Sash Windows Alton Hampshire (GU34): Sash windows provide a stylish, period look to any property in Alton and can improve your home's value with their authentic charm and style. It may even be the case that sash windows might be the only choice of replacement thanks to local directives if you've got a listed building, a period property or your home is within a designated conservation area. Thankfully modern replacement sash windows will look just as authentic as the windows that were fitted originally.
If your specific size or style of sash window is not readily available off the shelf, a local Alton glazing company will custom build your windows to abide by any legislation relating to listed building and conservation area status, and your own exacting requirements. Skillfully fashioning your new windows, a qualified craftsman will use sustainably sourced types of hard or soft wood which are renowned for their robustness and anti-rot capabilities, which should guarantee that they last for many years to come. Unless your home in Alton has a more modern look, in which case you may favour stylish composite, aluminium, uPVC framed sash windows, rather than traditional wooden ones.
SASH WINDOWS VERSUS CASEMENT WINDOWS
Sash windows, in contrast to casement windows, don't open using a hinge mechanism. A sash window incorporates two panels, of which one or both of them are able to slide vertically behind the other. To permit the window to be left open by any amount for different ventilation requirements, counterbalances and sash cords keep the window in position. While contemporary designs of sash windows allow for vertical or horizontal movement, together with tilting variants that are much easier to clean, the original, traditional sash windows only moved up or down.
One of the chief benefits that sash windows have over casement windows is that they are far more efficient for the ventilation of your rooms. If both bottom and top window sashes are able to slide you can establish a convection flow of air within your property, with warmer air escaping through the top gap, and cool air entering through the gap at the bottom. This benefit is especially helpful in hot summer months and helps to improve personal comfort levels around your home in Alton.
To provide extra reassurance for the householder in Alton and stop any potential intruder from opening your traditional sash windows, security can be increased by the installation of threaded bolt screws, stops, locks and reinforced or double glazing. Adding a frame to frame sash lock is one of the better types of security for a sash window in Alton. Preventing either sash from being opened, this type of lock involves the fitting of a bolt or bar which fastens the bottom frame to the top sash. It improves security further by not being able to be accessed from outside by any would be burglars.
REPLACING OR RESTORING SASH WINDOWS IN ALTON
If your home in Alton has sash windows fitted and they no longer work properly (difficult to open or sticking), then it's time to consider either replacing or refurbishing them. An experienced Alton sash window installer will be able to offer advice about whether it is economically viable to repair and restore your current windows, or perhaps would be better to swap them for new sash windows.
In order to repair and refurbish your current sash windows in Alton, they will normally need to be removed from their frames so that the restoration work can be successfully accomplished. It could be as simple as removing several layers of paint which have built up through the years, or possibly if the window glass is rattling and draughty, the frame might need tightening up in a specialist jig. You'll most likely find that your local sash window contractor in Alton will offer a free survey of your windows and frames to verify any problems, recommend solutions, and provide an estimate for the work involved. Whether your sash windows need attention because of loose corner joints, shattered glass, snapped sash cords or rotting frames, there is a pretty good chance they can be successfully repaired. Even so, you should weigh up the pros and cons when it comes to what is achievable and what is actually worth doing from a cost point of view.
TYPES OF SASH WINDOWS IN ALTON
It can be quite confusing if you look online or in a sales catalogue at the various different kinds of sash windows that are offered. To make the whole process easier, you should note that there are essentially three principal designs: Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian, to consider. Each one of these three patterns has their own variants which can be adapted for the layout your property in Alton.
Georgian - The typical design of the Georgian is "6 over 6", meaning that it consists of 6 separate panes in the top sash, over 6 separate panes in the bottom sash. There's a Georgian-variant which sees a sash window that can have different sized panes in the top and bottom, provided that one half of the window counts 6 panes, while a Half-Georgian is an adaption of the Georgian with a single pane in one half, and six panes in the other.
Victorian - The Victorian sash window is generally a 2 over 2 design which also includes a centre bar, or versions like asymmetric (3 over 2, or 2 over 3 etc).
Edwardian - Fairly similar in design to a Half-Georgian, the Edwardian has a 6 over 2 arrangement.
To ascertain which would be the perfect model for your property in Alton, you can speak to your local sash window installer, rather than racking your brain over all of these versions.
Different window sizes, as well as bay and coupled windows, can be obtained in all of these designs. There's actually another major form of sash window, which is referred to as the Yorkshire Sash Window. Integrating with any of the three principal elements and their variations, this type is a horizontally sliding window.
TRADITIONAL SASH WINDOWS AND PROTECTED BUILDINGS
One drawback to sash windows in past times, is that they only had a single layer of glass, which to prevent heat loss isn't effective. If your house is a listed structure or your property is within a conservation area it might be necessary to replace your sash windows with some having a similar arrangement. To improve on the thermal properties provided by the original glass, it is now possible using modern developments, to replace it with high-tech toughened glass. This means that you can still retain the general appearance of your house, despite the fact that you are updating all the windows.
An established sash window contractor in Alton can offer advice about ways to observe the local legislation for your area, while offering the correct and most economical materials on the market. It might be necessary to undertake a window by window survey to reduce any impact to the building, where a conservation official or local council insists that existing materials are restored. A specialist sash window installer will happy to do this inspection and prepare the report along with any technical drawings, for your planning department, including information about your renovation scheme, and if any replacement works are essential.
An enhancement of your sash windows in Alton may be feasible by using a secondary glazing option. This allows you to reduce noise, prevent condensation and improve your thermal efficiency by the installation of a vertical sliding secondary glazed pane inside your sash window. The introduction of secondary glazing helps to maintain the authentic character and appearance of the building and can typically be accomplished even where you're limited by planning regulations on a listed building.
CHOOSING A SASH WINDOW INSTALLER IN ALTON
If you want sash windows that will last for many years to come, there are a number of contractors in the Alton area who will be able to supply you with professional installation of sash windows. Where possible, you should ask friends and neighbours for recommendations of window fitters in Alton. From the shortlist of companies, see if you can get at least 3 different quotes. To be sure of a contractor's experience and skills in glazing and sash window installations and refurbishments, check for membership of either the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), the Glazing Arbitration Scheme or the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA). There are numerous advantages to using a sash window fitter in Alton who's a signed up member of at least one of these leading bodies, including warranties in the event of faulty craftsmanship and ways of getting arbitration in case of legal procedures on account of substandard products.
Sash windows can be installed in Alton and also in: Isington, Golden Pot, Beech, Holybourne, Chawton, Binsted, Oakhanger, Medstead, Bentworth, Lasham, Froyle, Lower Froyle, Four Marks, East Worldham, Lower Farringdon, and in these postcodes GU34 1QW, GU34 1RA, GU34 1LL, GU34 1FY, GU34 1BX, GU34 1NX, GU34 1LH, GU34 1AA, GU34 1RG, and GU34 1QU. Locally based Alton sash window fitters will likely have the postcode GU34 and the dialling code 01420. Checking this out can ensure that you're accessing locally based providers of sash windows. Alton home and business owners will be able to benefit from these and numerous other window related services. Click the "Quote" banner to obtain sash window installation quotes.
Yorkshire Sash Windows Alton
The "Yorkshire Slider" or "Yorkshire Sliding Sash Window" is the fourth and final sort of sash window, after the better known Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian patterns. Because the sashes slide horizontally rather than up and down (vertically) as with the other types, this style of window is often referred to as the "Horizontal Sliding Sash Window". These windows which are often seen in period cottages and other attractive listed buildings, are thought to have originated from North Yorkshire. (Tags: Yorkshire Sliders Alton, Horizontal Sliding Sash Windows Alton, Yorkshire Sash Windows Alton).
Sash Window Mouldings Alton
For any homeowner repairing a damaged sash window or trying to make a brand new one, there's an array of sash window mouldings on offer. Since you are able to purchase the exact parts that you need, this is especially helpful for small repair tasks. Sash window mouldings that are widely available include: glazing bars, ovolo glass beads, bottom rails, sash bars, transom drips, top & bottom meeting rails, staff beads, stiles, step cills, sash stiles and parting beads.
A brief search online for "sash window mouldings" or similar, should reveal a few prospective suppliers, with both hardwood and softwood versions available in pine, sapele, meranti, oak, and quite possibly other timber varieties. Unless there's a specialist joinery works or wood machining workshop close by in Alton, sourcing these products locally might be an issue, and it's doubtful that they will be available in B&Q or a local DIY superstore. (Tags: Softwood Window Mouldings Alton, Hardwood Window Mouldings Alton, Sash Window Mouldings Alton, Window Mouldings Alton).
Alton Sash Window Maintenance
One of the best ways to protect a home's sash windows is to take care of them regularly. You should have your windows inspected at least once a year by a qualified professional. A professional will be able to assess the condition of your windows and make any necessary repairs. You should also make sure that you hire a professional who has experience in restoring sash windows. Inexperienced contractors could cause damage to your windows.
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.
As with any other type of window, sash windows are prone to damage if not properly maintained. Regular care is crucial for these windows to remain in good condition for decades to come. Proper care will extend the life span of these classic windows and help you avoid the need for restoration. If you're considering renovating or selling a period property, you should ensure the sash windows' health and beauty through regular maintenance.
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. (Tags: Care of Sash Windows Alton, Maintaining Sash Windows Alton, Sash Window Maintenance Alton)
Sash Window Trickle Vents Alton
Making certain that all your rooms have some kind of ventilation is crucial if you are installing sash windows in your home in Alton. Nowadays we all strive for well insulated homes, but a degree of ventilation is essential to eliminate issues like condensation, black mould and penetrating damp.
Without having to continually open your sash windows, the fitting of trickle vents is the best way to enable ventilation. If you've chosen uPVC windows they'll often already have trickle vents, but professional installation may be necessary for other styles of sash window.
Installed at the head of a sash window, a trickle vent permits fresh air to pass through from the outside and "trickle" straight down the window, which helps to prevent condensation building-up on the glass surface, and alleviate the problems which are linked to this occurrence.
Shop around to source low-profile and flush fitting sash window trickle vents, as this will allow you to preserve the clean lines of your windows and not ruin their looks. These aren't as conspicuous as some trickle vent designs and will appear much tidier once mounted.
uPVC Sash Windows Alton
Sash windows have been popular in Alton for 400 years or more. Throughout the United Kingdom there are still surviving examples of sash windows from the latter part of the 17th cent. Customarily they were made out of timber, but recently different materials have been utilised. Over the centuries both oak and ash were the most popular timbers for making sash windows, as they were in every area of construction. These hardwoods are strong, and when properly maintained, can be exceedingly long lasting.
As their widespread use is a major cause of deforestation all around the world, hardwoods are now very expensive. Timber today is meant to derive from entirely sustainable sources, but based on estimates it's believed that approximately 60% of tropical timber arriving in Britain comes from places where illegal logging is endemic.
For this and a number of other reasons, rapid growing softwoods like douglas fir, Baltic pine and European redwood are used for creating modern wooden sash windows. Softwood is generally far more likely to come from renewable sources, and is of course less expensive than hardwood. The downside with softwood is that it's not as long lasting as hardwood, and needs more regular maintenance and treatments.
The construction of sash windows has been revolutionised over the last forty years or so, as different materials have been introduced. The first examples of uPVC sash windows were produced in the mid-80s. Merging traditional design with modern technology, these units were able to closely replicate timber sash windows. When they were first produced, most of the uPVC sash windows were made in white, but as the manufacturing procedure was improved, an increasing number of colours were offered.
Here are just a few of the advantages of uPVC sash windows:
- More secure.
- Low or no maintenance.
- Simple to clean.
- High thermal efficiency.
- Custom made to your requirements.
- Available in traditional wood grain effect.
- Weather resistant.
- No need for painting or sanding.
Aluminium Sash Windows Alton
If you are eager to find sash windows that have increased glass, less visible frames and slender lines, you might want to look at installing aluminium sash windows in your Alton home. Recognised for their resistance to rust, durability and strength, aluminium sash windows are available in a range of colours and styles and offer a sleek contemporary look that other sash windows cannot compete with.
As a construction material aluminium offers the added benefit of being sustainable, eco-friendly and easily recycled, and windows made out of aluminium are practically maintenance free. The modern aluminium sash windows that are available today are fully insulated, double-glazed and conform to all of the latest Building Regs. They're way better than those that were installed during the 1970s. (Tags: Aluminium Sash Windows Alton, Sash Style Aluminium Windows Alton, Aluminium Windows Alton).
Sash Window Repair Alton
There is no arguing - traditional wooden sash windows can get pretty tatty if they aren't properly looked after and maintained. That's not to say that you are necessarily to blame for the condition of your sash windows, they could have deteriorating for years before you even thought about buying your home or business premises in Alton, but now you are lumbered with noisy, rotten and draughty windows which need a bit of attention and care.
A fleeting look at these windows will often not betray the severity of the problem, and most folks wouldn't give it another thought, but as sure as eggs is eggs there are countless numbers of sash windows around the country in dire need of repair. Now, this isn't the kind of work that can be accomplished by any ordinary odd job man or carpenter, it requires the attention of a sash window specialist who knows exactly what they're doing.
Unless your timber sash windows have been terribly mistreated since time immemorial, they can usually be refurbished with a considerable amount of effort and hard work, consequently if you call somebody in to look at them and all you get is an intake or breath and an obvious attempt to just sell you replacements (more profitable and easier for them), you need to show them the door and carry on searching.
If you call in a genuine craftsman, they will conduct a thorough inspection of your windows, put together an in-depth report concerning what could be successfully repaired and what will need to be replaced. So you're in a position to consider the pros and cons of the project, they'll present you with an itemised quote for all the proposed work. Some common repair options include things like:
- The addition of double-glazed panels
- Replacing sash cords or chains
- Stile replacement
- The replacement of sills
- Sash replacement
- Sill splicing
- Sealing & draughtproofing
- The replacement of decayed timber
- Filling & repainting
- Furniture & fittings replacement
(Tags: Sash Window Maintenance Alton, Repairing Sash Windows Alton, Sash Window Repairs Alton, Sash Window Repair Alton).
Sash Cord Replacement Alton
Traditional sash window cord replacement is an essential task to ensure that their functionality is restored. Over time, the cords that hold the sashes in place may wear down or break, causing the windows to become difficult to operate. By replacing the worn-out cords with new, durable ones, a qualified specialist can rectify this and ensure smooth and easy sliding of the sashes. Investing in sash window cord replacement enables home and business owners in Alton to preserve the charm and authenticity of their historical properties, while enjoying fully functional and operational windows. To have your windows operating smoothly once more, contact specialist sash window installers in Alton, who'll replace any faulty sash cords in your home. (65592 - Sash Window Cord Replacement in Alton)
Sash Window Related Tasks
There is a variety of work that can be undertaken by your local Alton sash window specialist including sash window beading, sash window renovation, sash windows not opening, sliding sash windows, sash window condensation problems, locks for sash windows Alton, aluminium sash windows, coloured sash windows, casement windows, residential sash windows, Georgian sash window installations, sash window stops, mock sash window installations, sash and case window installations, sash window catched, uPVC sash window installation, sash window replacement, sash window installation quotes, Victorian sash window installations, secondary glazing, flush sash window installation in Alton, sash windows, sash window draught proofing, Georgian sash windows, sash window refurbishment, sash window cord replacement, sash window trickle vent installation, traditional sash windows, industrial sash windows, sash window soundproofing, and more. If there happen to be some other Alton sash window requirements that you need but cannot see here, you should mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. Listed are just a selection of the activities that are performed by people specialising in sash windows. Alton companies will be happy to tell you about their whole range of window installation services.
Sash Windows Near Alton
Also find: Four Marks sash windows, Golden Pot sash windows, Froyle sash windows, East Worldham sash windows, Isington sash windows, Beech sash windows, Lower Froyle sash windows, Medstead sash windows, Lasham sash windows, Oakhanger sash windows, Bentworth sash windows, Holybourne sash windows, Lower Farringdon sash windows, Chawton sash windows, Binsted sash windows and more. Sash window fitters are available to serve those living in just about all of these towns and localities. By simply clicking here, local householders can get estimates for window installation.
Sash Window Services Alton
- Alton Bespoke Sash Windows
- Alton Wood Sash Windows
- Alton Sash Window Installation
- Alton uPVC Sash Windows
- Alton Sash Window Refurbishment
- Alton Sash Window Replacement
- Alton Sash Window Restoration
- Alton Domestic Sash Windows
- Alton Sash Window Repair
- Alton Sash Window Quotations
- Alton Sliding Sash Windows
- Alton Sash Windows
- Alton Double-Glazed Sash Windows
- Alton Commercial Sash Windows
Other Useful Trades in Alton
Obviously, whenever you are doing home improvements and repairs in Alton, you'll likely need all kinds of different tradespeople and apart from a sash window fitter in Alton, you may also need a locksmith in Alton, damp proofing in Alton, SKIP HIRE in Alton, stone & brick cleaning in Alton, rendering in Alton, a building contractor in Alton, a plasterer in Alton, tilers in Alton, pebble dashing in Alton, waste removal in Alton, metalworkers in Alton, a painter and decorator in Alton, carpenters in Alton, and other different Alton tradesmen.
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Sash window installation in GU34 area, 01420.
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