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Posts Tagged ‘sash windows’

Comparing Double Panel Sash Glass Windows To Single Panel Glass Windows

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

Information Regarding The History Of The Sash Window

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?

Reduce Your Energy Costs By Draught Proofing Your Sash Windows

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

If you are a home owner, you may find an easy way to reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows. Homes lose a third or more of their heat through preventable leaks and drafts, and sash windows are often a leading culprit. Here are some things to consider when addressing this problem.

Sash windows commonly cause a great deal of a home’s heat loss. They are usually older and less technologically advanced than other window designs. There are a number of ways you can try to reduce or eliminate heat loss from sash windows, and they all have advantages and disadvantages.

One quick and easy solution to drafty windows is to use thick curtains, blinds or drapes. Drapery helps reduce heat loss, but it is less effective than other more comprehensive measures. Also, drapery requires cleaning, possible repairs, and replacement, all of which presents costs to off set any savings in energy costs.

You could also opt to completely replace your drafty windows with new, double-glazed, energy efficient windows. Doing so, however, would cost quite a bit. As expensive as this would be, it would be even more expensive to have custom windows made to guarantee matching your home’s original design.

Another effective and lasting solution is to have a new glazing applied to your old windows. This approach can modernize the window panes without compromising the original frame and sash design. Re-glazing, along with the removal and overhaul of the window units, including upgrading the worn parts and fixtures, offers the most complete defense against heat loss through the windows.

Upgrading your sash windows may be expensive, but the long term savings in energy costs will far outweigh the one-time repair and upgrade costs. Additionally, resealing the windows will reduce external noise. The upgrade will also add years to the life of your entire window unit through the repair and replacement of worn parts.

There are many ways to reduce heat loss in your home, and most of them are worth pursuing. But attending to your window units is the most significant way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. The initial casts may seem high, but in the long run they will be out weighed by the savings you’ll receive when you reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows.

Get the right sash window insulation company to use by looking online. There you can find secondary glazing London and other areas to consider using. Head online today and learn more.

What Are The Most Recent Manufacturing Methods For Wooden Sash Windows?

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.

Sash Wood Windows Or Plastic Windows Which Gives A Better Impression In An Office Environment

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.

The Disadvantages Of Secondary Glazing And Condensation

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Today, men are able to build just about anything. There are many modern majestic structures throughout the world. Once a structure has been finished, it is on the the next project. Our cities continue to grow larger, and the building grow older. Many older buildings have been given historic status. They are provided with a sprucing up that holds true to their architectural standards, requiring them to maintain the good old wooden windows or they can be replaced with brand new ones. Many builders add secondary glazing as an attempt to increase the effectiveness of the windows, but there is the potential for problems with secondary glazing and condensation.

For those who are unfamiliar with the term secondary glazing and do not know what it is, secondary glazing is an additional glazing panel added to the inside of an existing single glazed window. Typically a single glazed piece of glass, but sometimes a plastic film or shrink wrap, it is often surround by a metal frame which incorporates some sort of membrane or gasket to create a sealed interior air space between the new glazing and the old.

Although some people may be unfamiliar with all that secondary glazing entails, they do know what condensation is and how it happens. With windows, because they are glass, the interior and exterior temperatures are different, causing the moisture that is in the air by the glass to become cool and create a layer of condensation on the surface.

It is important to avoid both humidity and moisture with wood windows. They cause the wood to become rotten and warp, or even worse, become moldy. Problems are often times not noticed until it is too late, requiring the window to be replaced.

Secondary glazing is not to be confused with double glazing, which is usually vacuum sealed in a factory environment that is moisture controlled. Secondary glazing traps regular, moist air, between the glazing and the single glazed window. Windows that are drafty will allow moisture from the outside to come in, and in the right conditions, the moisture creates condensation between the glass and settles at the bottom of the window. This greatly increases the odds that the window will rot.

Another culprit of condensation is the metal frame on the glazing panel. As is true with glass, metal also transfers the air temperature and can have moisture build-up on it as well. While the moisture on glass is easy to see, when it is on metal, it is much more difficult.

Windows manufactured with a wood frame that are having moisture problems need to be replaced right away. This is usually a labor intensive, expensive project. When considering the best way to protect windows from the weather, it is necessary to consider all the choices available to you, and decide what is best. If you have wood frame windows, you may want to avoid secondary glazing due to the risks associated with secondary glazing and condensation.

Looking for more information on the downside to secondary glazing and condensation. Get the ultimate inside scoop now in our secondary glazing London and sash window restoration London review.

Do It Your Self Sash Window Draught Proofing Will Save You Money Today

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Do it your self sash window draught proofing will save you money on your heating and cooling bill. Many are taking steps to bring up their homes energy efficiency level. You could save a lot of money each year by taking the time to insulate your home.

Also, there might be some tax credits or government rebates for people who take steps to insulate their homes. In this tough economy, people need to look are money savings everywhere.

If you lampshades and window shades move around on windy day or in a storm, then you need to consider weather insulation. If your home is made of brick then the air will come in and go out primarily through your windows. But if you home is timber based, then you will have more areas where air will come in and to out of your house.

The local supply store will have many different proofing kits available. Ask the sales staff for help in choosing the kit right for your need. The weather strip in the kit is used to block the area around doors and windows in your home.

At first you might think it is of little consequence to block the small gaps in your windows and doors, but this will make a big difference over time on your home energy bill. You will also be helping the environment by insulating your home. When you insulate your home, you will not be using as much resources, which saves you money of course, but also helps keep the earth clean.

There are two basic weather proofing strips. The compression seal is used for gaps between fixed and moving edges of doors and windows. The wiper seals are used for sash windows and sliding doors. Wiper seals may also be used for hinged openings.

You need to measure the windows you want to insulate. Measure the width and height of the windows before going to the hardware store. You need to know the size so you will purchase the right weather strip.

The sales people will be a great help if this is the first time you have done this work. There are also books in the library and information on line to help you with your insulation job.

We all need the finest company to do a great job in insulating our homes and when it comes to windows, we know the right company to pick. You will find that the sash window company makes sure they do the job right. They also make sure the sash window draught proofing is done right.

Using Do It Your Self Sash Window Draught Proofing

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

There are a number of ideas for do it your self sash window draught proofing. Many are inexpensive and results may be seen within the first few weeks after making the improvements. Utility bills will go down and there will be no more breezy windows in the home. Most utility bills are reduced drastically by this type of repair.

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.

Putty can be replaced to create a new seal between the window and the wood. Use a putty knife to scrape away cracking and broken putty to reveal a clean pane of glass. Then use the same knife to apply new putty in its place. Allow it to set and then paint to match the framing around each window.

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.

Removing the trim from the wall on the inside will expose the bare window and the track it rides on. Brush seals can be purchased from a local hardware store or building and home supply retailer. These may then be used to attach to both the top and bottom of the window to create a barrier between the trim and wood frame.

While the trim is off, it is easy to create a new seal between it and the wall to help prevent it from leaking as well. There are multiple types of caulking that is available for home maintenance. A weatherizing or seal caulking should be placed on the back of each piece of trim before it is nailed back in place. If the trim has severe damage, replacing it is recommended.

Sometimes all the new trim, caulking and weather stripping still cannot seal those sash windows. No worries though because another tip for do it your self sash window draught proofing a home is very simple. There are a number of different kits that allow you to cover them in plastic to prevent leaks. This does not actually prevent the leaks but covers them up to help lower utility bills.

Does your windows have the finest insulation? Well, if there not, you can get with the sash window company. You will find out that the sash window draught proofing can really help keep the windows insulated and ready for any cold air.

Demystifying Windows And What To Consider In Sash Windows

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

A good way to understand sash windows is to understand a window sash. A window could be compared to a door. The door structure has a casement, and a door that is set on hinges within it. A window structure has a casement as well, but because it is made of glass and obviously more fragile, the pane or panes of glass must be held within a frame, called a sash. Whether it has hinges or slides within the casement is what decides what the style is.

The basic styles of hinged window are casement, hopper, and awning styles. Casements crank outward on their hinged sides and are often called crank-outs. Hoppers are usually used in basements and are hinged on the bottom and open toward the inside. Awnings are hinged at the top and open toward the outside.

Another style of window more common in tropical climates is the louvered window. Many small lengths of glass panes are mounted in an overlapping horizontal pattern and are swiveled open for air circulation.

In order to purchase new windows it is important to understand the different styles. A double hung window is what is meant when people say sash window. Simply explained, double hung means two sashes hung in a frame, where either one or both can vertically slide open.

People sometimes use the term single hung when referring to a double hung window in which the upper sash does not move. Technically, this is incorrect. Two sashes are still hung within the frame, so it is still double hung.

When a window has two sashes that slide vertically on a track, it is called a slider. The sashes overlap and slide past one another.

People usually call double hung windows sash windows. A sash balance is a system of weights, pulleys and cords that give balance to old double hung windows so they would stay in place when lifted. Without the sash balance, the window would have to be propped open by something strong enough to hold its weight. New sash or double hung windows operate on a spring loaded system instead.

When replacing old double hungs with new, the interior of the wall that once held the weight system can be filled with foam insulation, insuring a more energy efficient home and cutting down on noise transference. They buyer also has the option of a tilt out design where the whole sash tilts or lifts out for ease of cleaning or painting both sides. New windows add more than just a pretty view.

Find out what the advantages to new sash windows are now. All you need to know on sash windows and simply the best sash window company in our sash window restoration London guide.

Some Points Regarding The Environmental Benefits Of Secondary Glazing

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

For anyone looking to improve their home yet maintain its original charm, checking out a versatile window unit may serve many purposes. Besides, being far more reasonable than double-glazing, many are opting for another route due the environmental benefits that secondary glazing offers.

With many options of custom design to fit various styles of existing windows, these units were designed to fit into the interior of the existing windows and saving on a complete reinstall. Different types of glass and frames are available to choose from depending on the personal preference and desired features.

Depending on where a home is located, and the external factors of noise, there are many options of secondary units to mute out the noise or if needed to make a home a more sound from what it puts out. As an example, if a band typically practices in a dwelling; secondary units can aid in the output of noise to be muted as to not interfere with the surrounding homes.

In present times of being mindful of green issues, these units are a wonderful way to take part. Since the original windows will remain, this helps cut down on waste. The units, fitted and designed to draft proof the home. Along with draft proofing, they also cut down on energy costs. In some cases up to 50%, so not only will they bring a more cozy environment, the amount of saving in energy alone pretty much equates to them paying for themselves in time.

Though, there are many variations to choose, from to cater to the unique needs of clients. Units can be custom crafted in with wood or aluminium frames to accent the existing styles. If laminated glass is used, carpets and other indoor finishes are protected from damaging UV rays, which often lead to fading.

To avoid the one major issue which could arise, condensation blocked within the two panes of window. It is advised to not seal the original window from drafts. Some may argue this by saying they wish the most draft proofing. The problem with this is that there needs to still be some air to travel between the panes of glass to avoid condensation build up. Many secondary units are designed in two sections to that they can be opened to clean in between and then closed with a strong seal. Should there not be enough draft to travel from outdoors, between the two panes and condensation becomes an issue, it could result within the window sash and framing to mould and rot from within.

With all the environmental benefits of secondary glazing, they give going green a new name. It is inevitable that the condition of existing windows will vary from home to home so it is advisable to consult with a professional or more to ensure that line chosen is the best for the unique needs.

Do you know what the numerous environmental benefits of secondary glazing are? Get the low down on secondary glazing London now in our comprehensive sash window company overview.

categories: house,home,diy,property,construction,windows,sash windows,decorating,painting,glazing,glass,wooden windows,UK,timber

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