Posts Tagged ‘double glazing’
Sunday, August 29th, 2010
The sash window, or a window that slides open and closed either horizontally or vertically rather than a casement window which functions on hinges, is most common in older British and American styles of architecture. While there are still many examples of them and we know they were quite popular a few centuries ago, the origins of the sash window are a little cloudy.
It is believed that the design first came into existence either in France or Holland, but England mad the most use out of the window, which functions on a set of strings or balances and is made different from casement windows, which use hinges. By the seventeenth century the windows were fashionable in both England and its colonies in the Americas and was considered a status symbol.
The sash window is most commonly known today as a window with separate panes that slides open vertically by moving the bottom pane up and down, but it also refers to a window sliding horizontally, which was probably the original design of the window before the vertical design became more popular.
The oldest existing windows are found in the Ham House in Great Britain and they were put into place in the 1670s. However there are earlier mentions to the windows which can be found the 1658 Vermeer painting of the Milkmaid and the writings of an Brit in 1589 where he refers to them.
The windows did not become common until the seventeenth century, and about three centuries later they were the most common window to be found in England and the United States, though at that point they began to fall out of fashion. Georgian architecture especially is known for having a great number of them.
The most typical model of the window has two panes up and three panes across in each sash, creating six panes of glass over another six. There are many other styles, however. A common term used in the United States is the “double hung sash” which refers to two sashes in the window, both of which can move up and down or side to side. The single hung sash has one immobile pane and one that slides to open and close. In some cases, especially in examples of Churches with particularly tall windows, you see 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.
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Saturday, August 28th, 2010
The first sash window known to have ever been built was used in English homes during the seventeenth century. Robert Hooke is the English scientist who created the traditional design. Usually, these windows are found on aged Victorian or Georgian styled buildings. Though centuries old and often seen on older homes, these windows are still being used in designs of newer homes. Over the centuries, many companies have stuck with the traditional ways of constructing sash windows. There are more precise instructions on making a sash window for your personal use, but this guideline will give you an overview of the current modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows.
Wooden sash windows designed with two movable glass panes, better known as sashes. In the original design of this type of window, the panes had grids on them that created three glass panels across and two glass panels deep. When both sashes are closed, the window looks like one large unit with twelve even sections created by the gridded glass. Typically, one window pane moves horizontally or vertically. There are instances where both panes move equally. When a sash is moved, the opening allows a room to have air circulate throughout.
Some essential tools are needed in order to construct a wooden sash window. Obviously, wood is the main ingredient. To cut the wood, make sure you have a table saw complete with a dado blade and a finishing blade. These blades will ensure the wood is cut precisely to your measurements. Additional items are wood glue, a rabbeting bit, sandpaper and wood glue. You should use safety goggles to protect your eyes from wood shavings. A quarter in chisel will also be needed to square off edges of the wood.
First build a strong frame. Use the dado blade to cut tenons that are three eighths of an inch long and a quarter inch thick. These tenons are protrusions that extend out at the end of the wood and they are meant to fit into holes of the same dimensions on the adjoining pieces of wood. The tenons protrude from the top and bottom pieces, and the holes will be chiseled into the side pieces of the wooden frame. Once the tenons and holes are cut, join the pieces together like a puzzle. Use wood glue to stick them together. It should take at least an hour for the glue to harden before you put nails in the side panels to reinforce the joints.
After the base of the frame is ready, a slit for where the window glass is going to be placed needs to be cut. The cut will be created by the rabbeting tool. The slit you create is technically referred to as a rabbet and this rabbet will be even throughout the inside of the frame. After the rabbet has been chiseled and its edges squared off, the glass glaze substance is ready to be laid inside the rabbet. Use a thin string, lather it in the glaze substance and place it into the rabbet. Remove the string and put in the glass window. Push down evenly and gently on the wood to secure the glass. Add some more glaze to the perimeter of the inside of the frame on the glass to add more security. Once this glaze hardens overnight, the window frame will be set to have finishing touches of paint or stain applied to it.
Hot and cold weather will make the wood of the frame expand and shrink. Rainwater and humidity will allow the wood to mold or rot, which will weaken the wood strength. Even the sliding factor of the sash window will wear the wood out. You cannot avoid weather erosion. However, to restore a wooden sash, just follow the same procedures and make a new wooden sash frame.
The cost benefit of pursuing this handyman project on your own is that you avoid having to pay for labor. However, you still have to invest enough money into the right materials to build a strong window sash. Since this is a somewhat challenging and time-consuming project, you might opt to have a professional build a window to your personal liking. There are many carpenters or builders that specialize in making sash windows and can be found on the Internet or in the phone book.
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Saturday, August 28th, 2010
Modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows are not always much different than they were when these windows first became popular in the 1700s. Many new and replacement windows of this type are reproductions or custom made replicas of the originals, expertly crafted by joiners in the time honored way.
Sash windows have one or more working parts that slide up or down to open or close. They were an advance over earlier casement windows, which hinged on the sides and swung out to open. There are many details that must be correctly done to make a sash weather tight, durable, and easy to operate. The slant of the sill downwards prevents water from pooling, for instance, which makes the wood more resistant to rot. The finer the craftsmanship in fitting all the parts together in the correct manner, the more satisfactory the replacement will be.
Windows with sashes and frames must have tight joints, properly slanted sills to drain off water, and balance weights or other devices inset that keep them in the desired position. Expert craftsman are just as important today to properly assemble products. Many premier makers are located in the United Kingdom and in Canada, but all manufacturers offer custom work from precise measurements and ship their products all over the world.
If the house is a standard, modern design, if energy efficiency is paramount, or if expense must be kept low, factory windows may be chosen rather than custom designed ones. Some are manufactured to comply with regulations that will qualify the home improvement for tax credits. Others fit modern houses which are designed to use mass produced materials.
Some homeowners will have to accept reasonable approximations of the original window or style and uses factory made, standard frames. For those seeking to recapture some of the cost of construction or replacement from tax credits, energy conservation may overrule other considerations. Development houses may have been designed to accept standard size windows, which will cost less than custom made ones.
Expense is not always higher for custom work. In the case of large, architecturally important buildings, many similar windows can be replaced on site for less money per unit. The custom windows can satisfy requirements of historic committees, retain the architectural purity of the building, and be guaranteed for performance and long life.
Modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows are a mix of old technology and new, with the best of both offered for new construction or replacement.
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Saturday, August 28th, 2010
The origins of the sash window are generally thought to be in England, since there the earliest examples were seen in elegant houses. Windows, designed to let in light while shutting out the elements, were formerly fixed panels or casement windows, which were hinged at the sides, pushed outward to open and pulled in and latched to close.
A sash refers to a panel of glass (or today it could be plastic) that is set as one or more panes of material into a frame which slides up and down, or side to side, to open a room to the outside or shield its interior from the weather.
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.
Over time, sash windows made of wood will loosen in their frames, as continual opening and shutting wears the jambs and tracks, and the wood itself expands and contracts with the changing seasonal temperatures and shows the effects of weather. Older windows may rattle in the wind and let air leak in or out around the joints. They also may refuse to open as paint builds up in the seams, or refuse to stay pushed up when the sash cords get brittle and break with age.
Repairing these old windows is an option that many choose, since a handy homeowner with simple tools and a vast amount of patience can do the job. Others wish to retain as much of the original structure as possible when renovating an historic property. Replacement is an option as well, as many reproduction windows are manufactures out of traditional materials, and custom woodworking mills can make exact replicas of old designs.
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 in England may account for its popularity in other areas which were once English colonies.
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Friday, August 27th, 2010
The origins of the sash window are not easy to fathom. There are a variety of theories but no absolute proof for any of them. In the late 1600’s, an English inventor, Robert Hooke used them in Ham House and a painting by Vermeer called ‘The Milkmaid’ shows a sash frame behind the girl. It is believed that they might have come from France, via Holland to Britain around this time but the British certainly made them their own.
The name ‘Yorkshire light’ refers to windows with glazed panels that opened vertically or horizontally. Opening was manual originally but a system was developed whereby the weight of the glass panes was balanced by a lead sash weight. This was connected to the window by a sash cord running inside the frame over a pulley placed at the top.
In the late 1600’s, the famous architect Sir Christopher Wrens used these windows for Whitehall Palace. They were also used for Kensington and Hampton Court Palace. Wrens’ reputation and the royal patronage gave wooden sash windows a cachet that soon saw them used right across the British empire. Until the early 1900’s, the windows were used almost exclusively in all new constructions both private and public. Whether open or closed they do not detract from the aesthetics of a building unlike other windows.
By Georgian times, they were everywhere. An additional feature was added which allowed the windows to open at both the top and bottom. Called a double hung sash, these windows allowed rising hot air to leave through the top and sucked in colder air from the bottom. In a rainy European climate, less rain and more ventilation was possible.
The Victorians, were obsessed with decorating their homes with carvings, leaded lights, lattices and complicated mouldings. Placed in a facade as a group, each bay was framed by carved stone pillars. It also became common to enhancing the perspective of a building by making windows on the ground floor longer than those on the upper floors.
As with many beautiful objects the advent of mass production methods and industrialization after the First World War, signified the end for this product. The labour involved in hand producing a sash was too expensive and casement windows were easier to produce in factories.
Europe would not be the same without its interesting old buildings and sash windows are by far the most beautiful of the windows in these places even though they can be difficult to live with.
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Friday, August 27th, 2010
Sash windows conjure up the past as they were used widely in Georgian and Victorian homes in the last centuries. Modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows have made them popular again as the problem with the hand-crafted versions were to do with permeability to weather and noise.
A sash window design allows you to open the window to the level you wish, sliding the lower section up vertically, without the window falling down again. A rope and counterweight system built into the frame enabled this. Thick walls were required to fit the windows and modern houses are built with thinner walls. The modern trend is to use a friction tracks to accomplish the same thing.
When the window was made by hand, the final quality was determined by the skill of the craftsmen. What would have been slightly out of true, would over time become a large gap between the frame and the window. In the manufacturing process now, architects design detailed drawings on CAD and these are used to program the machinery. The windows are produced perfectly in this process.
Modern building standards have forced manufacturers to greater accuracy as durability, insulation and security requirements are part of the building codes. There are also many more constructions happening simultaneously and the old methods would never provide this standard. Machines just do the job better.
The client will choose what design to use and what colours or varnishes are used to finish the frame. Locks, hinges, glass, handles are all changed according to the client’s wishes. Windows that keep the heat in and the sound out but let in lots of sunlight are usually chosen by clients.
The protection of the wood is a detailed process that involves spraying it with three coats of a sealant that fills microscopic spaces and reduces wear and tear. A preservative that extends the life of the wood by preventing fungus or insects from setting up home, comes next. A primer coat is sprayed on and provides a smooth surface for the final two top coats of paint or stain. This gives the wood durability and as the products used are all water-based, this process is environmentally friendly.
To seal the window a gasket is placed between the frame and window to reduce noise and weather intrusions. This is resistant to deformation caused by temperature, sunshine or the mechanical operation of the window.
Each manufacturer uses different machines such as hydraulic cramps, computerized morticing systems, quickset moulders and the like. CAD technology runs the modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows through production management software that is specific to that firm to turn the jobs in perfectly every time, on time.
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Friday, August 27th, 2010
Some people may wonder what the origins of the sash window are. First of all, what are they? They are made up of panels of glass that can be moved, and are separated into panes. The glazed panels are referred to as sashes. Another name for them is also the hung sash.
There are different varieties according to the way they slide open. Opening horizontally is called the Yorkshire type. If it opens vertically then it’s just the regular type.
In order to function correctly, the weight of the panes needs to be balanced out. This can be done one of two ways. One way is to hide weights in between the panes themselves. The weights will be heavy steel, iron, or lead. Another way is to hang sash weights on top to balance it out, allowing it to slide open in a balanced way.
On top of the frame, a cord or chain will connect a pulley to the anchor of the panes. Pulling on it will slide it open in either direction depending on which way it’s pulled. Normally, these are made with three panes of glass, repeated three times, so nine panes total. Depending on size and style, this can vary from house to house.
These windows are most commonly found in Georgian homes or Victorian style homes. The first known one to be installed was in 1670. They were invented by a British man named Robert Hooke. He was known for being a scientist and an inventor.
The material used is typically a soft wood, which is flexible enough to mold the slats and frame. The wood is usually single glazed but can be double glazed as well. An average of four feet is a standard width for this type, but can vary just like the number of panes to suit the needs and style of the person’s home.
Understanding the design and origins of the sash window should go hand in hand with understanding the pluses and minuses of it as well. Some problems people will face are wood rot or warped wood. This lets air enter and escape the home, affecting the internal temperature. Rattling panes are also a product of the wood rot. Some good things are that by having the double sliding panes, room temperature can be regulated easily. Open the top to let out hot air and leave the bottom open to allow cool air to enter. This can help save on summer cooling costs. The ease of cleaning the inside and out without leaving the room is a plus as well.
Find out more about the marvelous sash window companies in London today! When you are looking for knowledgeable professionals who provide sash window draught proofing service, you can locate them easily!
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Friday, August 27th, 2010
If you are looking for all the character of yesterday together with the new technology available today, look no further than wooden windows. The modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows allow for high performance without getting in the way of style and tradition. All the benefits of modern technology married to the traditions of history are available in wood.
Wood is a very sustainable material to use in construction. It not only literally grows on trees, but it is possible to recycle it after use into something new. It uses very little energy to process and is an efficient insulator. Wood is an environmentally sound choice.
Compare it to artificial alternatives. Wood windows are made from hardwood timbers with a very high-quality paint job that will last for years. Maintained correctly, they keep their value while increasing the resale value of a home. PVC, by contrast, doesn’t take paint as well and won’t keep its value over the years.
These windows are fully weather-sealed, but the sealing is hidden from view to increase the aesthetic value. They might be fitted with a number of locking systems, from Espagnolette locking to Chubb high-security devices. Child restrictors are also available. Good manufacturers provide brass locking mechanisms and casement stays as a standard feature.
Modern codes require windows to be double-glazed, and these are no exception. They can be sealed and injected with Argon to create an even better thermal barrier. If you have a hankering for that old-fashioned look of putty, that can be accommodated with preglazed windows.
You can design any window you want. Create something fanciful or match your current decor. The choice is yours. There is no substitute for wood.
With timber, you get the keep the appearance of traditional windows. And you don’t have to compromise. You can also have all the benefits of modern design and technology.
Check with your local planning company. Sometimes, they will require that your house use wooden sash construction to maintain the aesthetic of the neighborhood. It would be a shame to get a letter from them instructing you to remove your brand new plastic windows!
The thought that wooden windows are drafty should be banished from your mind. These modern windows are a serious consideration for any renovation project. Even for new construction, wood is the material of choice.
You might think they are not your choice, but think again. With modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, you can choose wood without hesitation. The best of all possible worlds can be seen through wooden windows!
Sash Windows London will give you all of the information and details you need to increase the value of your home and reduce your energy bills quickly! When you are working with professional Sash Window companies, you will have the benefits provided by knowledgeable technicians.
Tags: Building, business, construction, DIY, double glazing, glazing, home, house, office, property, sash windows, timber, windows, wooden windows
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Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Picking wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment might be a question you’re asking yourself. The important thing is that you realize that your office space must look as professional and as aesthetically pleasing as possible. This will have a direct impact, albeit subconscious, but nonetheless there, on your employees, your potential clients and visitors, as well as yourself.
So, it’s safe to say that everyone feels better in a place that is beautifully decorated and organized. In other words, even your business can improve by making the right decorating decisions. A lot has to do with good presentation and best impressions when it comes to talking business.
That brings us to the big question of which windows would be the right ones in an office. This has a lot to do with design and decor. While they are both good products, the important thing is to see what suits your overall decorating scheme.
The first thing to look at is the architectural structure. If it is a period building, then it would most likely benefit from wooden sash windows. For example, if some of the walls are exposed brick or stone, then hands down, this is the option for your particular space.
The same could be said of even a modern building and architectural structure where the furniture chosen is high end. Wood simply looks more expensive and high class when compared to other types of materials.
However, if your office is decorated more casually or a mismatch of things, plastic would also suit it. What is important is that you choose those which are of higher quality. That means that you should be getting the best insulated pieces that you can. Of course, when we say this, we mean the frame and the glass.
You want to ensure that they will provide the proper protection for your furniture, as well as keep your energy costs low. Good-quality windows will do just that. With regard to the glass, double glazed windows are the way to go, ensuring UV protection, and then some.
Of course, it’s also quite important to stay within your budget. As mentioned above, wood is more expensive, more often than not. That in addition to that, it requires regular maintenance in order for it to have a prolonged life. Either way, it’s important that you take the time that is necessary to make the right decision. Begin by listing all the positive and negative aspects of each, including your budget. This can simplify matters and guide you accordingly.
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Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
In a home anywhere that has been influenced by English architecture when people open windows they open them by sliding a framed glass pane upwards. There are other kinds of windows but that is the one every child is familiar with even though a child in unlikely to know the origins of the sash window.
Many children never hear the word sash and window in the same sentence until someone reads to them the famous poem Twas the Night Before Christmas. Even though it is a very famous poem and has defined how people think about Santa Claus no one is really sure any more who wrote it. That’s sort of like the way it is with sash windows.
The connection between windows and sashes comes in the line where the author describes how he flew to the window and “tore open the shutters and threw up the sash”. A child unfamiliar with architectural terminology could become confused at this point and wonder why the narrator is vomiting the belt from his bathrobe.
A fortunate child might be able to ask an understanding adult about why the man threw up his sash and receive a knowledgeable explanation about sash windows. This wise adult might explain that a window sash is the wooden (or more recently metal) panel that moves up and down and provides a frame for the pane of glass.
Armed with this knowledge the curious child might set out to learn about Robert Hooke who is credited with inventing the sash window back in the 1600s. The exact date of the invention is not really available since it developed over a period of time and no one patented the idea.
Window that slide up and down had probably been in use since the 1300s but they were kind of primitive. Since glass wasn’t in use in windows at that time the window consisted of a wood panel that could be slid up and down. It let in air and light and rain and pests when it was open. It kept all those thing out when it was closed.
The sash window as we know it today is a result of the combining of sliding panels, glass panes and counter weights. The weight and pulley system, now largely replaced by a spring balance enables someone of normal strength or less to open the window without doing themselves damage. A good place to ponder the origins of the sash window is at Ham House in England. It has windows that were installed in 1670, some of the oldest in existence.
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