Researching The Origins Of The Sash Window In History
September 3, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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.
This style, a major innovation that differed greatly from earlier casement windows, is generally credited to a a major scientist and inventor, Robert Hooke. Hooke was an industrious man who coined the term ‘cell’ for the living units of biology he observed with a homemade microscope, discovered many principles of the law of gravity, designed some of London’s most historic buildings, and surveyed much of London after the Great Fire of 1666. He also studied the properties of glass and invented a balance spring which allowed for the watch to be created.
It is easy to match the sash window with the interests of this industrious man, who was very influential in the rebuilding of London after the Great fire of 1666 and was also the architect of some principal buildings. This style consists of one or more movable panels, with a weight, cord, and pulley system to defy the pull of gravity, and a framework of muntins, or wooden strips, to allow small panes of glass to be united in a panel, or sash.
One of the earliest known houses to install the innovative designs was the Ham house, an ancestral home updated in the 1670s by the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale. This property has been owned by the National Trust since 1948 and used in many films.
New houses have this style of window as well, although the materials may be more modern. Either soft or hard wood is still seen in many houses, since it gives a traditional look and is a good insulator. Modern commercial buildings and cement block houses may have more informal vinyl or metal windows, often using aluminum which does not rot or corrode. Another durable material is fiberglass, which has the advantage of expanding and contracting the same as the glass panes. It is stronger than vinyl or aluminum, neither rots or corrodes, may be painted, and has a higher insulation rating than metal or plastic.
Newer materials include soft and hard wood, vinyl, metal such as non-corroding aluminum, and fiberglass. All of these materials have variations in insulating factors (wood is best, followed by fiberglass), durability (wood will rot if not kept sealed from moisture, although proper care will extend its life practically indefinitely), and strength.
The origins of the sash window are fun to trace, as are the changes, not so much in design as in materials. Today’s windows may be made of soft or hard wood, metals such as aluminum and vinyl, and even fiberglass.
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An Overview Of Reasons For, And Fix-Its To The Plague Of Plastic Windows In London
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The plague of plastic windows in London seems to be more of a scourge on the beauty of once-proud manses of eras gone by. Anyone can see that cheap plastic windows do NOT fit in with the majestic, and occasionally creepy, gargoyles that flourish on the rooftops of many Victorian buildings.
Here are some details on why many Londoners are battening down their wallets, and opting for plastic frames for their majestic homes - along with some alternative materials and tips that work with the original windows - so they can stay with the house like they’re meant to:
Although it definitely helped their sales, double glazing manufacturing companies aren’t lying when they tell consumers that the new plastic product is much cheaper to install and replace when needed, especially when compared to the only other option, which is spending through the nose to fix the original antique wooden ones.
But the owners of landmark homes are taking the manufacturer’s advice, and opting to install the plastic - despite the other camps arguments that in the long run, it’s more cost-effective to repair the wooden ones. It seems many people these days, however, would rather put out pennies first, and worry about coming up with quarters later.
In addition, environmental committees are extolling the virtues of double glazing in stopping carbon emission leaks from inside heat that can get through openings between the frames and wall, and further pollute the air.
However, historical societies, who are lobbying for the return of antique wood sashes to the homes, have named several cost-effective alternatives for weather and emission proofing that work just like double glazing - and can be used in conjunction with the original frames. One way is to draught-strip the edges of the frames with brush stripping to create a seal. And for those who say that’s too expensive - tubes of rubber or silicone are available at a very affordable price, and do the same thing.
Putting shutters over the windows, or even draping them with heavy curtains, works quite well as long as the owner remembers to keep the windows shut. And for those who insist on it, there’s even a secondary glazing that is cost-effective, has the same benefits of the double glazing, and also works in harmony with the antique wooden frames.
So while there are two different sides to the plague of plastic windows in London saga that continues on, and each side disagrees with the other - it’s most likely that the one point on which they do concur, is the importance of finding a solution that is low-cost, harmless to the environment, AND allows the beautiful Victorian buildings to keep their antique wooden sash windows.
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The Origins Of The Sash Window Are Competed Over
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
It is difficult to get clarity on the origins of the sash window although the first mention is found in the late 1700’s. A painting by Vermeer, ‘The Milkmaid’ has a woman standing in front of one. Around the same time the inventor Robert Hooke used the window in Ham House. However, the French word chassis refers to a frame and it is believed that via Holland the window came to Britain, and it is now inextricably linked to English culture.
Windows with double rows of glass panes that opened by sliding to one side or upwards, were initially known as ‘Yorkshire light’. As the windows became larger and heavier, a rope and sash weight system was developed with the rope connected to the window and a pulley running inside the sealed box frame.
Sir Christopher Wrens was a well known architect used by the British royal family in the late 1600’s to design various palaces, such as the Whitehall Palace where he used these windows. The Royals used these windows at Kensington Palace and Hampton Court as well. The combination of Wrens’ fame and Royal approval meant that the windows became wildly popular and were soon appearing on all new buildings. Aesthetically, they do not ruin a building’s look when they are opened unlike many other window sorts.
In Georgian times, the sash was the rage and a double hung sash window was created allowing both the top and bottom sashes to be moved. In a wet European climate, the window can be opened at the top to let warm air escape while colder air is drawn in through the gap at the bottom, without allowing rain to enter.
The Victorians had a tendency to the baroque, overloading their houses with extra details, carvings, mouldings and lattice work. The windows were grouped in a bay surrounded by decorative pillars. The perspective of buildings was enhanced by making windows on the downstairs floor taller than those on the top 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.
It must be agreed that without the sash window, defects and all, the most interesting urban areas of older European cities would be bleak and characterless.
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Are Wooden Sash Windows Or Plastic Windows The Best Choice?
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The question - Wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment - can have at least three answers. That wood is better, being more traditional and high end. That plastic is better, being less apt to rot and cheaper to install. That it makes no difference; no one will notice anyway.
Wood has been used to make windows for as long as there have been windows. Holes in stone walls do not qualify; they are mere slits or spy holes. Windows have transparency, and transparency needs a frame, and frames were made of wood. Period.
As for the marketplace, wood costs more than plastic in any application. Perception is that wood is more valuable. You rarely if ever see ‘hard plastic floors throughout’ in a real estate listing, do you? If the floors - or the windows - are plastic, no one advertises the fact.
Or do you open a heavy wooden door with a brass knocker, to step into a thickly carpeted foyer with red leather chairs and an efficient looking lady seated behind a gleaming mahogany desk. Subscription magazines are waiting on a polished wooden coffee table, and the great outdoors is screened from view by heavy drapes, enhancing the atmosphere of privacy and privilege.
Imagine a law office, or the office of a stockbroker. The image that comes to mind is of thick red carpets, shelves of handsomely bound books, a big desk, and comfortable armchairs for consultations or a highly polished conference table with company letterhead paper ready to hand. There is no plastic anywhere to be seen, not even in the ballpoint pens. So why should the window sills be any different?
Seriously, wood makes a good impression. Even unconsciously your clients will notice details such as polished wood floors and woodwork, or wood painted to match the carpeting and drapes. Wood gives a sense of permanency and sound construction which will enhance your professional image. Unless your office is in a site trailer, wood will be the material of choice for doors and windows.
Wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment? Look at those handsome frames around the hunting prints on the wall and mull it over for a minute. Then answer that question with ‘Plastic’ if you dare.
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Some Things To Know About The Origins Of The Sash Window And It’s Design
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
This type of window is made up of several glass panels that can slide in any direction. The term sash refers to the glazed panel. They can also be called a hung sash. Many people do not know what the origins of the sash window are.
Typically they can be opened one of two different ways. Opening by sliding vertically is one way. Another way, often referred to as the Yorkshire way, is to open horizontally.
The weight of it needs to be balanced. There can be a heavy iron, lead, or steel weight placed inside the frame. A sash weight can also be applied to balance the weight of the panes. Without this balance, the window will not slide open.
The usual number of panes in each frame is nine. There are three rows of three, or sometimes six panes total which are two rows of three. This can vary greatly depending on the style of the home. A type of rope or chain is used to open it by attaching it to the frame and to the top of the panes.
They are most commonly seen in Victorian houses, and also Georgian. They are said to have been designed by Englishman Robert Hooke. He was a well renowned scientist and inventor. The oldest known installed version dates back to the year 1670.
They are usually made from soft wood, with the option of single or double glazing. The standard width is typically four feet. This may vary greatly depending on what type of home it is installed in and to which era it was made.
The origin of the sash window can help explain it’s many advantages. One is that it cools the interior of a home significantly. This is done by opening both the bottom and the top portion equally. This allows hot air to escape the room from above and lets in cooler air from outside in the lower portion of the window. Cleaning can be easily done from the inside. Slide the panes to different positions in order to reach the entire piece, inside and out. A few problems can be caused by the natural rot of the wood. This may cause rattling noises and also affect the insulation of a room. While considered to be high maintenance, these are a lovely option for new builders to consider and add to the distinct charm to old homes.
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Many New Modern Manufacturing Processes For Wooden Sash Windows
September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Traditional style is now combined with up-to date techniques to create casement windows of excellent quality. To get the best performance while maintaining old-fashioned style, modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows are the answer. The old look is now available with newfound durability and performance.
One of the most sustainable construction materials on the market has to be wood. While we all know it grows from trees, it is also very easy to recycle. Since the process used to produce timber is very energy efficient, and the resulting construction creates a thermal barrier, wood is the best choice from an environmental perspective.
Wood compares very favorably with modern materials like PVC. Using hardwood construction and high-quality paint, they will last for a very long time. Maintain them and they are both a good investment themselves, but also increase your home’ value on the resale market.
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.
Double-glazed to meet stringent building regulations, high end windows can even be filled with Argon gas, increasing their insulation performance. If you miss the old fashioned putty beads, but don’t miss applying them, wooden windows are an excellent choice. They can arrive from the factory preglazed. It looks like putty!
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.
You don’t have to choose between the appearance of yesterday’s windows and the benefits of today’s technology. With wood, you can have both. There is no need to compromise your values.
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.
Wooden windows may not be everyone’s choice. But with modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows, they can be your choice without reservation. Get the best of both worlds with wooden windows!
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Wooden Sash Or Plastic Windows Which Lends The Best Look In An Office Environment
August 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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.
Having said that, which one would suit your office? To clarify matters, both would serve their purposes properly. But if you really want things to look right, you have to look at the overall design and decor of the space.
Therefore, it would be advised to start off by inspecting the architectural structure. Wooden sash windows would look exceptionally beautiful in a period building. They would look fantastic up against exposed brick or stone walls.
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.
In order to make a wise and educated decision, it is recommended that you list the pros and cons of each product or material. Carefully inspect your decorating options, and consider your budget. It’s also good to remember that wood is not only more expensive, but it also requires some maintenance that you may not be willing to partake in.
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No Noisy Nights Modern Manufacturing Processes For Wooden Sash Windows
August 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Sash windows are old-fashioned and are found often in Georgian and Victorian homes. Made by hand, there were irregularities in windows that over time made the windows warp in the frames, letting in cold and noise. Modern manufacturing processes for wooden sash windows have eradicated these problems.
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.
The accuracy of machine manufacture and simulation models are necessary due to modern building standards related to durability, good insulation for noise and weather, and security concerns. Even the best craftsmen could not provide the number of windows built to standard that are required. Machinery is simply more accurate.
The client chooses the basic design and items such as locks, hinges, handles and glass type are made accordingly to his or her recommendations. The colours and varnishes used can also be changed as needed. Windows that allow sunlight in, keep heat in and sound out are preferred.
The wood is finished with a micro-porous sealant that is water-based. Three coats of this will reduce maintenance as will the preservative that is applied to protect the wood against fungi and wood-boring insects. Paints that are water-based are used for the primer to fill the wood microscopically which prevents water seeping into nooks and crannies. Finally a top coat of paint or stain is added for a durable finish.
A gasket will be placed between the frame and its window to seal the window further from the effects of noise and weather. The gasket is manufactured out of a substance that does not warp in high temperatures or due to the opening and closing 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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The Modern Manufacturing Processes For Wooden Sash Windows
August 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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.
Wood is the preferred material for windows, having a higher insulating power than metal and being both beautiful and traditional. Sashes are the moving parts of a box window, the sections that move up and down to ventilate the room. This design dates from the 1700s, as a ‘new’ innovation over the casement window, which swung open from side hinges. The style has been popular ever since.
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.
Even though old tools and methods may still be employed in customizing windows, modern technology can be used to improve energy conservation, sound proofing, and weather resistance. Micro-porous paint allows the wood to breathe, releasing trapped moisture while waterproofing the window against the weather. Special acoustic panes can reduce noise from outside, and the transfer of heat and cold is slowed by thermal glass and double glazing.
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 are a mix of old technology and new, with the best of both offered for new construction or replacement.
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Wooden Sash Windows Or Plastic Windows Which Look Better In A Working Environment
August 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Have you ever asked yourself, wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment. It very much depends what business is being run and what message the managers want to give their customers, as to which windows look better - wooden sash or plastic.
A wooden sash window is one of those that are made of more than one piece, like the ones in old Victorian houses. Think of a stately home renovated into a plush office building, and you would immediately think of sash windows. They are often designed to look like lots of little square windows, and slide up and down easily. Also, this gives the office a great cheap air conditioning facility in the summer!
Think now of a purpose-built office block, like those you find on industrial estates, or in city centres. These are the ones that are often made to non-Fibonacci standards, and have strange or unique shapes. Plastic windows might suit better here, crisp, white and shiny. This would fit well into the decor of a modern and fashionable office, usually decorated white to connote cleanliness and space.
Of course, plastic windows often open from the side, meaning that if the wind is blowing in the right direction, the office workers will get a good breeze. If it is not, the office will need a good air conditioning unit to compensate!
But then there are the in-between buildings. Neither old and rustic, nor brand spanking new and modernistic. What sort of ventilation system should these have? Well there depends on the nature of the business.
A residential home for the elderly. This may be a building that has been provided by the public sector, but inside is a very important business. The building may be in a busy city centre, or in a downtrodden street. But they want their customers to know that they are friendly and kind to their residents. They need wooden sash windows to show the families of those they care for how welcoming and kind they are.
Think now of a modern food and snacks company. They have acquired an old farm house in a beautiful landscape with lots of land. But they are a professional outfit and want to portray this in the look and feel of the building, so they might put in plastic windows to give the feel of a modern and efficient work space.
So what is the answer to the question, wooden sash windows or plastic windows which option gives a better impression in an office environment? We can see from these thoughts that both wooden sash and plastic windows can be important in showing customers from the outside, the kind of business that is operating on the inside.
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