Sash Windows Gravesend Kent (DA11): Providing a stylish, period look to any home in Gravesend, sash windows can increase the value of your home by bringing charm, style and aesthetic appeal. There could even be a situation where sash windows could be your only choice of replacement because of local stipulations if you live in a listed building, a period property or your home is situated within a protected conservation area. Luckily modern replacement sash windows will be just as attractive as those that were fitted originally.
If your specific size or style of sash window isn't readily available off the shelf, a professional Gravesend window company will hand-make your windows to comply with any legislation regarding conservation area and listed building status, and your own personal preferences. Using sustainably sourced timber in hard or soft wood varieties, that are known for their durability and anti-rot capabilities, a trained craftsman will expertly fashion your windows. Unless your house in Gravesend has a more contemporary look, in which case you may prefer elegant uPVC, composite, aluminium framed sash windows, instead of classic timber ones.
SASH WINDOWS VS CASEMENT WINDOWS
Unlike casement windows, sash windows do not use a hinge for opening. Two windows are involved with one, or both, able to slide vertically behind the other. To keep the window in place there are counterweights and sash cords that enable the window to be opened by any amount for different ventilation requirements. While contemporary versions of sash windows support vertical or horizontal movement, together with tilting designs for easier cleaning, the original, traditional sash windows simply moved in an up or down direction.
A significant benefit of a sash window over a casement style is its better method of ventilation for a room. You can create a convection flow of air within your room, with warmer air escaping through the upper gap, and cool air entering through the gap at the bottom, in sash windows where both the bottom and top sashes can be moved. In the summer months in Gravesend, this is especially useful, helping to improve your levels of personal comfort.
To provide extra peace of mind for any homeowner in Gravesend and prevent any potential intruder from opening your traditional sash windows, security measures can be increased by the fitting of threaded bolt screws, stops, locks and reinforced or double glazing. The addition of a frame to frame sash lock is a reliable kind of security for a sash window in Gravesend. This makes use of a bar or bolt which anchors the lower frame to the upper sash and prevents either sash from being opened. As would-be intruders cannot access it from outside, security is further improved.
REPLACING OR REFURBISHING SASH WINDOWS IN GRAVESEND
You should look at refurbishing or replacing your sash windows in Gravesend if they no longer work as they should (difficult to open or sticking). A reliable Gravesend sash window specialist will be happy to offer you advice about whether it is viable to refurbish your existing windows, or would be better to exchange them for nice new sash windows.
Refurbishment of your current sash windows in Gravesend will usually require them to be removed from their frames for work to be completed. Some sash window repairs may not be that complicated and might only involve scraping off several layers of paint that have built up over the years, or maybe the frame might need tightening up in a special jig if your window panes are rattling and draughty. A reputable Gravesend sash window contractor should offer an inspection service of your windows and frames before imparting guidance on potential steps to remedy any problems. In most cases sash windows can be repaired or refurbished, whether they are suffering from worn out sash cords, rotten frames, loose corner joints or shattered glass. You should keep in mind though, that to all intents and purposes there is often something of a balancing act between what's actually doable and what is the most cost-effective in the long run.
TYPES OF SASH WINDOWS IN GRAVESEND
It can be fairly baffling looking at a sales catalogue or online at the multifarious types of sash windows that you can buy. If you just consider the three primary designs, essentially: Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian, it should be easier. Each has got their own variations that can be modified for your design of home.
Georgian - The customary design of the Georgian is "six over six", meaning that it features six individual panes in the top sash, over six individual panes in the bottom sash. A Georgian style can be modified to the Half-Georgian (a single pane in one half, 6 panes in the other), or a Georgian-variant which can have different size panes in top and bottom, provided that one of the sashes numbers 6 panes.
Victorian - The Victorian sash window is normally a 2 over 2 panel design that can also incorporate a centre bar, or variants like asymmetric (2 over 3, or 3 over 2 etc).
Edwardian - Very similar in design to a Half-Georgian, the Edwardian sash window features a six over two configuration.
Rather than rack your brain pondering all these designs, you might find it easier to simply contact your local Gravesend sash window installation company, and ask for their advice and guidance on which would be the right style for your property.
Each of these patterns can be built in all sizes of windows, including bay and coupled windows. There's a 4th important form of sash window which is referred to as the Yorkshire Sash. Incorporating any of the 3 principal elements and their variants, this model is a window that slides in a horizontal direction.
TRADITIONAL SASH WINDOWS AND PROTECTED BUILDINGS
One downside of older style sash windows is that they were only fitted with a single pane of glass, which to prevent heat loss isn't that great. If your home is a listed building or your property is situated in a protected conservation area it might be necessary to replace your existing sash windows with a similar arrangement. However, it's now possible to replace the original style glass with modern toughened glass, which has enhanced thermal properties. This means that you can still maintain the all round look of your building, in spite of the fact that you're updating all the windows.
A skilled Gravesend sash window installation company will be able to provide you with the optimum and most cost-effective materials that are required to complete the job, while offering advice and guidance on how to abide by the restrictions for your local area. When a conservation official or local authority insists that existing materials are refurbished, it may be necessary to complete a window by window inspection report to minimise any impact on the structure. A professional sash window installer will ready to do this inspection and prepare the report along with any necessary technical drawings, required by the planning officer, including full details of your renovation scheme, and if any replacement work is necessary.
By installing secondary glazing it could be feasible to do an enhancement of your sash windows in Gravesend. By adding a vertical sliding secondary glazed panel inside your sash window you can stop condensation, improve thermal efficiency and reduce noise transmission. The installation of secondary glazing enables you to retain the appearance and authentic character of the structure and can usually be implemented even if you're limited by planning constraints in the case of a listed building.
CHOOSING A SASH WINDOW INSTALLER IN GRAVESEND
For the expert installation of sash windows that will last for many years to come, you should track down a trustworthy sash window installer in the Gravesend, Kent area. When possible, you can neighbours and friends for recommendations of window fitters in Gravesend. From the shortlist of contractors, try to get at least three different quotes. A company that's a registered member of the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation), the Glazing Arbitration Scheme or the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme, will assure you of the level of their proficiency and skill in glazing and sash window installation and restorations. Membership to these leading associations in the glazing industry also provides insurance in the event of shoddy workmanship, and a means of finding mediation if legal proceeding occur owing to defective products or poor craftsmanship.
Sash windows can be installed in Gravesend and also in nearby places like: Riverview Park, New Barn, Bean, Stone, Swanscombe, Milton, Longfield, Denton, Cliffe Woods, Hook Green, Greenhithe, Green Street Green, Cooling Street, Southfleet, Cobham, Istead Rise, Shorne, Pinden, Ebbsfleet, Higham, Singlewell, Northfleet, Strood, Northfleet Green, Chalk, as well as in these postcodes DA11 0DH, DA11 0DS, DA11 0SE, DA11 0BN, DA11 0PL, DA11 0DR, DA11 0SS, DA11 0JZ, DA11 0HH, and DA11 0SF. Local Gravesend sash window specialists will most likely have the dialling code 01474 and the postcode DA11. Checking this should guarantee that you access locally based providers of sash windows. Gravesend householders will be able to benefit from these and lots of other related services. Click the "Quote" banner to get window installation estimates.
Sash Window Repairs Gravesend
There's no doubt about it - traditional wooden sash windows can get fairly shabby if they're not properly maintained and looked after. Don't fret, because the fact that your sash windows are now rotten, draughty and noisy and letting in water, may not be your fault, since they could have been in that state for years before you even bought your home or business premises in Gravesend.
At first glance most people wouldn't notice the issues that exist and are getting worse under all those coats of paint, but rest assured, hundreds of sash windows in Gravesend are in desperate need of repair. For this sort of work it needs the attention of a sash window specialist who knows precisely what they are doing, and it should not be performed by any ordinary wood bodger or odd job man.
Except if your timber sash windows have clearly been neglected for a number of years, they can normally be mended with a considerable amount of effort and hard work, therefore if you call somebody in to inspect them and all that you get is a sharp intake or breath and an overt attempt to simply sell you replacement windows, you must give them short shrift and carry on searching.
Professional sash window specialists will need to conduct a full inspection of your windows or window, after which they'll put forward all the possible solutions, including what parts can be fixed, and what will have to be replaced during the refurbishment. Ensure that they also provide you with an itemised quotation so that you can make an educated decision about how you'd like to proceed. The most common sash window repairs include:
- The replacement of furniture & locks
- Double-glazing (in place of single glazing)
- Replacement sashes
- Small repairs & repainting
- Stile replacement
- Replacing decayed timber
- Full sill replacement
- Re-sealing & draughtproofing
- Spliced sill repairs
- Replacing pulleys & sash cords
(Tags: Sash Window Repair Gravesend, Window Sash Repair Gravesend, Sash Window Maintenance Gravesend, Sash Window Repairs Gravesend).
Sash Window Locks Gravesend
Even though the modern uPVC and aluminium sash windows offer a really good level of security, some of the older wooden sash windows are notorious for their vulnerabilities. If you currently have older style wooden sash windows in your home or business premises in Gravesend you could be hunting for sash window locks or some other security improvements that can be fitted to your windows.
The main step in guaranteeing the security of your sash windows is to make certain they are well-maintained and working perfectly. Beyond that, there are several strategies that can be taken.
You could introduce toughened glass which is stronger and more difficult to break, thus discouraging burglars. You can fit window fasteners, which allow enough ventilation whilst preventing access by criminals. You could fit dual sash screws which bolt through both upper and lower sashes to prevent the window being opened. You can fit opening restrictors which control how far your windows can open.
Sash Window Maintenance Gravesend
The best time to carry out sash window maintenance is in the spring. Once the window frames have recovered from the winter, they should be oiled and beeswaxed. You should also clean and lubricate the locks and pulleys. In addition, you should inspect and repair any visible signs of damage.
During the maintenance process, the upper sash should be lowered six inches from the top of the frame. This prevents damage to the window hardware. Then, release the locking tabs. Once the upper sash is in its lowest position, it may be rested on top of the lower sash. When this procedure is completed, the sash pins should be reinserted into the window clutches and the locking tabs should click into the grooves.
Another important part of sash window maintenance is to check the weather-stripping. If it's cracked or scuffed, it's time to replace it. You may also notice signs of mould, mildew or water leakage. You should also check the window screens for damage. During the winter, they may get damaged by snow and ice. Therefore, it's best to remove the screens during winter to extend their life.
In addition to cleaning the sashes and performing regular checks on the cords, sash cords, and weights, you should also check the weather-stripping on the windows. If it's worn out, it may be a sign of excessive humidity inside your home. Also, keep an eye on the window screens and replace them if necessary. While it is possible to do sash window maintenance yourself, you should call on the help of a professional if you are uncertain of the process. Contact your local sash window installers in Gravesend for help and advice.
uPVC Sash Windows Gravesend
Sash windows have been widely used Gravesend for four hundred years or more. Actually, there are still surviving examples dating from the 1670's, in various places throughout Great Britain. Traditionally made out of timber, in recent decades, sash windows have become available in all sorts of different materials. Oak was the traditional timber used in all areas of construction, and sash windows are no exception, although ash was also widely used. Lasting for many years when correctly maintained, these timbers are known for being strong and durable.
As their use has caused deforestation all around the world, hardwoods are now very expensive. Timber today is meant to originate from wholly sustainable sources, however based on recent estimates it is believed that around 60% of UK tropical hardwood imports come from places where illegal logging is rife.
Because of such issues, today's sash windows are predominantly manufactured from faster growing softwoods, such as European redwood, deal and Scots pine. Softwoods are much cheaper than hardwood, and are far more inclined to be ethically sourced. The drawback with softwood is that it does not last as long as hardwood, and needs more regular maintenance and treatments.
In the past four decades different types of materials have been used in the manufacture of the windows. The first uPVC sash windows were created in the mid-nineteen eighties. These were developed to accurately replicate the traditional wooden sash windows, whilst enjoying the many benefits of uPVC. The majority of the early uPVC sash windows were white in colour, but through the years a whole host of alternative colours were introduced.
uPVC sash window benefits include:
- Improved home security.
- Can be made to order.
- No need for sanding or painting.
- High weather resistance.
- Virtually maintenance-free.
- Available in wood grain effect.
- High thermal efficiency.
- Easy clean attributes.
Sash Window Trickle Vents Gravesend
For dwellings in Gravesend that are fitted with sash windows, it is vital that there is some kind of ventilation in every room. Many householders often overlook ventilation in favour of improving insulation and preventing heat loss, however it's essential if problems like penetrating damp, condensation and mould are to be eliminated.
One strategy that you can use to improve ventilation is to fit trickle vents, then you will no longer have to open your windows to get that much needed flow of air. Some uPVC sash windows are supplied with trickle vents as standard, but with some other sash windows you may have to have them installed by a professional.
Trickle vents are fitted at the head of a window, and air enters from the outside "trickling" vertically down the window panes, thus reducing condensation on the inside glass surfaces, and the related problems that this triggers.
Search to find flush fitting low-profile trickle vents, because this will allow you to preserve the clean lines of your windows and not spoil their appearance. Some trickle vents on the market are rather obtrusive and won't look as neat as the low-profile ones. (Tags: Sash Window Ventilation Gravesend, Sash Window Trickle Vents Gravesend, Trickle Vents Gravesend).
Yorkshire Sliders Gravesend
In addition to the classic Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian sash windows, there's a further variation which is termed the "Yorkshire Slider" or "Yorkshire Sliding Sash Window". Some people simply refer to this pattern as the "Horizontal Sliding Sash Window", since it accurately describes the mechanics of this window, with the sashes sliding horizontally (from side-to-side), in contrast to the other types which all slide vertically (up and down). These sash windows were originally designed for use in workers cottages, because they were cheaper to make, and are now often seen in listed buildings and period cottages. As the name implies, they're believed to have originated from the North Yorkshire area. (Tags: Yorkshire Sliders Gravesend, Yorkshire Sliding Sash Windows Gravesend, Horizontal Sliding Sash Windows Gravesend).
Sash Window Cord Replacement Gravesend
Crucial for maintaining traditional sash windows' functionality is sash window cord replacement. The sashes' cords may wear out or break over time, resulting in windows becoming challenging to operate. A qualified professional can, to remedy this, ensure smooth and easy sliding of the sashes by replacing the worn-out cords with new, hard-wearing ones. Householders in Gravesend can, through the replacement of sash windows, preserve the authenticity and charm of their historical properties and enjoy fully operational and functional windows. Specialist sash window fitters in Gravesend can replace any faulty sash cords in your property, so that your windows will soon be operating smoothly again. (65592 - Sash Window Cord Replacement in Gravesend)
Sash Window Related Tasks
There are a wide array of tasks that can be completed by your local Gravesend sash window specialist including bespoke sash window installations, double-glazed sash windows, sash window beading, coloured sash windows, sliding sash window installations, sash windows, window sash replacement, replacement sash windows in Gravesend, flush sash windows, sash window soundproofing, timber sash windows, sash window weights, sash windows not opening, Victorian sash windows, sash window condensation issues in Gravesend, Georgian sash windows, box sash window installation, new double glazed sashes, Georgian sash window installation, sash and case windows, the replacement of sash cords, traditional sash windows, sash window repair in Gravesend, commercial sash windows, double glazing sash windows, sash window glazing, sash window restoration, the installation of new sash windows in Gravesend, sash window replacement, sash window restrictors, and more. If there happen to be other Gravesend sash window requirements that you need but can't see here, you can list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. These are just a small portion of the duties that are handled by those specialising in sash windows. Gravesend companies will be delighted to keep you abreast of their whole range of services.
Sash Windows Near Gravesend
Also find: Cobham sash windows, Shorne sash windows, Higham sash windows, Riverview Park sash windows, Ebbsfleet sash windows, Istead Rise sash windows, Strood sash windows, Northfleet Green sash windows, Bean sash windows, Chalk sash windows, Singlewell sash windows, Pinden sash windows, Green Street Green sash windows, Denton sash windows, Hook Green sash windows, Northfleet sash windows, Southfleet sash windows, Cliffe Woods sash windows, Stone sash windows, Longfield sash windows, New Barn sash windows, Milton sash windows, Cooling Street sash windows, Swanscombe sash windows, Greenhithe sash windows and more. Sash window services are available in just about all of these places. Home and business owners in these places can acquire window installation estimates by clicking here.
Sash Window Services Gravesend
- Gravesend Sliding Sash Windows
- Gravesend Sash Window Repair
- Gravesend Double-Glazed Sash Windows
- Gravesend Sash Window Refurbishment
- Gravesend Sash Windows
- Gravesend Sash Window Replacement
- Gravesend Sash Window Soundproofing
- Gravesend Residential Sash Windows
- Gravesend Cheap Sash Windows
- Gravesend Bespoke Sash Windows
- Gravesend Sash Window Restoration
- Gravesend Sash Window Price Quotes
- Gravesend Sash Window Installation
- Gravesend uPVC Sash Windows
Other Useful Trades in Gravesend
Naturally, whenever you're doing home improvements in Gravesend, you'll likely need all sorts of different tradesmen and as well as a sash window fitter in Gravesend, you might also need rendering in Gravesend, a tiler in Gravesend, a handyman in Gravesend, a plumber in Gravesend, a carpenter and joiner in Gravesend, damp proofing in Gravesend, conservatory installation in Gravesend, metalworkers in Gravesend, plasterers in Gravesend, painters and decorators in Gravesend, repointing in Gravesend, a glazier in Gravesend, bricklayers in Gravesend, and other different Gravesend tradesmen.
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