive.
In the Georgian period, sash windows began to become more common, as they let in more light into narrow streets and cottages. The glass panes of sash windows were often evenly split to make them more affordable, since the technology had not yet advanced to the point that larger panes could be made in a stable manner.
There are a variety of sash windows that are available however the classic box sash is one of the most well-known. These windows are ideal for those who want to preserve the look and feel a period home, but also want modern features such as draught-seals, security locks and draught seals.
Sash windows can be double or single hung, depending on the style of design and frame. A single-hung sash can open the bottom panel by sliding it upwards. A double-hung sash is able to open both the bottom and top panels by sliding them horizontally across one another.
There are some other distinctions between the two kinds of sash windows. it is recommended to discuss this with a window expert before deciding which is the best choice for you. Sash windows, like, can be fitted with a variety of different equipment, like Sash lifts or sash chains that allow windows to operate while they are open. A sash can be fitted with a staff bar, which holds the sash in position and stops them from being pushed by wind or draughts.
Cills
Cills are especially susceptible to decay however they are easily repaired by carefully cutting out the decayed timber and then splicing-in inserts. door companies london should be shaped to obtain maximum strength, while also preserving as much of the original fabric as possible. A drip must also be included to channel water away from the bottom of the window.
Oak was used only in the most luxurious homes or the first examples. It is therefore crucial that new cills are procured from this wood and then painted, primed and then incorporated with 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 retained in the repair. This method can also be very effective in constructing good damaged sash frames where the damage is the result of poor maintenance.
Glass
The glass is often the most important part of a door or window. Whether clear or tinted it can increase the architectural significance of the structure and provide significant energy savings through solar radiation control. Tempered glass is specifically treated to withstand higher than normal forces that impact its surface. it breaks into small pieces, rather than splintering and also reduces the risk of flying fragments.
It is crucial to ensure that historic glass remains in place and protect it from damage. The windows of the past may have crown glass (a type of flat glass with curved ridging or air bubbles) or cylinder glass, which adds character and depth to a facade. Both types aren't made in a factory, so original pieces are highly valuable and should be kept in situ whenever feasible. Glass must be protected from the effects of chemical paint removers, which could cause it to crack and break. Similarly, the putty on wooden frames must be replaced and repaired with care.
The use of resin-based repair products can be used to remove loose paint and rust from surfaces, without causing damage to the profile or surface finish of the wood or its putty. These products can be used to correct various minor issues such as rot, decay and structural movement.
Sash windows are fixed windows where the sash opens and closes on pivots either at the top or bottom or on each side. This type of window has an attractive appearance compared to operable sash and is often associated with transom.
Casement windows can be opened and closed using hinges either on the sides or the mullion between. This kind of window is often located in older houses and is often used in conjunction with an wing or fixed panel to create a Bay Window.
Simulated divided-lites - A grille or grid that looks like it has separate panes that are separated by muntins but is actually composed of a larger lite with muntins positioned between them. This gives the appearance of many smaller window units.