The Wooden Window Workshop Blog

Replacing sash windows with double glazed sash windows

The Growing Figure Of Sash Window Repair Websites Found Online

Posted on 18 February 2013 18:00

Statistics show that a considerable part of electricity costs at homes is due to loss of heat through windows.

Many people are looking for ways to conserve energy and save some money on power bills.

In this respect, the growing number of sash window repair websites appearing on the internet rise to attempt to solve this problem.

To start with, living in a house without windows is unimaginable and unendurable to every one of us.

This space is required for light, air, heat, insulation among other things.

Consequently, it is very essential to maintain and renovate the wooden windows you have.

Most people prefer double glazed timber sash windows as they provide a number of advantages. Double glazed windows reduce noise pollution and block harmful ultra violet rays.

They also prevent condensation and improve the visibility of the windows among other benefits.

To start repairs on the window you need to understand what kind of window you are dealing with. Remove the sash and measure its height, width, weight and thickness of the glass.

Identify the type of sash whether it is double hung, casement or sliding type.

The type of window that you have will determine the kind of reparation work at hand. For instance, the approach to wooden window repairs is going to be quite different from the attention given to one made of metal or Upvc.

Take out the sashes by removing the pins used to attach the staff beadings the keep the sliding sash windows within the box sash frames.

This is quite easy if you work on the window on a level ground. Assess the damage and identify what kind of restoration is required. If the damage is widespread, new sliding sashes will be required, there are many good joinery workshops in London that can make up replacement sash windows to retro fit your existing box frames, just make sure you provide the correct measurements!

Take into account the depth of the sash window not only the height and width.

While fitting the new replacement windows into your original period box sash frames consider exactly what needs to be done before you remove the old windows.

You may only have a broken pane of glass this should not mean that you need to replace the entire window frame. Take a sharp object and carefully scrape the broken shards from the pane ensuring that no debris remains.

This kind of work requires concentration or else you will sustain cuts from the splintered pieces.

Proceed to clean the new glass also before considering fitting it in the place of the old piece. This helps to remove the fingerprints and other dirt while fixing it. Put the sheet into its place and seal it with silicon run on all sides. Put it well ensuring that you leave no gaps to prevent condensation problems. Then leave it for one day in order for it to get permanently set.

This is the most challenging part of sash window restoration London.

While all this is accomplished, what remains is to place back the panels firmly as at first. When you are through it is essential to inspect you work once more and take note of any unattached ends left. Such gaps need filling up with caulk to cut any circulation of air. However, it is worth noting that high quality panels will give a more satisfactory repair job.

While designing your home it is essential to contemplate on the type of windows to set up. Choose durable panels that are easy to clean and overhaul. They also need to be suitable for use under all type of climatic conditions.

As a result, the growing number of sash window repair websites appearing on the internet place emphasis on the importance of installing quality windows.

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Why Replacement Wooden windows is the right choice for you

Posted on 06 February 2013 12:59

Wooden windows always add class and style to a home, it might not be a new modern material but its durability and appearance is unparalleled. Plastic or any other building material cannot match the quality and uniqueness that real timber brings to the area it has been used in. The transformation seen once the constituent has been added to the exterior of a building is unmatched.

Majority of home owners in the UK and London have come to a realization that wood is perfect for doors and windows. It does not matter what the interior of the house holds; wooden replacement windows will always bring out the best and compliment the design of the house. Most period homes and new build homes in London are fitted with timber Box Sash Windows that slide open; these windows always look better than plastic or aluminium copies.

With wood it is possible to shape it and machine it in any manner that suits the design of your house; you should always go for hardwood windows. Timber is a material that works well with other modern and varying building materials as well as new building methods. It is also has great thermal properties not found in virtually any other material on earth, with double glazed units filled with argon gas you are on to a sure winner.

Current UK building regulations and controls regarding replacement wooden windows require all new windows (whether they be wooden windows or not) be double glazed, with quite strict regulations regarding the type of glass used and also the spacer size. The reason for the regulation is set so that all new windows meet a minimum standard for insulation and UV protection, over time the UK could one day become Europe’s top energy efficient countries.

Wood windows are also very secure, it is a very sturdy material and gives incredible strength when used with toughened safety glass and with high quality fasteners and locks your timber windows should be very secure indeed.

Kiln-dried soft wood should only be used in arid environments such as any and all interior applications like shelves and basic furniture.

Naturally seasoned air-dried hardwood is a far better option for windows as it is denser and more durable when employed in humid and wet conditions such as exterior uses, like for example windows and doors.

Hardwood windows can also help save you money on your heating bills, this is because it is an extremely good insulator. Wood also absorbs sound hence it is also good for reduction of noise pollution, Upvc windows and/or Aluminium windows do not have the same protection that timber windows afford.

If you are thinking of replacement sash windows then we would always recommend that you choose hardwood windows. Many wooden window companies in London can disguise the fact that they may be using soft wood with elegant phrases such as “redwood” this is in fact simply matured pine, it just sounds better!

We here at The Wooden Window Workshop typically use American OAK to make your sliding sash windows and casement windows.

We have been doing this for many years and have built a very good reputation over this period.

With thousands of homes across London having our hardwood box sash windows fitted, we are sure they will still be present long after this generation haspassed away.

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Replacing Wooden Windows and UK Building Regulation Controls

Posted on 17 October 2012 11:35

The Window is identified as an integral part of the practical design and character of all buildings, and selecting a suitable replacement window is usually an important aspect of any major project.

With the demand for conserving energy, the vast amount of window glazing systems that are available today may well overwhelm owners when considering window replacement in the home.

Windows located on primary elevations such as the front – traditionally will feature an additional degree of ornamentation and detail than windows that are located on secondary elevations such as the ones on the sides or the rear of buildings. That is why it is compulsory to understand the connection between replacing wooden windows and UK building regulations.

With such a range of different window designs and shapes, methods of configurations and operation, muntin profiles, seemingly small changes can cause serious damage or change the look of a building, or the entire neighbourhood character for that matter.

UK Planning Departments recognized this challenge and have come up with strict window replacement regulations and controls, which also covers buildings in conservation areas as well as listed buildings.

At its most basic level a brief simplified version of what is actually a very large document full of red tape and regulations, basically if you replace a single glazed window in its entirety it should be replaced with a double glazed window that either meets or exceeds current minimum U values as set out in the document and legislation at the time of installation.

Most of the public are led to believe that to fit new windows the fitter must be Fensa registered but this is actually not the case!

It is true to say that if the fitter is registered under this type of scheme then the fitter is able to issue a certificate of conformity directly after the work is completed but if your fitter is not registered with Fensa then you simply need to inform the local building control office and pay a small fee for them to effectively sign the windows off.

You may well find sole trader window fitters may be much cheaper than a large Fensa registered company and even though you will need to pay building control the fee to sign the windows off, you could still pay less overall. It is worthwhile to check out online for good reviews of local sole traders as it could save you a packet.

The most important thing is the window itself as long as you choose a reputable company to make the new replacement wooden windows for you then you will pretty much guarantee that it meets all the required standards.

The fitting could even be done as a DIY project but still, you will need building control to check the windows once fitted.

According to the UK General Plan, its Priority Planning Policies and the Residential building regulations, each oft hem call for enhancing and protecting the neighbourhood architectural characteristics UK wide.

Since their latest revision, the Residential building regulations set window requirements for every building within a Residential Zoning District. To further clarify this policy which the department has implemented and to serve as a guide to answering questions asked frequently in regard to the replacementof windows and neighbourhood character, the Department has developed a handout based on Window Replacement Standards.

This particular document also answers questions about what materials need to be submitted for review when a permit application is produced for rehabilitation, restoration, repair or replacement of window systems in the UK. Please note that the alteration and rehabilitation standards for preserving designated City Landmark properties, which includes contributing buildings in conservation or historic districts, are included in the Planning Code as well.

This document, hereafter, will also represent the Planning policy of the UK Planning Department in regard to similar types of window work and is based on these following principles:

A window that is visible from the street or any other public right-of-way is avaluable part of the neighbourhood character and the individual architectural characteristics of the building.

If replacing a window is proposed for a structure, the new window that can be seen from the public view should match both the character of its neighbourhood and the building, all in terms of glazing, size, operation, exterior profiles, finish, and arrangement.

Historically important window features and character defining windows on architecturally significant buildings should be repaired or retained as much as possible.

The use of alternate materials in older buildings in particular, may visually stand out, and will rarely match the character of the building or the neighbourhood.

They will always look like: aluminium or plastic - materials that do not match architecturally. Therefore, by understanding the connection between replacing wooden windows and UK building regulations, you could get your plans approved quickly and easily.

For more advice or perhaps even a quote please click here to learn more about double glazed windows for conservation areas and listed buildings in the UK

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MDF Horror in Twickenham!

Posted on 02 October 2012 14:01

We recently carried some sash window repair and renovation work out in Twickenham near Strawberry Vale, it was a pretty straight forward job, or so we thought.

The work scheduled was to remove all the sliding sash windows from boxes all of which were only 8 years old. The windows had not been fitted very well and due to the use of softwood and poor joinery techniques had not faired well at all.

Repairing sash windows is never straight forward and every wooden window will have its own unique set of problems to solve

Our plan was to produce new hardwood sashes and fit them into the boxes that at first glance looked reasonably ok.

After an hour or so we had successfully removed the first two windows and prepared ourselves to start getting the boxes roped up and weighted in anticipation of retro fitting the clients newly made hardwood double glazed sash windows.

To our utter disbelief upon replacing the pulley wheels our worker noticed that the timber of the box looked very unusual and had an almost kitchen unit look about it.

As we investigated further by gently removing an area of paint we found that the entire box had been crafted out of MDF!

For those of you that don’t know what MDF is, it is a composite sheet product made from “timber dust” effectively bonded together with glue and should only ever be used for interior applications only as it is prone to swelling if in contact with wet or damp conditions.

We can not begin to tell you of our utter disgust with the company that supplied that box and we are surprised it lasted as long as itdid.

Unfortunately the client has refused to allow us to exposethe company that fitted the windows but we have advised him to go to trading standards as he paid well over £1,5000.00 and the detail on the quote clearly indicated “Redwood boxes”

So be warned folks!

Check every thing, visit whoever is making your windows tomake they even have a workshop; many windows are being made in places as faraway as China.

Double check everything as it would seem there are some so called “sash window specialists” in London ready to rip you off at the first chance they get.

Get as many quotes as you can and if things seem too good tobe true then they generally will are.

We decided to make the customer new boxes in the end at a reduced cost as we felt so sorry for him, so at least he has high quality windows now.

It is a real shame that there are so many dedicated trustworthy sash window companies out there in London and this client seemed to end up withprobably the worst. Fortunately for him though even if it did take him 8 years he eventually found the best sash window people in London and we have done a great job for him that should last into the next century.

As a result of our unfortunate findings we urge the public if they have had windows fitted in the last 10 years (the company is still trading by the way) to check the window boxes. All you need to do is drive a small screw into a hidden area of the box and gently remove it without turningit, if it comes out with dusty, soft stuff on it then there is a good chance the box is MDF.

If you do find this in your home please do give us a call we would love to help and also maybe you can tell trading standards as well!

Hopefully the company that is doing this to its victims across London will be brought to justice very soon.

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A Comparison Of Double Glazed Sash Vs Single Glazed Sash Windows

Wooden Sash Windows London: Posted on 09 March 2012 11:35

Replacing the windows in a home can be an expensive investment. However, it can not only increase the value of your home, but provide you with energy savings and a more comfortable living space. When you are comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows, it will be helpful to find out what the building regulations in your area are before you begin. The local planning office will have the specific details regarding new and replacement windows that are required for your area.

COST

Initially, the single-pane window will cost less than a dual-pane window. Also, the repair of single glazed windows is less than if you have to replace 2 panes of glass when a window breaks. But, over the life of the windows the dual-pane windows will more than pay for themselves through the savings you will receive in utility bills and insulation.

ENERGY SAVINGS

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Sash windows

Sash windows are a precious part of our built heritage that makes the places we work and live special. Most people find them attractive.

When 2 panes of glass are separated by non-metallic spacers, they have air or gas introduced between the glass. The gas may be Xenon, Krypton or Argon depending of the energy efficiency desired. The dual-panes are sealed within a frame that prevents air from leaking into the room, reduces condensation in the window and eliminates noise from out of doors.

An energy efficiency rating scheme shows the efficiency of the windows which vary depending on how well they stop heat from passing through the window, how sunlight travels through the glass, and whether any air can leak in or out around the window. The highest rating these windows can get is an A which is assurance that the window meets all of the demands required to provide top energy efficiency in your home.

Single glazed glass are made with a single pane of glass which may be clear or tinted. These windows do not have the capability of the dual pane windows to prevent heat from passing through the glass. When a person chooses tinted single windows, they prevent some heat from entering the room, but also prevent some light from entering as well.

CONCLUSION

After determining the regulations for replacement or new windows in your area with the local planning office, you will want to think about the areas in your home that you will be having the windows installed. There are some areas in a home where single pane-glass windows will be fine and will not impact your energy bills.

Windows in the main living area, however should be well thought out before making the investment. Dual-pane windows can have a significant impact on an overall energy bill. For instance, a homeowner that recently replaced their single-paned windows with dual-pane in their 196 sq meter residence, began saving over half of their costs for energy, reduced the noise from outside significantly, and eliminated cold spots in the home.

When you are comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows, discussing your needs with a professional that is knowledgeable and experienced in the different types and styles of windows will be very beneficial. They can share the pros and cons of windows as well as give you information about regulations in your area regarding your window installation.

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Replacing sash windows with double glazed sash windows

The Growing Figure Of Sash Window Repair Websites Found Online

Why Replacement Wooden windows is the right choice for you

Replacing Wooden Windows and UK Building Regulation Controls

MDF Horror in Twickenham!

A Comparison Of Double Glazed Sash Vs Single Glazed Sash Windows

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