Posts Tagged ‘interior design’

Discovering The Origins Of The Sash Window

Friday, January 27th, 2012

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.

A “Yorkshire Light” is a window made of panels which can slide sideways or up and down. Originally the windows would be propped open but later a pulley and weight system was designed. Connected by a rope which ran over a pulley to the window, the weight would hold the window at the level it was moved to.

Sir Christopher Wrens, a excellent architect very popular with the royals, made use of these windows in the Whitehall Palace. Hampton Court and Kensington Palace are other examples of royal architecture employing the sash window that were built around this time. This made the windows the must-have in the 1700′s and for two centuries they were almost the only style of window used for new buildings not only in Britain but also in all the colonies. Wrens found that, unlike casement windows, the facade of a building is not ruined if the windows are open.

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.

Many older European buildings and cities would be characterless without these beautiful windows, which remain popular even though they cause problems.

Get the right sash window Companies in London by looking online. Picking the right sash window draught proofing service will mean a great job done. Go online now and learn more.

Visit Wilkie Brothers Conveyors for all of your Rebuilt Conveyor Chain needs or Blue Water Mfg for other Conveyor Chain needs.

A Couple Key Points Of Do It Your Self Sash Window Draught Proofing

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Do it your self sash window draught proofing is a very cost effective means to make improvements on your home. A large amount of energy can be lost through draughts which are not maintained. This causes elevated energy costs.

There may be different reasons for create a more energy efficient home. Some homeowners are just looking to preserve costs in a simple manner while keeping their excising units. Others may be looking to create more efficiency for resale value of a dwelling. The latter may choose to make the larger investment of double glazing or replacement windows. Those options are very expensive and unnecessary when the aim is to just save energy.

The amount of energy lost from draughts and ventilation can be a starling twenty percent. Simply calculating previous heating costs can provide a rough estimate of what can be saved by making some simple adjustments. Energy costs seem to be ever increasing, so learning some quick tips can be very advantageous. A few types of draught proofing are very reasonable for supplies and easily performed.

The choice of drapery has a huge effect upon air flow, choosing a fabric that is thick and heavy can naturally keep loss of heat, especially in cold evenings. Not only does this help with energy efficiency is also a way to add to the overall ambiance of a room. This is the easiest way for long standing improvements. The only drawback is during the day when light will typically be wanted in the home.

A great way to create more efficiency is to apply a rubber adhesive stripping along the window, in each area where the window meets the sash and frame. This method is very effective and can last for a couple of months on average. The strips will need to be replaced when a breeze is noticed to be leaking though. Even with needing to replace the strips, this is a very cost effective way to save on heating. The stripping itself is very reasonable and easy to apply. All that needs to be done is to measure each area and cut the material to fit. Once in place, just run fingers along the area to ensure proper adhesion.

Clear plastic sheeting is another reasonable DIY method of reducing heat loss. These sheets come in a pack to fit a couple of windows depending upon their size. The simple way to install them is to measure each window and cut the sheeting to fit. Once this is done, apply the double sided adhesive tape to the outside frame of the window and gently place sheeting over it. Running fingers along the adhesive path all the way around to ensure it is secure. This method can last throughout a whole winter and changed annually. The sheeting is clear, so if it is cut will care, it may not be so noticeable. The only dray back is that moisture may build inside and take away from visibility. When removed, it can be recycled to be more environmentally friendly. Slowly removing the coating will ensure that paint from the frame is preserved.

Do it your self sash window draught proofing is a great option when conserving costs is the ultimate goal. It will save a great amount of otherwise wasted energy and add those savings to the homeowner.

Discover the best sash window company by looking online. There you will find the best sash window draught proofing choice for you to use. Head online and learn more today.

Visit Wilkie Brothers Conveyors for all of your Rebuilt Conveyor Chain needs or Blue Water Mfg for other Conveyor Chain needs.

Modern Manufacturing Processes For Wooden Sash Windows Explored

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows have not changed all that much over the years, since custom work dominates this field, whether the units come from a national company like Sears or a local woodworking mill. There are standard window sizes which are available as well from building supply houses and online sites.

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.

Of Course, there are standard windows for sale, made to modern specifications in a factory, that can be installed by homeowners or professional window installers. These windows fit many modern development houses and often are rated for energy efficiency, which can qualify the homeowner for tax credits.

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.

Even for those who must follow historic guidelines, who choose to retain the integrity of a certain style, or who can afford the cost of custom work can benefit from new advances in this field. New types of paint can be completely waterproof while allowing the underlying wood to breathe, or release moisture which, if trapped, would cause eventual rot. New types of glass can deaden sound, and double glazing (using two panes of glass with an air layer in between), will provide more insulation from both temperature extremes and noise.

Modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, either for new construction or replacement purposes, can give the perfect result of traditional craftsmanship and modern developments.

You can increase the value of your home fast when you see the sash windows London offers! The professionals at sash window companies can make your home more beautiful and energy efficient now!

Visit Wilkie Brothers Conveyors for all of your Rebuilt Conveyor Chain needs or Blue Water Mfg for other Conveyor Chain needs.

Employing Do It Your Self Sash Window Draught Proofing Is Easy And Quick

Friday, January 6th, 2012

One of the smartest things the owner of an older home can do to improve his or her living environment is to draught proof the windows. It’s relatively inexpensive to do and the advantages are numerous. The energy efficiency of the house will be immediately improved, but this is only one of the benefits you stand to gain. Do it your self sash window draught proofing is not only reasonably priced but also fairly simple to install.

While older sash windows certainly have character, they also have several inherent flaws. Fortunately, these problems can be remedied, and it’s especially easy with today’s more efficient materials and methods. DIY kits are widely available for those who are reasonably handy with this type of thing. Even hiring a handyman to do the job for you is fairly inexpensive and you can rest assured that every bit of money spent will return to you in the way of energy savings.

Some have reported utility bills being halved after effectively sealing their home’s draughty window system. Additional benefits include a more comfortable interior environment, meaning warmer winters and cooler summers. Draught proofing will also provide a noise barrier, keeping the house quieter, isolating it from outside commotion. Even dust accumulation in your home should be reduced.

Increasing your home’s energy efficiency is, of course, an environmentally friendly gesture. But while you’re helping the planet you’ll be helping your budget too. The cost of repairing your windows to be more efficient is a net zero after figuring the amount of savings on energy costs alone.

Sometimes all that’s required to draught-proof a window is to install some weather stripping and put in some new putty to re-seal the glass to the frame. If the frames, or sashes, have started rotting they may need to be upgraded, which is much more involved. Another option for draught proofing is to add a set of secondary windows. In an older house, the decision between replacement or repair should always favor repairing, if at all possible.

If your home is listed or you happen to live in a conservation area you may not be allowed to replace older windows with modern versions. Some regulations disallow this practice and leave few alternatives. Proper maintenance and good draught proofing are particularly important in these situations.

Do it your self sash window draught proofing can be a worthwhile project to pursue. If the windows are still in good shape and only need some ‘tightening up’ it can be fairly easy and painless. You’ll never regret spending the time and money, as the benefits are long-lasting and tangible.

Making use of a sash window draught proofing process can be completed as a DIY task, or by using a sash window company. Stopping those air leaks will reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home.

Visit Wilkie Brothers Conveyors for all of your Rebuilt Conveyor Chain needs or Blue Water Mfg for other Conveyor Chain needs.

What Is The Best Manufacturing Methods For Wooden Sash Windows?

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

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.

Choosing your window type is no simple matter because they play a key function in the way your home looks and feels. Firstly, the type and style of the pieces you choose can match the decor to greatly enhance your rooms’ look or it can contrast to give it an interesting vibe.

A second aspect that windows are involved in is controlling the atmosphere of the room because they are the entrance for light and air. When the weather is bitter cold or extremely hot, they are the barrier keeping you comfortable inside and can affect how much you need to rely on your air conditioner or heating system.

Now, with the processes of making sash windows that have been updated and greatly improved, they are a top pick for both of the reasons listed above. They are very attractive and are especially well suited for a home that is themed in antique or grand styles, such as a Victorian look.

Their veneer and finish give them an air of sophistication and for those with a Victorian style house or an antique type of look, they can be the perfect enhancement to your room’s theme. Secondly, their glass is now glazed with an extra thick layer of protection, so all of the unpleasantness of the outside weather will not creep through the spaces into your home and make it uncomfortable.

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.

With the modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, you can be sure that you will be satisfied if you choose them for your house. They are a delight to both the eye and the senses and they truly make a quality choice for those that care about this important part of their walls.

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

Visit Wilkie Brothers Conveyors for all of your Rebuilt Conveyor Chain needs or Blue Water Mfg for other Conveyor Chain needs.