Posts Tagged ‘double glazing’
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
The origins of the sash window are generally thought to be in England, since there the earliest examples were seen in elegant houses. Windows, designed to let in light while shutting out the elements, were formerly fixed panels or casement windows, which were hinged at the sides, pushed outward to open and pulled in and latched to close.
A sash refers to a panel of glass (or today it could be plastic) that is set as one or more panes of material into a frame which slides up and down, or side to side, to open a room to the outside or shield its interior from the weather.
Robert Hooke, a brilliant man born in England in the 1600s, was both a practical man skilled in clock making and surveying, a skilled architect, a biologist, and a physicist. He studied gravity, the properties of glass, and invented a balance spring that led to the development of the watch. It is easy to see how these studies contributed to his window, moving up and down with a weight to offset the pull of gravity, with muntins (strips of wood holding individual panes of glass in a frame) to relieve stress on the amount of glass needed for large panels, and attractive enough to grace a stately home.
Over time, sash windows made of wood will loosen in their frames, as continual opening and shutting wears the jambs and tracks, and the wood itself expands and contracts with the changing seasonal temperatures and shows the effects of weather. Older windows may rattle in the wind and let air leak in or out around the joints. They also may refuse to open as paint builds up in the seams, or refuse to stay pushed up when the sash cords get brittle and break with age.
New houses have this style of window as well, although the materials may be more modern. Either soft or hard wood is still seen in many houses, since it gives a traditional look and is a good insulator. Modern commercial buildings and cement block houses may have more informal vinyl or metal windows, often using aluminum which does not rot or corrode. Another durable material is fiberglass, which has the advantage of expanding and contracting the same as the glass panes. It is stronger than vinyl or aluminum, neither rots or corrodes, may be painted, and has a higher insulation rating than metal or plastic.
Wooden windows may be repaired; the work is time consuming and requires some expertise and certain tools to take the sashes from the frame and examine and replace such things as stops, cords, corroded pulleys, and missing weights. Many homeowners repair their own windows, while others resort to propping them open with sticks and stuffing the cracks with folded paper to stop rattles. Full replacement is an option, as well.
The origins of the sash window in England may account for its popularity in other areas which were once English colonies.
If you found this article interesting, you can get more details about Sash Window companies in London today! The professionals at a Sash Window draught proofing service will enhance and improve your home easily!
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010
The high cost of energy is an excellent reason to explore ways to minimize heat loss in buildings. One very important consideration is the type of windows used in construction. Comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows is helpful when exploring alternatives for energy conservation.
Application of reflective or tinted coating was an early attempt to insulate windows. The layer blocked some of the glare and heat from the Sun. Other chemical treatments somewhat helped to enhance occupant comfort. Older houses usually had sash windows, which were made of 2 big glass panes built into wooden frames. As the wood wore over the years, the glass panes were no longer sealed properly, so most buildings were drafty and uncomfortable.
In newer construction, panes of glass are doubled inside a frame, with either a vacuum or a type of gas between them. There is more insulation to keep heated and cooled air where it is needed. In all seasons, it is important to control energy output, which of course, affects fuel costs. Double-paned windows provide an acoustic effect, providing a more quiet environment indoors. This benefit would be of extreme importance to residents near an airport, a railway, or an athletic field, etc.
Another feature of double windows relates to security. It is much more difficult to break into this type of window than a single, less structured one. Single windows are more easily pried open, whereas, the double construction is significantly more substantial. There is also much more protection from pollutants when using double glazed windows. The improved insulation guards against natural allergens and chemical poisons. This is particularly helpful for people who have allergies and for those who live near chemical plants or transporting routes, and roadways with automobile emissions.
When heated and cooled air are retained, buildings are more comfortable. They are warmer in Winter and cooler in Summer. Double pane windows decrease the need for wasteful use of energy. That is important in the fight to preserve our planet’s fossil fuel resources.
Newer, insulated windows generally look better than older, worn out wooden or metal windows. Real estate increases in value when buildings have better curb appeal.
Choosing the right type of window is instrumental when the goal is to increase comfort, save energy costs, improve security, and lower noise levels. Comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows can help in making an effective decision.
For top energy utilization, you should consider double glazed sash windows instead of single glazed. Sash windows allow for natural flow of air, thus reducing your energy requirements even further.
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2010
Are you a single glazed window owner and are wondering what all the fuss is over these double glazed window things? When comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows, you should understand the key features of each window style before deciding which is best for your home.
Nowadays there tend to be more replacement windows being put in that are of the double glazed variety. This does not mean that they are instantly the right choice for you. First of all, single glazed windows are more affordable to install and replace than double glazed ones. You can however, find some very good packages on double glazing installations, so if price is the only problem, then by shopping around you might be surprised to find a great deal.
A single paned window will also generally let in more light to your house. If some of your rooms are quite dark, then this may be a consideration. On the other hand, they also tend to allow more ultra violet rays to enter the house as well.
There are lots of benefits to having double glazing if you live somewhere that the temperature drops significantly in winter. One of the chief benefits is that heating your home becomes more efficient and your heating bills can also be reduced by a significant amount. In this way the installation of the double glazing helps to pay for itself over a period of time.
Double glazed windows can insulate the home and they are also sealed, which means that heating cannot escape through gaps between the window and the sash. This means that you will need much less electricity to keep your home warm and cozy in winter. On top of this the reduction in heating use means that you are being kinder to the environment as well and reducing your household carbon footprint.
There are some advantages to double glazed windows that are also not immediately obvious. These include that you will have reduced street and traffic noise entering your home, which is great if you live in a high density area. Another benefit is that these windows are more difficult to break into for burglars than regular windows. As an add on to your home, they can also increase the saleability of your home and increase its value.
When you are comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows there are positives aspects to both. If you are in a cold climate, then installing the double glazed type of window does have a number of points in its favor over the regular kind.
Effectively and easily compare double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows now! Get the low down in our complete sash windows review.
categories: windows,construction,builders,diy,double glazing,window fitters,sash windows,property,house,home,management,environment,business
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Sunday, August 29th, 2010
The origins of the sash window, or a window that is opened and closed by moving its panels up and down or side to side, date back to at least the seventeenth century. They’re most common in British and New England style architecture dating to around the twentieth century, but there are surviving examples that go back much further than that.
It is suspected that the design originated in either France or Holland. Later it became immensely popular in England and the United States colonies. By the seventeenth century, they were considered very fashionable and a symbol of status in those countries.
The sash window is most commonly known today as a window with separate panes that slides open vertically by moving the bottom pane up and down, but it also refers to a window sliding horizontally, which was probably the original design of the window before the vertical design became more popular.
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 were not popular until the seventeenth century, however, and by the twentieth century it was the most common window used and seen in England and the United States, but its popularity began to decline after that. Georgian architecture especially had made a lot of us out of the window.
The most common style of this window in Georgian and Victorian architecture has two sashes of two pains up by three pains across creating a “six over six” look but there are many other styles out there. In the United States the term “double hung sash” is used quite a bit referring to the style that has two separate panels, both of which slide up and down by the use of strings or balances. The single hung sash refers to having a top immobile pane while the bottom one slides up and down with ease. And in some cases, particularly in New England churches, there are examples of triple or quadruple sashes, which are used in particularly tall openings.
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 good sash window companies in London. They will also give sash window draught proofing service. Are you interested in it?
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Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
If you are looking into redoing your house, there are many important things to consider. One of the most important parts that you should research carefully are the new windows that you install. With the modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, this is a much better choice than it used to be and definitely might be one kind that you think about enhancing the look of your home’s exterior.
Choosing your window type is no simple matter because they play a key function in the way your home looks and feels. Firstly, the type and style of the pieces you choose can match the decor to greatly enhance your rooms’ look or it can contrast to give it an interesting vibe.
A second aspect that windows are involved in is controlling the atmosphere of the room because they are the entrance for light and air. When the weather is bitter cold or extremely hot, they are the barrier keeping you comfortable inside and can affect how much you need to rely on your air conditioner or heating system.
With the new methods of producing sash windows, you can be sure that these will be a great choice for both of the above reasons. First of all, stylistically, they have been a favorite choice for centuries and go perfectly with an antique or Victorian style theme.
Their veneer and finish give them an air of sophistication and for those with a Victorian style house or an antique type of look, they can be the perfect enhancement to your room’s theme. Secondly, their glass is now glazed with an extra thick layer of protection, so all of the unpleasantness of the outside weather will not creep through the spaces into your home and make it uncomfortable.
It will be a relief to find out that they no longer have the rattling problem that they used to have, if this was something you were worried about. Nowadays, most reputable companies are officially certified and they therefore ensure that your windows will fit snugly into their places and will not have the freedom to move about and drive you crazy.
With the modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, you can be sure that you will be satisfied if you choose them for your house. They are a delight to both the eye and the senses and they truly make a quality choice for those that care about this important part of their walls.
Get the best choices for sash Window companies by going online. There you will discover many sash windows London choices that you have to consider. Head online today and learn more.
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Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
Have you ever asked yourself, wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment. It very much depends what business is being run and what message the managers want to give their customers, as to which windows look better – wooden sash or plastic.
A wooden sash window is one of those that are made of more than one piece, like the ones in old Victorian houses. Think of a stately home renovated into a plush office building, and you would immediately think of sash windows. They are often designed to look like lots of little square windows, and slide up and down easily. Also, this gives the office a great cheap air conditioning facility in the summer!
Think now of a purpose-built office block, like those you find on industrial estates, or in city centres. These are the ones that are often made to non-Fibonacci standards, and have strange or unique shapes. Plastic windows might suit better here, crisp, white and shiny. This would fit well into the decor of a modern and fashionable office, usually decorated white to connote cleanliness and space.
Not forgetting, that plastic windows often open from one side or another, or the top or bottom, meaning that if the wind is blowing in the right direction, the office workers will get a good breeze. But if the wind is blowing in the opposite direction, the workers might need to bring a hand held fan or some ice cubes into work! Or beg the boss for an air conditioner.
But then there are the in-between buildings. Neither old and rustic, nor brand spanking new and modernistic. What sort of ventilation system should these have? Well there depends on the nature of the business.
Think about a company, for example, that decorates gardens. They want to look homely and inviting. They are trying to say to their customers ‘we will make your garden look pretty and coax in wildlife’. Sash windows may work best here, especially the wooden kind.
How about a modern construction and interior decorating company, that just so happen to have come into an old manor house in the sticks? Well, they want to let their clients know they are modern, up to date, and fashionable. So they would probably put plastic windows in, bright white and scrubbed daily by their cleaners no doubt!
In conclusion, wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment? What the business needs to know is, who are they targeting, and what would ‘fit’ best in the building they have purchased to run their company from?
A double glazed sash window company has the experience to make your classic windows look new again. Sash window renovation keeps the style of the original but improves energy efficiency.
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Friday, June 25th, 2010
Having your home is a blessing, but at the same time you are going to want to keep your home updated. One way that you can do that is by updating your windows. However, you are going to want to know that it is possible to do this and be able to learn the environmental benefits of sash window restoration. You might think that you will not want to get yours restored, but here are some of the things that you will want to consider.
Prior to starting any of these projects you are going to want to make sure that you set a budget. By having a budget in place you will be sure that you can afford to have this project completed and at the same time possibly carry out some of the other projects that you have been thinking about doing around your home.
A great reason to get this done is even if they measure your old windows multiple times it never fails that they get one of them wrong. Then you are going to have to wait while they either correct the problem, or fix it while they are still on the site. Either way if you have your old ones just restored you are going to know that they will fit because they came out of that slot.
Something else to consider is that your old windows will not be wasted. When you get new windows your old ones are probably going to the dump somewhere or possibly recycled. However, they might never be reused again for the purpose they were made for. So if you get them restored you will not have to worry about them being wasted.
You will also find that you are going to save money compared to purchasing new ones. If you are purchasing new windows you will see that the cost is going to be very high, but at the same time you will find that if you get the older ones restored the cost could be half of what you are expecting. So you will be able to save money so that you can carry out other projects around your home to make it more environmentally sound.
The resources of the Earth are staying in the dirt and ground rather than having to be taken out to make new windows for your home. So you will find that you are keeping those resources in the planet for it to use because you are having your items redone.
Having your windows restored is a great thing for many reasons. However, you might not realize that you can find the environmental benefits of sash window restoration are numerous. By finding these you are probably going to want to get all of your windows restored rather than replaced each time.
Find more information and details on the easy sash window restoration London offers today! Increasing the value of your home is easy when you renew sash windows professionally!
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Friday, June 25th, 2010
The environmental benefits of sash window restoration make a compelling case. There are a number of reasons why this is a better option than installing brand new windows. Although much of the latest technology for the home is marketed as eco-friendly, often the best choice in relation to the environment is to restore and reuse what you already have.
Windows that conserve heat and energy are in demand. However, you don’t have to buy new windows for energy-saving benefits. Old sash windows may be restored in a way to improve thermal efficiency. Additional glazing is one way to improve insulation and shut out noise from outside. The type of seal which is applied to windows can also affect how thermally efficient they are.
A sash window can aid in ventilating a house, helping it to ‘breathe’. This can contribute to a healthy living environment. Also, a sash window prevents the accumulation of moisture. Dampness in a house may result in serious and expensive damage to internal wood and plaster.
Indeed, a sash window has a unique method of ventilation. If it is very warm outside, you can regulate the internal temperature by opening the window both at the top and bottom. That will allow cooler air to flow through the bottom and warmer air to escape through the top. It is easy to see how a sash window is a more environmentally friendly choice than a fan or air conditioning.
Many home owners consider installing new PVC windows. However, opting for PVC replacements for old sash windows means that more plastic will be produced. The restoration of an original sash window is a decidedly more eco-friendly choice.
Although you might choose to replace frames with wood rather than PVC, this choice still has some environmental downfalls. The global shortages of natural resources mean that reusing old wood is preferable to cutting down more trees. In addition, old wood is often more sturdy and lasting than new wood which has been cheaply produced.
Besides the natural environment, the neighborhood environment should be taken into consideration. An original window restoration usually looks better than a new replacement. An original sash window will also look more suited to the period of your home.
The environmental benefits of sash window restoration far outweigh the time and effort required. In addition, restoring sash windows is often more affordable than replacing them. There are numerous companies which can help you with sash window restoration. Look online for qualified professionals in your area. Many do not charge fees for an initial consultation and estimate.
Sash window restoration London location is a smart ecological move if you are dedicated to reusing rather than replacing. Sash windows provide energy savings and add beauty to your residence or business.
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Thursday, June 24th, 2010
A number of new windows and doors on the market are aimed at decreasing heat loss and catering to the demand for environmentally conscious house design. Still, the decision to restore existing windows rather than buying new ones may be a more environmentally friendly choice. The environmental benefits of sash window restoration are significant.
Many house owners opt to replace wooden sash windows with PVC frames. However, preserving old wooden windows instead of paying for the production of new PVC is a better choice for the environment.
Even if you buy new wood frames instead of PVC, there are disadvantages from an environmental stance. Deforestation is a big problem so it is better to reuse old wood. In addition, old wooden window frames are often longer lasting and better quality than those made from new wood.
There are also aesthetic reasons for preserving old sash windows. Wood can be considered more attractive and traditional-looking than PVC. Original sash windows won’t clash with the architecture of an old house, unlike some new window designs.
Many house owners are especially interested in thermal efficiency. They will be reassured by the fact that old sash windows can be altered to improve efficiency. Adding extra glazing improves insulation from cold as well as the noise outside. A good seal can help to eliminate drafts.
The sash window design provides great ventilation. During the summer, you can open the sashes on the bottom and the top to help your house stay cool. That way, warm air can escape through the top of the window. Meanwhile, cool air is let into the house through the bottom sash. This system can mean you won’t need to use air conditioning or a fan. The design of sash windows helps them to be an environmentally friendly choice.
A major benefit of sash windows can best be described as allowing the house to breathe. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and healthy atmosphere inside. In contrast, some modern window replacements are virtually airtight. This can lead to problems with ventilation and the build up of condensation. Good ventilation is important for health. It also prevents excess moisture from accumulating. A damp problem in plaster and woodwork can be very damaging and expensive.
The environmental benefits of sash window restoration are clearly worth considering. Furthermore, fixing an old sash window is often more cost-effective than replacing it. A variety of sash window restoration experts can be found online; many provide free estimates at no extra cost.
Sash window restoration London area provides a service to homeowners who want to save on energy costs. Instead of replacing or discarding sash windows, you can restore them instead.
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Many owners of period properties will be interested to learn the environmental benefits of sash window restoration. It is a worthwhile investment to improve the value of your house and minimize effects on the environment. Even though many new window designs are promoted as being environmentally conscious, the best solution is to restore and reuse the windows you already have.
After all, producing and installing a new window has an environmental consequence. Recent trends involve getting rid of old sash windows and replacing them with PVC. This leads to the production of more petroleum products. A superior decision for the environment is to restore the original sashes.
Choosing brand new wooden windows also has an environmental effect. To cope with deforestation, the best approach is to conserve and reuse old wood rather than producing more wood products. This pays off in more than one way. Old wooden window frames are often much stronger and of better quality than cheaply produced newer versions.
The term ‘environment’ doesn’t just mean natural settings. It also applies to your neighborhood. Windows that look good can enrich the appearance of your town or neighborhood environment. A successful window restoration is often far more visually appealing than a replacement. Original features compliment the age and style of an older house, whereas modern windows can look out of place.
Every home renovation project involves some disruption. However, window restoration is usually less disruptive than removing windows and installing new ones. Window installation can sometimes damage surrounding plaster and walls. This can be expensive to repair. Environmentally speaking, an installation means a greater consumption of energy and materials.
A sash window can help you to regulate the temperature in your home. For instance, you can open the two sashes at the top and bottom to cool down a room in the summertime. This lets warmer air out through the top window as cool air flows in through the bottom. It is easy to see how a sash window is a practical and environmentally conscious substitution for an air conditioning system or a fan. You can also improve on levels of thermal efficiency by adding sealant or extra glazing to sash windows.
The points above highlight the environmental benefits of sash window restoration. This type of renovation can also be good for your budget. Preserving original windows often costs less than a new installation. There is ample information about sash window restoration specialists on the web and in local telephone listings.
Affordable yet top notch sash window restoration London is now a mere click away. All you need to know and more now in our sash windows guide.
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