Posts Tagged ‘building’

Details About The Beginnings Of The Sash Window

Thursday, January 19th, 2012
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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 thought that the original design came to Great Britain from either France or Holland. It was used more often in Great Britain as well as its colonies in the Americas. The window moves on strings or balances that made it easy to slide the wooden framed glass open or closed. By the late 17th century the style of window was increasingly popular in both Great Britain and the United States.

While the sash window is most recognized now as one that opens and closes vertically, the horizontal style also qualifies as a sash window, and was probably the original style of a sliding window. The vertical version would come later.

The earliest known proof of this style exist on the Ham House in England and are dated back to the 1670s. In paintings, however, the oldest reference we have is in the 1658 painting by Vermeer entitled “The Milkmaid.” There are written references that go back even further to 1589 when an English writer referenced them in his works.

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.

A window of two glass panels by three glass panels in each of two sashes is the most typically seen design. It’s not the only one, however; there are many variations of the model. One common way to refer to them in the United States is the “double hung sash” which refers to two mobile panels in the window both being able to slide to open and close the window. A single hung sash has one static sash and one mobile one. In some instances of very high windows, you’ll find triple or quadruple sashes.

Regardless of the fact that the origins of the sash window date back several centuries, we find that their use and functionality still exists today. It’s a charming window still to be found in various styles of architecture across many countries.

We know some good sash window companies in London. They also offer sash window draught proofing service. Are you interested in it?

Knowing Why Wooden Sash Windows Will Last Longer Than Modern Plastic Sash Windows

Saturday, January 14th, 2012
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You can see the results of why wooden sash windows will last longer the modern plastic sash windows by looking at homes that are very old. Chances are they still have the original wooden windows as when the house built one hundred and twenty five years ago. Their durability is superb and unmatched.

If these houses exist in climates where it rains a lot or snows unmercifully, chances are the windows have been beaten up and needed to be restored over the years. But this is possible with wooden windows, and not with the plastic ones. Further, if the wooden sash windows are well maintained, they may last another several decades or more.

The way homes were built a hundred and fifty years ago proves that the structure was sound, and the windows are still more or less intact. They did not have sealants, but somehow these windows stood up to the snow and rains.

The plastic windows are very strong, as well. And they will endure the harsh elements of almost any climate. In fact, they will probably do better in rain and snowfall than scorching hot sunny days. They look clean and neat, and you can buy them in any color that you will never paint. However, the paint will eventually peel and chip, and the windows will become brittle over the years. The plastic can only handle so much abuse, and then, rather than try to sand and paint them, it would be more cost-effective and less time consuming to simply buy new ones.

You can find durable, beautiful plastic sash windows that are modern, open several different ways, and will create an attractive window style to your home. You may even be able to purchase them with a ten-year guarantee. But that may be the extent of it. The fact that they can only be guaranteed for a decade, or even three, if anyone will guarantee them for that long, is the obvious extent of their life.

There are companies that restore hundred year old windows and older. They can make these windows look like they did when they were new. The restoration process may be costly, and some windows may even need to be replaced completely, but they will now be treated and sealed and will last perhaps another hundred years, with regular maintenance.

Whether you prefer the modern, clean look of plastic windows that will last for a couple of decades, or the elegance and old style look of real wood that may last your lifetime, there are many solutions to your search for window replacement. When you do decide to replace the windows in your home, you should at least research why wooden sash windows will last longer the modern plastic sash windows.

To get with the sash window repair company, you can refer to looking on the Internet for information. The sash window restoration company is the best business to fix your windows quick and not hard to do.

Discover How To Reduce Your Energy Bills This Winter By Draught Proofing Your Home

Sunday, January 8th, 2012
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It is very sensible to know how to reduce your energy bills this winter by draught proofing your home. The time when we could afford to waste precious energy through our ceilings, walls and floors, might just be over for good.

The general public and governments have been taken aback at the severity of recent winters. People cannot understand how comes it has turned so cold and governments have been left embarrassed by their unpreparedness. However, surprise is understandable since we have all been led to believe that the world is undergoing global warming right now. People question how freezing temperatures fit in with what we have been told.

However, there are scientific theories that contend that the freezing is synonymous with the heating up of the planet. If you have seen the movie entitled the day after tomorrow, then you may be familiar to theories about the gulf stream being switched off as a result of the melting polar caps. The northern hemisphere could experience a sudden climate change to inhospitable subzero temperatures.

Even if the gulf stream theory does not come to pass, there are other theories for impending freezing temperatures over longer periods. It has been suggested that we could be entering another ice age. Indeed some people argue we have been in one all along and only experienced temporary respites. According to them it is due to get a whole lot colder very soon.

And for those who still do not accept cooling theories, then there are enough other possible scenarios that could send a shiver up their spines. For example, they need to consider what might happen if the world slipped into political turmoil and everyone started to annoy everyone else. The oil producing countries might decide they are not letting us have any of their supplies and we could find ourselves in a fix.

If it suddenly got colder or there was global warfare, this would have a dramatic effect on the supply and cost of fuel. And the problems do not have to stem from outside for this to be the case. Not many of us consider what might happen if the economy does not recover as we hope for quite a while to come. If there is increasing unemployment people will have less to spend on energy costs or any other costs for that matter.

Do not waste time. Discover how to reduce your energy bills this winter by draught proofing your home. You never know when it will be too late.

By turning to sash window draught proofing now, you will cut back on your electricity use. Many individuals are turning to sash window refurbishment to help them save some money.

How One Manage Heating Bills Reduced With Secondary Glazing Cheaply

Sunday, January 8th, 2012
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Replacing a single-glazed window with double-glazing can be a very expensive option for most homemakers. House owners usually overlook the fact that there are several types of secondary coating that can be used as an alternative. Most importantly heating bills reduced with secondary glazing can save a lot of money each month. Therefore, you will not have to compromise on your long term benefits by choosing an option, which is cost effective.

Various forms of secondary coating can be readily purchased from local hardware stores. Some of them can be installed by simply using a Do-It-Yourself kit. Others are more advanced and you need to look for expert assistance to get them fixed. It is advisable to have some idea of several secondary-coating options before you purchase them. This will help you choose the right variety that suits your building requirements.

Secondary glaze with transparent film is a cheaper type that you can buy. This can be installed easily without hiring an expert. However, to avoid wrinkles the transparent plastic film needs to be fitted properly to make the glaze almost invisible. The film can also be removed easily if one wants to put in place an advanced type of secondary coating later on. You only have to worry about a few damages to the paintwork on the window frame during such removal process.

A more expensive option is temporary secondary glaze whose installation process proves to be more of a task. The rigidity of the transparent plastic will however improve the flexibility of the windows. For example, you can take off the sheet at times depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

Semi permanent secondary glaze is the most expensive among all the options discussed. This is because it requires being firmly held by a sealer or a strong adhesive. It can also be fixed through screwing it tightly. The services of an expert are highly recommended for installation of this option. After a perfect fix, this option provides the best services and results.

Secondary glaze also offers a couple of other benefits too. It can reduce condensation and even noise pollution from outside sources. In order to screen out noise, you just need to leave a gap of at least 100mm between the windowpane and the coating.

With heating bills reduced with secondary glazing it is certain that one will enjoy the investment. Remember, the main purpose is preventing a high proportion of the heat in your home from escaping through spaces between the windows. This is a cheap option that keeps warm air locked inside while letting sunlight in.

Check out our site for details about the benefits of installing secondary glazing London, now. You can also find information about a company that specializes in sash window draught proofing, today.

The Origins Of The Sash Window - An English Invention

Saturday, December 31st, 2011
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The origins of the sash window are believed to be in England in the 1670’s. This style of window and method of operation has retained its popularity since that era, both in restoration of historic homes and in new construction.

This style, a major innovation that differed greatly from earlier casement windows, is generally credited to a a major scientist and inventor, Robert Hooke. Hooke was an industrious man who coined the term ‘cell’ for the living units of biology he observed with a homemade microscope, discovered many principles of the law of gravity, designed some of London’s most historic buildings, and surveyed much of London after the Great Fire of 1666. He also studied the properties of glass and invented a balance spring which allowed for the watch to be created.

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.

As early as the 1670’s, sash windows were installed in some principal houses in Britain, such as the Ham house as it was remodeled after Elizabeth, Countess of Dysart, married the wealthy Duke of Lauderdale. The frames were made of wood, and the widows were single glazed.

Glazing is simply a term for a transparent panel, so single glazing is using one layer of glass (or in modern times plastic) which may consist of many panes in a framework of wooden strips called muntins. Double glazed windows consist of two panels in a frame, with an air layer in between for extra insulation from temperature and noise.

The sash window has not been changed much over the years, although single glazing has often given way to double and even triple glazing for energy efficiency. Glazing is a term for a transparent panel in a wall; single means one thickness, while double and triple glazing simply fist more than one panel in a frame, with air spaces in between.

The origins of the sash window are fun to trace, as are the changes, not so much in design as in materials. Today’s windows may be made of soft or hard wood, metals such as aluminum and vinyl, and even fiberglass.

If you found this article interesting, you can find more details and information about Sash Window companies in London today! Using a Sash Window draught proofing service will enhance and improve your home fast and easy!

New Facts About How Machines Are Used In Modern Sash Window Joinery Methods

Friday, December 30th, 2011
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Craftsmen and professional millers always insist on the best machines that have been tried and tested to produce the best results. Period woodworking machinery is still preferred by traditionalists who insist on superior handcrafted quality when it comes to producing fine woodwork. Modern sash window joinery methods involve the use of precision crafted machinery and tools that are designed to replicate the same features of period machines while improving productivity in the process.

The trend nowadays is gone with the old and in with the new. Forego the old ways of thinking and embrace what the future has to bring. It is possible to achieve the same amount of intricacy all while increasing overall productivity. Old machines from days of old have produced large, awkward contraptions that are expensive and hard to maintain. One such example is the hollow chisel mortiser.

A sturdy surface planner is the first thing you need to efficiently draw out your projects and determine incremental measurements. A hollow chisel mortiser used to be a gigantic, archaic and heavy machine that is common during the 1930s but modern mortisers such as a tilt table mortiser and hollow chisel machines are now motivated by powerful engines that ensure smooth, consistent performance. Drill chucks feature a three-jaw configuration to securely hold all your mortising chisels. It also comes with hadwheel controls to provide a smooth and linear cross table motion.

Dovetail machines also receive a fair dose of technology and are now powered by efficient power plants to better facilitate the making of doors, drawers and windows. Router spindles allow the machine to accommodate dovetails of varying heights and can come in manual or pneumatic powered clamps. They are also equipped with adjustable cutter heights to better ensure precision in cutting boards of all sizes and depths.

Ask any experienced craftsman or mill worker and most will tell you that joining used to be a slow and difficult process. High powered biscuit joiners are now used by mills in producing fine cut mortisers with a flawless consistency.

The art and science of joining will further be enhanced by the use of joiners with pre fabricated tenons. Joinery used to be a slow and tedious process but powered biscuit joiners will give you expertly cut and flawless mortisers each and every time. This wonderful tool is now pretty common even among traditional woodworkers and mills as this enables them to forego the traditional and difficult way of joining without any due sacrifice to the projected results.

Expect more to come as machines get more intelligent through the use of advanced digital technology. Craftsmen and woodworking mills have never had it this good when it comes to sash windows and other wood oriented projects.

Get inside info on modern sash window joinery methods now in our overview of sash window refurbishment London and everything you need to know about sash window repairs london .

Ways To Save On Your Energy Costs By Draught Proofing Your Sash Windows

Friday, December 30th, 2011
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If you are going to save on your energy bills by draught proofing your sash windows, you might want to spend some extra time taking care of all of the draughts in your home and increase your overall energy costs. A home loses at least 25% percent of its total heat when it is draughty.

Sash windows often are the biggest causes of heat loss because of their size and location. Most of these windows are older and have not been maintained properly or upgraded to meet the demands of energy efficiency.

An easy way to check for heat loss in your home is to light a candle slowly move it around the frame of windows and doors. When the candle flickers, there is a draught that needs attention. There are a few steps you can take to help eliminate draughts from your sash windows that are affordable and relatively easy to carry out.

Using heavy drapes or curtains across the windows will stop immediate draughts in the room. The curtains that are used should have an energy efficient backing to repel heat and cold. If you have sash windows that have not been regularly maintained, there may be costs involved in making them energy efficient. Checking for available grants from the Energy Trust may offset the cost of replacing or repairing the windows in your home.

When panes in windows are loose it is easy to seal them with clear silicone bathtub caulking. These sealant is water and moisture proof and will seal the pane securely in place. Silicone sealant is often very effective with large windows as well.

When the windows are very old and have not been maintained regularly, you may need to have a secondary glazing completed by a professional to give them a bit more life. However, it will be important to make plans to have a professional group remove the windows and re-fit them with parting bead, foam, and seals to achieve the greatest benefit and save on your energy bills by draught proofing your sash windows.

If you’re going to save on your energy bills by Sash window draught proofing, you may want to spend little extra time taking care of all of the draughts in your home in the form of sash window repairs London and cut your overall energy costs.

Investigating The Surroundings Through Sash Windows

Friday, December 30th, 2011
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Windows are the most important part of a home. They not only allow the occupants to view the outside world but allow the outside world to view the house as well. Having the correct windows can make a world of difference when one is trying to have a certain decorating theme. Having Sash windows works in very well with any arrangement desired.

The name sash applies to the glass in the window, hence the name sash window. Available with two or more sashes it is designed with a counter-weight in the frame which allows for easy movement. This is greatly appreciated by the homeowner when they wish to open the window for fresh air or other purposes.

Double hung sash windows are those most commonly found in a home although more are available. This type of window can be opened vertically or horizontally by moving either pane. One will often see a window containing several sashes in tall buildings or on the front of more prestigious businesses.

As with everything in today’s world there is always something that went before. This type of window is found in Victorian houses and dates back to the 1600’s. A number of different ideas were used when these windows were installed with such things as additional glass panels over and alongside the regular window which made them very attractive.

The double glazed sash window is the best kind to have. These will retain heat while keeping outdoor elements at bay. Another advantage is that they will cut out unnecessary noise. Thus, one can be in comfort while escaping from the hubbub of a noisy world.

The tightness of the frame around a double glazed sash window assures the homeowner that it will not have to be replaced anytime in the near future. Under current manufacturing, the frame will last almost as long as the window. Thus, one is able to have a thing of beauty without the problem which is incurred in some standard windows.

Those who currently have single sash windows in their home can easily have them converted to double-glazed if desired. In this process another pane of glass is placed over the original with a spacer separating them. This space gives extra insulation for wherever they are installed.

Home decorators are delighted when they have the opportunity to work with sash windows, especially those that have intricate details which include a number of panels. Whether using a valence, a drape or a sheer curtain they can always be made to match the rest of the decor. Many rooms have been made outstanding by centering the entire theme on such a window.

Having the correct windows can make a world of difference. Get the exclusive low down on simply the best sash window company in our sash window restoration London overview.

What Is The Latest Manufacturing Processes For Wooden Sash Windows?

Saturday, December 10th, 2011
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For someone looking to redo parts or all of their home, there are lots of different ideas and steps that you will have to come to decisions about. One of the most important features of the exterior of the house is the choice of window, which can make a big difference. Because of the new, modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, this popular option has become even better for your house than ever before and is certainly something that you should look into.

The window is such a crucial element of the home for a wide variety of reasons, because they encompass both the look and feel of the room and greatly affect both. In terms of looks, this piece can play a major part in setting a theme for the decor and can be visually stimulating, making it a centerpiece rather than simply a necessity for function purposes only.

Secondly, it determines how much light and air gets inside and it protects the inhabitants from the outside elements. For these reasons and many more, you definitely want to make sure that you are getting something good when it comes to your windows.

The modern process for sash windows makes them a number one choice for both of the above categories because they exceed expectations in both areas. Firstly, they are extremely elegant and classy looking and are often chosen simply on the basis on their looks alone because they are much more attractive than most other choices.

They also are usually equipped with a thicker glazed glass, so that less air gets through and they provide much greater protection than a standard sheet of glass. This, combined with the fancy and entrancing look, make them a very well-liked choice that pleases customers to no end.

It is also good to know that the one thing that they were notorious for, which is their tendency to rattle, has now been removed. With the way that they are now custom-fit into a home, any reputable brand that has a certification should not fall into this irritating pattern that homeowners go crazy from.

Because of the new, modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, homeowners are truly satisfied with the service that they provide, both in terms of the way they look and how well they function. They work so well that even though that were not considering redoing their homes have been tempted to start, just so they could enjoy these immense benefits.

Choose the best choices for sash Window companies by looking online. There you will discover several sash windows London choices that you have to consider. Head online now and learn more.

Advice To Decrease Your Energy Bills This Winter By Draught Proofing Your Apartment

Monday, November 28th, 2011
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Making our homes more efficient is definitely beneficial to both the consumer as well as the planet. The expenses are always rising without an end in sight, mostly with regards to energy costs. However, draught proofing your home to reduce energy bills this winter will help cut costs dramatically.

A big problem needs to be attended to quickly in order to really cut your consumption and ultimately the bills, but even the smallest holes have a huge impact on the energy that’s lost. The first step involved in finding the leaks is with a lit stick of incense. Wait for the right weather conditions to get the best results, it should either be extremely cold or very windy. Then, it’s a matter of observing the disturbance of smoke, if any in the various areas being inspected.

According to statistics, a 10% reduction in total heat loss will be enjoyed simply by sealing all the gaps. The task is not difficult and all the materials are easy to locate, mainly found in any hardware store at affordable prices.

When an individual resolves these issues, their savings can be phenomenal when calculated on a yearly basis, multiplied over several years. So, the time, effort and small investment to correct them will surely pay themselves off in no time.

Make sure to check the doors, windows, electrical outlets, plumbing connections to the wall as well as the dryer exhaust with the stick of incense. Additionally, do the same tests along the fireplace if this feature exists in the home. Surprisingly, it can lose anywhere between five to 8% of the energy.

More often than not, this feature is not used daily, so you can make a removable seal. All that is necessary is to cut out a 2 inch thick Styrofoam exactly to the size of the fireplace opening. Then, cover it with an attractive fabric that matches the decor in the room. This only works on wood burning fireplaces. A very important point is to not forget to close the flue once the fire has been extinguished within it.

The windows always need special attention because they are the draftiest of all in many cases. A quick tip is to use heavy weighted drapes or wide slat vertical or horizontal blinds. However, a thorough treatment of foam sealant or caulking would be ideal.

Check out our site for great tips on how to reduce your energy bills this winter, now. You can also find information about a reputable sash window draught proofing and sash window refurbishment firm, today.