Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
London window and door can aid in creating an unforgettable first impression for your home by using their top-quality windows and doors. Visit our showroom in Dorchester, Woodstock, Ingersoll and St Marys to find the perfect solution for your home.
Stile and rail are vertical and horizontal members that hold glass in frames for doors or windows.
Frames
Whether you have an old period home or a modernist new build, frames are crucial to the look of your windows. The best frame material is essential for your home since it will impact how your window performs, lasts and how much it's worth.
There are several types of frames you can choose from: uPVC, aluminium and timber. uPVC is the most popular option due to its low-maintenance, energy-efficient properties. It is available in a variety of colours and is available with a wood effect finish to give more traditional appearance. It is also durable against the elements and requires only minimal maintenance other than cleaning. However, if you live in an exposed location uPVC might not be the ideal choice because it is susceptible to degrading over time in the extreme weather.
Aluminium is a good alternative for frames as it is sturdy and has sleek designs that are ideal for more contemporary properties. It is also lightweight and can be finished in any RAL colour for the ideal match to your building. It's not as efficient as uPVC but is a good option if you want an eco-friendly alternative.
Steel is a great choice for older buildings, as it can be powder-coated to match bricks or stones. The problem with the traditional thin steel frames is that because they are not thermally insulated, they can not shield cold. The 21st century has finally arrived at this point and it's now possible to have a sleek steel frame that can provide impressive thermal break performance.
Timber is a stunning material for any type property, but its price is higher than other materials. However, it does provide one of the most attractive aesthetics and if cared for properly will last a lifetime. It is best to select a wood that is suitable for your frames, as different woods do not have the same characteristics. The wood of poor quality is not just going to decay rapidly, but also lead to rotting and moisture ingress, which could damage your window sashes and cills.
Sashes
Many homes of the past have sash windows. They are distinctive and elegantly stylish, with a stunning timeless design that has stood the test of time. Sash windows offer many advantages and are becoming more popular due to their aesthetics and practicality.
A Sash window is a horizontally sliding window that has two glass panels which can be opened for ventilation, viewing out, and so on. The system of pulleys hidden within the window frame allows for the opening and closing of sliding windows. The pulleys are not likely to break, and the fact that they are part of the window means that fixing them is simple and inexpensive.
In the Georgian era, sash window became more popular as they let in more light into narrow streets and cottages. These sash windows had their glass panes split evenly to make them more affordable. The technology was not yet sophisticated enough to allow for larger panes to be produced with precision.
There are many different types of sash window available however the classic box sash remains one of the most sought-after. These windows are a good option for those who wish to preserve the look and feel of a classic home but with modern conveniences like draught seals and security locks.
Sash windows are single or double hung depending on the type of design and frame. A single-hung sash has an opening on the bottom by sliding upwards, whereas double-hung sash comes with a top and a bottom panel that can be opened by sliding horizontally across the other.
It is recommended to consult an expert in window design to determine which type of sash window is suitable for you. For example, sash windows can be outfitted with a range of hardware, such as sash chains and sash lifts which allow you to operate the windows when they are open. A sash window may be also fitted with a staff bead which helps to keep the windows in their position and prevents them from being pulled out of alignment by winds or draughts.
Cills
Cills can be easily fixed by carefully removing rotten wood and inserting new timber. They should be designed so that they maximize strength while retaining the historic fabric to the maximum extent possible. doors and windows london should be added to direct water away the bottom of the windows.
Oak was used only in the most luxurious homes or the first examples. It is therefore essential that new cills are procured from this material and thoroughly primed, painted and then incorporated with drip.
Small areas of damage and loss can be repaired with resin-based fillers that are mixed with wood dust or timber consolidant. This is a cost-effective approach to maximize the amount of historical fabric that is left in the repair. This method is also efficient in repairing damaged sash frames when the damage was caused by inadequate maintenance.
Glass
Of course, the most important component of a window or door is the glass. It can be tinted or clear and can increase the architectural value of the structure. It can also offer significant energy savings by decreasing solar radiation. Tempered glass has been heat-treated to withstand more force than normal on its surface. It breaks down into smaller pieces rather than breaking into splinters and also reduces the risk of flying fragments.
Historic glass should be saved in place during repairs and great care must be taken to protect it from accidental damage. The sash windows of the past may have crown (a flat glass with curved ridging and air bubbles) or cylinder glass, which gives depth and character to the exterior. Original pieces of both kinds are rare and highly valuable. They should be kept in place whenever feasible. Glass should be protected from paint strippers and chemical paint removers that can cause it to break or crack. The wood frames should also be carefully repaired and applied again.
Resin-based repair products can be used to get rid of loose paint and rust without affecting the finish or profile of the wood. They can also be used to repair various other minor issues like decay, rot, structural movement distortion, and deformation.
Sash windows are fixed windows in which the sash opens and closes on pivots at the top or bottom or on each side. This kind of window is typically more attractive than operable sash windows and often contains an opening.
Casement windows open and close on hinges on the sides or an mullion that is between. This type of window is usually seen on older homes and can be paired with fixed wings or panels to create bay windows.
Simulated divided-lites - A grille or grid that looks like it has separate panes, separated by muntins but actually made up of larger lites with muntins positioned between them. This gives the appearance of a variety of smaller window units.