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January 10, 2012

Options For Upgrading Sash Window Security Solutions

Many sash window security solutions are available to homeowners today. During the upgrade process, experts recommend retaining as many original features as possible. In addition to preserving its initial charm, maintaining a building’s historic heritage helps enhance its market value.

Growing to widespread popularity during 17th Century England, these modifications provided effective alternatives to casements. Instead of swinging the panes open beyond shutters into often inclement weather, the new designs allowed the panes to be slid vertically, or horizontally. They provided more flexibility with the size of the opening. This architectural improvement gained popularity in the American Northeast and South during the colonial period of the 1700s.

When consulting experts for home insurance advice, safety upgrades are among their top recommendations. If possible, the installation of double or triple-paned windows is encouraged. They have air-tight spaces encased between panes. They provide more safety, and better insulation.

There are a wide range of effective locks on the market today. Bolted units are one of the top choices. They are easily installed, and are available in a diversity of models, including antique styles. When tightened, they secure the panels in closed positions.

The stops provide more flexibility, utilizing a pegged structure. Set-up includes drilling small holes in parallel strips along the stationary panels. When the pegs are inserted into the holes, they create a stop point, preventing panels from sliding any further. They can be positioned to prevent any opening, or moved into alternative slots to create smaller or wider openings.

Another affordable option are flip-locks. They are easy to install, and function most effectively as back-ups. Their flip tab can be placed in an open or closed position. When closed, the tab is in a down position, providing a barrier against the side of the moveable pane.

Keyed locks also come in a variety of appropriate models. Simple to install, they function with the use of a key. A variety of modern and vintage styles are available at affordable prices.

The easiest to set-up require no hardware. Home insurance advice experts suggest using this grip-type as a supplemental system, not the sole unit.

As historic buildings age, it’s good to maintain effective sash window security solutions. A vast selection of models and styles are available. Homeowners may choose a do-it-yourself approach, or hire experts to perform the tasks. Whichever options are chosen, market-value can be enhanced while safety features are upgraded.

Find complete details on how you can benefit by having Sash Window Repairs West London professionals help you in taking care of your windows. When you need immediate sash window repair service, the knowledgeable and experienced technicians will be able to help you.

Filed under Blog by Julian Burgess

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November 18, 2011

Learn How Period Sash Window Restoration Will Boost The Sale Value Of Your Property

Sash windows are an important part of the heritage of our towns and cities. The character of many buildings depends on the retention of the doors, windows and other fittings which the architect designed for them. Keeping original features such as sash windows is also not just a question of taste. It can make economic sense because the windows were originally made from the highest quality wood available, and real estate agents agree that the retention of original features adds value to properties, and helps them to sell more quickly. This article explains how sash window restoration can increase the sale value of your property.

The first sash windows were a single-hung variety, probably invented in France. This style was imported into England during the 17th century, where the double-hung variety then seems to have been invented, some time around the year 1700. These new windows allowed more varied and subtle ventilation than the earlier side-hung casements, which they quickly displaced from new building designs.

Until about 1700 many windows used native oak, and other hardwoods, but as these woods were becoming rarer and more expensive, they were replaced by what joiners called deal. This included various softwoods from fir and pine trees.

Many old windows remain in quite good condition because the original builders used high-quality heartwood, that is wood from the center of the tree. The modern practice is to use the much cheaper sapwood, which is rather inferior.

During any sash window repair project it is important to use the best quality wood. If top-quality heartwood is not available, then use sapwood which has been thoroughly treated with timber preservative. Despite the popular belief that all softwoods are of inferior quality, there are many top quality woods available from well managed forests in Scandinavia, North America and the UK.

When sash windows are being repaired it is possible to introduce modern improvements such as weather seals. These are fitted into grooves which can be machined into the sashes. They are both discreet, and effective at eliminating draughts and rattles.

There are also modern glasses available which provide better thermal and noise performance than the original window glass. Security, plus safety for young children, may also be improved by fitting more modern varieties of lock.

Get inside info on how sash window restoration can significantly increase the sale value of your property now in our comprehensive review of sash window repairs and sash windows london .

Filed under Blog by Larry David

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July 9, 2011

How To Repair Rot And Destruction On Wooden Windows

There are many resources to find out how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows. Home owners must identify the type of window on the home. Different styles include double-hung, single-hung, and casement. So start by knowing the type of window that is deteriorating.

Determine if the deterioration is only on the window sill. Consult a licensed carpenter to verify if only the window sill needs to be repaired. The rest of the window may be fine. Loose putty is another factor that can affect the speed of rotting of the wood. Excess moisture between the wood and glass can accelerate the rotting process. Remove and replace any loose putty. Putty can be found at any local hardware store.

Hinged windows that open similarly to a door are called casements. Cranks, handles, and levers can be used to open and close this window. Functional shutters are usually utilized on the outside of this type of window.

A casement window may only need simple fixes like tightening the hinge screws, or adjusting the striker plate for a tighter seal. Home owners simply need to keep the window tracks swept out for ease of operation. Oiling the tracks annually can also extend the life of the window and keep it functioning without rust for years.

Double-hung windows are set-up so that the top window can slide down and the lower window can slide up. This style is very weather tight and reliable. They work through the use of weights and pulleys or springs. The most common issue with this type of window is the sash being painted shut. Short of home improvement mishaps, another issue with these would be the sash cords fraying or breaking.

In the summer, double-hung windows are perfect for cooling a home naturally. By opening both the upper and lower sash, it creates a natural air flow. Single-hung windows are a cheaper version of this window, but only the bottom sash moves. This decreases the cooling effectiveness, but this wouldn’t matter in homes with air conditioning.

While there are ways to find out how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows, it’s always best to consult a licensed carpenter. Professionals can help determine if minor repairs will do the job, or if a major overhaul of the window is needed. Identify the type of window, find a carpenter who is familiar with that type of window, and request a consult on having them repaired to help maximize the energy efficiency of the house.

Have a quick look at our site for tips on how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows, today. You can also get comprehensive information about the many benefits of sash windows now!

Filed under Blog by Nathan Thompson

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September 9, 2010

The Ins And Outs Of Ever Popular Sash Windows

‘Hung’ sash windows are a very popular choice for use on most homes and have been for hundreds of years. The name comes from the fact that these windows contain panels (called ‘sashes’)that hold the glass panes in place. At least one of these panels will be movable, allowing the window to be opened and closed.

Some hung windows contain only one movable panal (sash) but most will have two. These panels most commonly open from top to bottom (vertically) but can also be made to operate in a sideways fashion (horizontally). The glass used in these units has traditionally been single-paned but recently double-pane and even triple-pane configurations have been available. When properly installed, extra panes give better insulation and efficiency.

Movement of the sometimes heavy sash(es) is usually facilitated through the use of a pulley/counter-weight system. Weights hidden within the window frame act as a counter-balance making it possible to open and close the window without too much effort. If your windows are difficult (or impossible) to open this may be a simple problem with the counter-weight system and is easily remedied.

In some designs, hinges are installed which can hold the movable sash in place while simultaneously disengaging it from the counter-balancing weight. This makes cleaning the unit easier and can also make an emergency escape through the window quicker and easier. Also, some designs forego the use of weights and pulleys, opting instead for a system of spring balances.

If both sashes are capable of moving this is known as a double-hung window (as opposed to single-hung, if only one moves). Traditionally made from wood, these units are now commonly made from other materials (including vinyl, which has become quite popular). Vinyl (PVC) windows are usually cheaper to buy than wood and are currently a widely used option for both new construction and old window replacement.

Speaking of replacement, owners of older homes are often faced with the decision of replacing or repairing existing windows that have become inefficient or nonworking. If possible, repair is usually advisable to replacement. It’s cheaper, generally looks better and can be made to be nearly just as energy efficient.

If you live in an area where window replacement is restricted or your home happens to be ‘listed’ your options are limited. Plastic windows are no doubt taboo. Anyway, the original ones will always LOOK better, especially if you have them professionally reconditioned. They can actually be made to be BETTER than new!

Looking for a company that can help you with affordable sash window restoration London? Get the exclusive inside skinny with our comprehensive sash window company overview.

Filed under Blog by Archie Campbell

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July 7, 2010

The Aesthetic Appeal Of Box Sash Windows

Sash windows are attractive features of many homes. The word “sash” means a frame or panel holding the glass of a window or door. As such, it might be a term used to describe parts of most types of windows and doors. But over the years it has come to be used more or less exclusively for widows that are open and shut by sliding the glass panels.

Because they are fitted into grooves the frames or panels are able to slide independently of each other. Because the grooves for each is separate from the other, the panels can even slide beside each other in a sort of overlap arrangement. Usually they slide up and down, i. E. Vertically. However, occasionally these windows are manufactured to allow for horizontal sliding. This construction is however, quite rare.

In most traditional styles each frame is made up of a number of glass panes. These are called “lights”. Each light is separated from the others by thin wooded strips called muntin bars. The whole assembly of panes and muntin bars is fitted rigidly into the bigger frame. Occasionally it is possible to find these types of windows with just a single large pane of glass in each panel. This is relatively rare.

Just for the record, here are the frame part names. There is the top rail the bottom rail and the side rails, called styles. For the bottom panel, the rail at the top, together with the top panel’s bottom rail are situated side by side when the window is closed. For that reason these rails are called meeting rails.

These windows are also called “box windows”. This is because the box construction is vital to the overall operation of such a window. Because larger individual panels would be virtually impossible to lift up and, even if successfully lifted, would immediately fall back down, once the person lifting took away his or her hands. This potential calamity is averted by the fact that inside the hollow box section on each side of the window there are heavy counter weights.

Each panel has its own two counter weights. There is a cord called a sash cord attached to the panel’s hidden sides. This cord passes up the side window frame’s grooves and over a recessed pulley at the top. It then comes down inside the box section where it is attached to the weight. These weights together are nearly the same weight as the frame, so that with them attached, lifting is no longer a problem. They even allow the frame to remain at whatever height the owner wishes, with no risk of it falling down.

These attractive windows can last a lifetime and give few problems. Unfortunately, usually due to questionable workmanship, this is not all the case. Many people encounter one or all of these problems. Rattling. This caused by careless fitting or the expansion of wooden parts. It can also be caused by the wind. This problem can relatively easily be remedied by a skilled craftsman. As can the problem of jamming or sticking. This is usually caused by sloppy painting, or by the wood expanding over time.

Despite the few extra problems and maintenance issues, Sash windows are still regarded by many people as the most aesthetically appealing of all windows. There is one important proviso of course. It is that the sash windows should be appropriate to the building’s architecture, in which they are installed.

Sash window restoration London locale gives new life to your old and worn windows. Your sash window company has the knowledge and experience to improve the look and operation of the windows in your home or business.

Filed under Blog by Patrick Dongola

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Why To Pick Sash Windows

When one is looking to purchase a home, it is key to spend as much time looking, and checking as you possibly can. It is important to remember this will be the largest, and most important investment you will make in your lifetime. It is not a decision that should be made rapidly. As with most products on today`s market, there is a vast array of choice. A style of home that is particularly popular today are the ones that have sash windows, this rustic look is a desired feature.

As the sash style of window dates back a very long time, the house that have them do tend to be rather old too, some of them dating back to the early 20th century. If you are to invest in a property of this age there are many checks to be carried out before indulging. There can be work that needs carried out, much of which is not seen by the untrained eye.

For this reason you must enlist the services of a trained professional, generally a surveyor, to carry out a thorough check of the abode before you purchase. Generally, no mortgage lender will approve a mortgage without this sort of check being carried out anyway.

Having these checks carried out on your home is relatively straight forward. Once you have done this the next stage is to locate the best deal for your mortgage, this can be a little trickier, especially if you do not know where to look. For this reason many will use a mortgage broker to search for them.

As these people charge for their services, it is actually much cheaper, and faster to use one of the many mortgage comparison sites available online. These sites will give you instant access to the entire mortgage market in minutes.

Although the sash style of window is highly sort after, not everyone wishes to take on the trials, and tribulations of an old house. Fortunately, it is now possible to attain this style of window in upvc. This means you get the look of the sash window, but with the added insulation of the upvc window. They can be a little more expensive, but they will save you on the bills.

Many things in life come in and out of fashion, sometime over night, sash windows however, are something that has stayed in vogue for many years, and will continue to do so for many more. They have a particular appeal to those living in a warm climate, as they allow much more air to pass through than a standard window.

Want to find out exactly what the appeal of sash windows are? Get the inside skinny on the best sash window company now in our sash window restoration London summary.

Filed under Blog by Patrick Dongola

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