Why Pre-Finished Timber Windows & Doors?

In today’s fast moving world many people are understandably apprehensive about the laborious task of painting wooden windows. This should no longer be a fear.

Advances in paint technology and use of superior timber mean that maintenance of wood windows is minimal. Installing pre-finished windows and doors also gives greater peace of mind due to the fact that each timber component is painted before the window is fully assembled. Spray painting in a factory controlled environment provides a much superior even finish, to all nooks and crannies, giving greater protection to the wood from water and damp ingress which cannot be as effectively achieved by painting on site.

Modern water base micro-porous paints allow wood to breathe whereas old fashioned oil based paints seal in moisture and rot windows and doors. This increases the lifespan of both the timber and the paint finish. 3 coats of this factory applied paint will carry guarantees of 10 years when applied to hardwood, and 12 years on timber such as Accoya.

The use of stable timbers in the window and door construction is also a factor in paint durability. Selection of suitable timber species, which have been carefully kiln dried is vital. The more stable the wood, the longer the paint will remain intact. If the wood is unstable and prone to movement or graining, the paint finish will become stressed and break down.

Many people consider the price of pre-finished windows expensive, and believe they can paint them on site cheaper without proper cost analysis of quality paint, and the services of a professional painter. One problem with painting windows and doors on site is applying paint on draft brushes and seals, which affect their usefulness.

Another is over application of paint to surfaces, which affects a units operation and reduces the insulation value of a window or door. Vertical sliding sash window tolerances are precisely calculated to allow sashes to slide and operate smoothly and efficiently and take into account paint depth. Most manufacturers of sash windows now refuse to supply units unfinished due to the problems that ensue from on site painting.

Maintenance of a pre-finished timber is also less labour intensive as water based paints are much easier to apply than old gloss paint. Depending how exposed your home, it is normal for initial factory finishes to last for 12 years or more. After that painting may be required maybe every 2 to 4 years.

The key point to stress is that the initial factory finish is a great base protection and will prolong the integrity of your windows and doors and ensure they last a lifetime.

This blog is written by Kingsbridge Joinery, their specialities are timber sliding sash windows and bespoke wood doors. Their products are manufactured from selected hardwood depending on client requirements. External windows and doors are pre-finished with modern micro porous paint to give a low maintenance finish, and carry warranties of up to 60 years.

Kingsbridge Joinery are based in Saint Lawrence, Essex.

Filed Under: Maintenance, Replacement Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Safety Features of Double Glazed Sash Windows

Improving your home means taking every aspect into consideration. The aesthetic appeal of a sash window makes them a popular choice for many homes across the UK, but with so many other features that need to be considered, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Security and the economical advantages of replacing old windows for double glazed sash windows are just two factors that a homeowner considers, but there is a third; the safety features.

Sash windows can include a variety of safety features that ensure occupants and belongings are secure. Depending on the company that provides the sash windows, there are certain features you can  make sure are included during the installation.

Limit Stops; It isn’t just specific windows that are replaced when a remodelling project is undertaken; the whole home undergoes a transformation. Whether a certain room requires constant ventilation, or a child’s room needs extra safety features, Limit stops are the ideal choice of additional features. They are installed within the window and prevent the window from being opened more than 100mm; perfect for all manner of reasons.

This safety feature can prevent many accidents occurring and also ties in with the security advantages that double glazed sash windows are known for. Of course, planning an escape route is crucial and all homes (whether replacing their windows or not) should ensure this is so.

Cam Catches; Many sash windows are built with this feature for extra security. However, specialists have developed these catches to further prevent intrusion due to their advanced mechanism which could previously be opened by simply using a slim knife. The claw cam, which is suitable for both right and left handed users, also possesses a key locking feature and has now been reinforced with nylon to prevent the wear and tear which can occur with metal to metal contact.

Of course for those people that require two cam catches, opposite working catches will be installed to prevent the window being manipulated to allow side access.  With all of these advancements combined, the cam catch is the ideal safety feature to prevent damage to your window and unwanted access on your property.

Safety Stays; Regardless of the size of your sashes, safety features need to be present because of the nature of how a sash window operates. Many accidents have occurred due to sash windows suddenly shutting which has called for a safety feature to be implemented at a homeowner’s request.
Safety stays are known for preventing accidents due to their unique mechanism. They work by restricting the sash windows from titling inwards more the 45 ° if accidentally opened preventing any sudden closing and major accidents or damage to a person or property.

This blog post was written by Bygone Collection, specialists within the manufacturing and installation of all double glazed sash windows. The aforementioned products are supplied by Bygone Collection and for the full range of security and safety features visit their website.

Filed Under: Information Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Timber Sash Windows

Whether you have a property that already has sash windows that you need to replace, or you are planning a new build project and are looking at different window styles that might appeal to you, there is no doubt that timber sash widows are an option that you should consider.  There are advantages and disadvantages to a wooden sash window, as with any other window product, and eventually it may come down to a matter of preference.  However, by outlining the beneficial properties and characteristics of wooden sash windows below, we may be able to help you make an informed decision.

· Timber has a natural beauty that is very difficult, if not impossible to replicate.  With the benefit of modern technology, uPVC manufacturers are able to produce wooden sash windows with wood-grain effects, but inspection makes it quickly obvious that they are not the real thing.  The natural grain of the timber can be picked up and enhanced by the use of clear stains or varnish, and over years of multiple coats, the patina of the timber darkens and becomes enhanced.  This effect can be further enhanced with window dressings such as bamboo blinds or timber Venetian blinds.
· On balance timber windows are the choice for environmentally conscious buyers.  There are various well-known arguments regarding the un sustainability of uPVC and there are lesser known arguements regarding the toxicity of frequent painting of timber windows, but to date timber windows appear to be more environmentally friendly.

The Beauty Of Timber Sash Windows

The Beauty Of Timber Sash Windows

· If your home is in an area where the residential properties have a heritage value, it is quite likely that the planners will insist or look much more favourably on an application that includes windows made of timber.  Added to this is the fact that if your house is of a period vintage, then it is unlikely you will want to look beyond timber as being the material for your windows anyway.
· A well-constructed timber sash window has more strength in the frame than a similar uPVC window.  This is especially important with respect to sash windows, which can comprise large areas of glazing.  A Georgian, two-sash, six over six window would be one such example.
· If your sash windows are of a certain age, be they comprised of timber or some other material, they are going to need certain levels of maintenance and repair.  It is easier for a carpenter to repair portions of a wooden sash window frame, or to carry out repairs to a wooden sash window, than it is to get someone to carry out repair work to a uPVC or aluminium window.
· If you are considering purchasing new sash timber windows, then you have a full range of glazing options open to you.  If you already have single-glazed wooden sash windows in your home, there are still many ways you can improve the thermal efficiency of these windows by introducing such things as secondary glazing, heavy interior drapes, etc.
· Timber windows can be painted, over-painted, varnished and stained and you can always clean them down and start again if you wish.  This is in sharp contrast to uPVC windows, which come in a certain colour that you cannot alter for the lifetime of the windows.
· Contrary to what you may be told by uPVC salespeople, timber, if properly maintained and cared for in a window, can last for many years and even centuries.  Given that uPVC is a relative newcomer to the market, it is difficult to gauge the absolute extent of its lifespan, but seeing as uPVC manufacturers are reporting that much of their present business involves replacing first generation uPVC windows, it would appear that this lifespan is definitely limited.

As we mentioned at the beginning, you can be assured that there are also disadvantages to sash timber windows, and similar to any product, you need to purchase quality timber windows from a reliable manufacturer in order to expect your windows to withstand the test of time.  However timber sash windows have proven, due to the mere fact that they have survived for so long as part of our architectural heritage, that they are a window option worth consideration.

Filed Under: Information Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts