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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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Posted on 30 January 2013 11:22
 The box sash window is quite possibly one of the most remarkable property related inventions in the world. The function of this type of window allows for a very efficient way of cooling the home during the summer, as opposed to a casement window that simply open on hinges. A wooden casement window will open to allow ventilation, this is true but with traditional double glazed wooden sash windows one is able to open the top sash to allow warm air within the room to escape whilst the cooler air can be allowed to enter via opening of the lower sash window; Simply put, hot air rises leaving the cooler air below. Manufacturing timber box sash windows is a real craft, it is not just simple joinery there are many factors to consider right form the outset. Measurements prior to manufacture need to be very precise and it is not just the length and width that need to be considered, it is also the depth. When replacing your original single glazed box sash windows for double glazed sash windows the overall depth of the window frame will be increased. If the window is not manufactured with the upmost care and attention you could end up with new windows that do not fit the original character and charm of your period London home. All replacement wooden windows, especially those that are intended for a period home or indeed a “period style” home done to created as sympathetically as possible. Original mouldings and profiles need to be matched so that once your new windows are fitted they will not detract the original beauty of the home. Timber windows should, if done correctly and with the right know how provide character and even a soul to a property. It is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world for us here at The Wooden Window Workshop when we replace Upvc windows and fit our own wooden period replica replacement sash windows in London. It may not seem like a lot, but when you see the difference it can make to a property you will be amazed, just ask your local estate agent what he or she thinks about wooden double glazed windows. We have spoken to some of London’s leading estate agents and have discovered that overall regardless of which part of London you live in, a home with traditional timber double glazed windows will out sell similar properties with Upvc windows fitted consistently. Not only do wood windows add substantial financial value to the home they also have that WOW factor that in our opinion, could never be achieved with Upvc or aluminium windows. Why not give us a call today? We are always happy to provide references and in most cases we will have happy customers within walking distance from you. We have been trading for such a long time now that it is very unusual for us to not have local references in virtually any part of London! We wonder if other companies could say the same? |
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Danny Rothstien: Posted on 27 November 2012 15:36
You may surprised to learn that the windows found in most homes today did not exist in their current form until the twentieth century. Many people have wondered over the years just who invented double glazed windows. The answer is the Libbey Owens Ford Glass Company. This was during the great depression in the 1930s. The company was owned by two men named Edward Libbey and Michael Owens. Double glass window panes are also referred to today as insulated glazing. This is when two panes are separated either by air or gas so that heat transfer is reduced. They are low maintenance, attractive, and allow a home to keep warm air in during the cold months and cooler air in during the warmer months. Glass is the obvious choice of material for a window since it lets natural light shine in and allows one to have a view of the outside. In recent years there have been advances made in the technology behind these sealed window units. Greater thermal improvement means that a window will be functional and usable for many years without needing replacement. This is great for homeowners because window replacement can be very costly. You will often see this style of window referred to as IGU, which stands for insulated glazed unit. In general, these units are produced with a thickness of 3 to 10 millimeters or more. Typically both panes are going to be the same thickness, unless the window is of a special design which will require various thicknesses to be used. Another benefit to this style of window is the security that it offers. A home is less likely to be broken into with such durable window panes in place when they are securely shut and locked. They almost always come with a good locking system that keeps it tightly shut and prevents anyone from being able to pry it open. Before you purchase new windows, be sure to check all local retailers for price quotes. They may seem costly to buy and install, but you will see an annual savings on your home's heating and cooling bills. There is a definite difference in single and double glazed panes, so this is certainly a worthwhile investment and will add to your home's resale value. Another great benefit to this style of window is the reduction in noise. Even if you live in a noisy area such as downtown in a city, you will be able to cut out much of the outside sound and prevent it from disturbing you when inside. You can always open a window up for fresh air and then close it to keep noise out. Although technology has changed quite a bit since the 1930s, manufacturers and homeowners today should be grateful to those who invented double glazed windows all those years ago. They help to keep buildings insulated, reduce acoustic disturbance, and provide a great measure of security. You should consider installing new units so that you also may save money on your cooling and heating costs throughout the year. |
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Posted on 12 October 2012 10:40
 Windows are an essential feature in every house. There are different shapes, sizes and makes of windows that are found on different period houses. The choices aredictated by many factors. Sash windows in particular are made of one or more movable panels that form frames to hold panes of glass. The windows are opened by sliding them vertically or horizontally. Though traditional, these products have an aesthetic appeal and they can also add monetary value to a property. Fixed type “sash style” windows are quite uncommon but are often put in place for the main reason of allowing light to enter, for example on a stair well where opening the window would not be feasible. Single-hung box sash windows have only one sash that is movable and the other is fixed. Double-hung sliding sash windows (which are most common) have both two sashes that overlap slightly and can slide up and down, usually balanced on sash cords attached to cast or lead weights concealed within the box frame. Other types include the casement, hopper, awning, tilt and slide, tilt and turn, and transom. Unlike other window types, these windows are very charming and full of character. This is what attracts most people to feature them in their houses. For installation purposes the sash window comes into its own, the fact that they are fitted from inside allows the consumer to replace and repair without the need for expensive scaffolding. Often with casement windows one will require access towers to reach the window as they are almost always fitted from the exterior. Thus, the cost of installing or repairing this type of window is relatively low by comparison, though it will depend on various factors. Some of the factors include client interest in terms of window design, the type of furniture needed (you can pay over £200 for a hand made brass window catch and as little as 69pence for a low quality cheap catch) and the type of glass to be installed. One could easily jump to the conclusion that they might save money by having their current sash windows restored instead of replacing them entirely but restoration can often be price comparable with fully replacing if the conditionis bad. Box sash windows have comparative advantage over other types of windows as well; this is because they provide efficient cooling of the interior during warm weather. When one opens both the top and the bottom of such a window by equal amounts, cooling by convection occurs. Warm air from the room escapes through the top while cool air is drawn into the room via the bottom opening. An ancient form of air conditioning one might say! Durability is a core value of these window products. They can, if looked after last for hundreds of years without major repair or replacement. Despite this positive aspect, some problems are associated with sash windows such as draughts, rattles and operational issues but can easily be rectified relatively cheaply with full renovation or overhauling. Refurbishment services range from minor easing, maintenance and adjustment up to full mechanical overhaul. When dealing with items that are beyond repair, partial or full replacement is the best option. Windows are a very important feature in any house since they can either enhance the look and value of a home or if done in an un-sympathetic way can have the opposite effect. Installation should be efficient for comfort enhancement and minimum disruption. Property owners should consider the quality of the windows before they decide which to purchase and think ahead about future repair and maintenance needs. This will ensure that the windows you choose today befit your busy lifestyle and also the next owners of the property in future generations to come. |
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Posted on 02 October 2012 14:17
Limited Special Offer - 50% Off All Our Wooden Windows! Sound familiar? Mentioning no names but many national window companies will often make amazing statements like this and at first sight it looks like a really great deal, but let us just take a look at the reality of these so called offers. In actual fact as far as we are concerned this type of offer can surely mean only one of two things. Either the company is going bust and needs to get rid of its stock, which if true could indeed result in you getting very cheap windows, but any guarantee you get will probably not even be worth the paper it is printed on. The more likely opinion is the shear fact that if a company is able to provide you with a whopping 50% off then surely it must have inflated the price initially to such an unethical extent that even if they did give you a fifty percent discount they would still make a healthy profit! Here at the wooden window workshop we can say with great pride and confidence that we do not offer such discounts of any kind and neverwill. Strange selling tactic you may think to yourself but the reality is that we price our windows and services to be both realistic and fair from the outset, so to give a discount means we would have ultimately overpriced the quote. We feel that any company providing such humongous discounts is simply out for the sale and surely doesn’t have YOU the client as their best interest. Lets face it, any one quickly downing the initial estimate by such a huge amount without even blinking an eye lid knows full well that they over priced you as apart of the sales pitch and the discount is simply an attempt toWOW you into signing the deal. With a modest profit margin worked into each and every job we price for we are a 100% sure that all our clients receive both high quality wooden windows at honest and decent prices. So if you do get a quote from us you will know that it has been priced with your pocket in mind and has most certainly not been produced by an in house over paid sales and marketing team thinking of the next imminent“end of season sale” that seems to be on a never ending cycle that repeats itself year round. Check out our special offer next week - Zero % discounts on all the windows in our entire range! Keep smiling and good luck with who ever you do choose to supply your new sash windows Kind regards The Wooden Window Workshop |
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