Windows in Different Areas

For the lucky people that live in very quiet and rural areas in the UK, there can be a downside when it comes to replacing the original windows for a period property. For some really old and historic buildings there may be a need to seek advice from the local council, however there are a few insulating options for the existing windows in the mean time. Things like, fitting very weighted and dark lined curtains, secondary glazing, blinds and also shuttering. London Glazing are qualified professionals in glass.

Areas of Conservation:
The character of these types of homes will need to be maintained, which means that work can be limited, but the newer types of windows can be manufactured to mimic the original historic looking windows but again you will need to seek expert advice from the local authority.

Listed Constructions:
These types of properties can be awkward as there is always a desire to keep the original features like the windows in order to keep the materials not just the windows like a sash style. There is a chance that permission could be granted for replacement style sash windows to be fitted as the new types of window can be manufactured to mimic the old originals. Again you will need to seek the expert’s advice on how to save energy without compromising the historical relevance of the property. London Glaziers fit every type of window.

Sash Style Windows.
As mentioned, these are older types of windows and can be difficult to insulate because of the two single pane design, so there are purpose built styles which feature double glazed units for great energy efficiency and heat retention and also great old original looks. They also can be of metal or even wooden framed which has a core that is well insulated.

Most companies will now make these types of frames and windows on request, but just remember to ensure it will not contravene any local historical bye-laws before you start.

Today there is such a wide range and choice of window styles. In the past the windows have been hinged on their sides and were called a casement window, also the sash sliding window. Nowadays there are a couple of options for the mechanics that provide a hinge for our windows such as a pivot and friction type which is quite common. The materials that our windows are constructed from and also the shapes and sizes are really quite considerable. The good thing is that there is always a makers guide to help when installing, if you want to do it yourself. Should you live in an older style of house, it may be that any replacement window has to be made to measure for you. London Glazing will sort all your window needs.

Window Choice:
Usually any time that a window is replaced, the materials and also the mechanics are constructed being sympathetic to the original design to keep some authenticity. Windows like the sash however will contain more modern weights or balances not made of lead. The frame is important, so you should always make sure hat if the old window has a sill, then, you will need to make sure that the new one has a sill also. London Glaziers fit all glass.

Wooden Window:
These types were popular and actually still are, with people choosing hardwood for its hard wearing qualities and looks. Hardwood can be painted or just oiled for protection, it is quite expensive but good value.

Vinyl:
This a replacement option for older windows and come in double glazed units, in white and other colour options.

Aluminium:
The frame for these windows is slim but strong and able to support large glass sheets. The problem is that they conduct heat and are also have massive condensation problems, with old ones rusting but new ones are protected and are low maintenance.

Everyone knows now that double-glazing can definitely save money on heating and improve drafty windows and doors. It can also manage to keep those searing summer temperatures at a controllable level. The bonus of having double glazing fitted in your home are things like noise reduction for example where you do not need to listen to that traffic going past the window or at least you tend not to notice it as much. There are many different types of glass also that you can fit, much more than 15-20 years ago. This type of home improvement with its quite simple yet robust construction is not the hardest thing to take on for the DIY enthusiast. There are companies that fit their own windows and doors or sub contract the work to a third party, which may worry you with regards to things like the warranty or call out responsibility. The materials are widely available with the facility for you to have custom made parts and units for your home. London Glazing will advise on all glass.

Brief Guide (Window Fit):
Firstly you must be of the mind that you are confident to install your own double-glazing. If there are any doubts do not do it. Having removed the old window frame:

1). Make sure you measure correctly and allow for the beading or trims that go around say the window, this ensures the glass will not fall out and will sit tight in the frame. If the glass comes with the frame then there is no need to do this. London Glaziers will supply glass for windows.
2). Remove the old frame and remove any rubble.
3). Offer the new window up and screw the holding screws through the frame sides and into the brickwork, this will hold the window still.
4). Finally, fir the sealed unit in the frame and fit the trims around the glass in the frame and make good any gaps around the frame by using expanding foam and filler.

There is now a vast choice of types of glass for anyone who is considering replacing their windows in the near future. These are listed below:

Security Glass:
This type of glass offers real security whilst not scrimping on the warmth that it can retain. The glass is constructed of special reinforcing elements that are contained within the glass that will to all intents and purposes make it impossible to breach. The outer pane is made of two bonded pieces that feature an inner layer of film of plastic giving it strength. Should there be a break, then the glass shards just stick to the plastic and therefore do not pose a danger from flying glass with the plastic still maintaining it’s integrity. London Glazing use all types of glass.

Obscure:
This style of glass usually incorporates various designs that will obscure an outside view of the home yet still make it warm and welcoming. Designs such as, fluting, frosted, etched or just textured are all available with the style being used for windows and also conservatories and patio doors. It really is a great option if you require privacy or just a nice effect.

Self Cleaning:
This style of glass is a true innovation because it features a photocatalytic covering that will react when it meets daylight and then will begin to break down any organic grime etc. on the glass. The second action of this glass is when it rains and the water hits the glass, it will just evenly covers instead of the formation of raindrops and runs of in one and this takes the dirt with it. It even dries very quickly also. There aren’t even any streaks left. London Glaziers fit self-cleaning glass windows.

Anti-Sun:
This glass has a special UV treatment applied in the manufacturing process that acts like a polarising lens on sunglasses that will reduce the sun’s glare to a minimum making it confortable to gaze out of the window.

Although most of us think we know what glass is, it is quite interesting when it is explained in detail. So what is glass? Well, the glass we know is made up by combining minerals and sand under very high temperatures and melted. The glass that is formed is really versatile and has its uses in building, homes, packaging and also the super technology of mobile communications and optics. A variation of glass occurs naturally in a volcano’s mouth, as it erupts there is a formation of something called Obsidian which is glass like but very tough yet brittle and has very sharp edges. Obsidian has in the distant past been used for cutting tools and even been experimented with as a medical tool. Glass is actually more of a liquid as it stands, yet feels solid, but will at high temperatures become softer and look like a liquid. Of course this is why glass can be poured and manipulated, moulded and blown. London Glazing can advise on glass.

The Manufacture Of Glass.
The glass we know is manufactured initially with the melting of different minerals at really high temperatures. The principle element in this process is something called Silica, (which is one of the most commonly found sands on earth) which combines with limestone and something called soda ash and they are melted at around 1700°C. During this process the manufacturer can add various different materials to change colour or the glass’s properties. London Glaziers will know about the production of glass.

Use:
Glass can be covered with a coating, treated with heat, decorated or even engraved for different uses. When the glass is in a molten state it can be formed into things like windows, screens for cars or packaging, in fact there are lots of uses for glass. It will depend on it’s ultimate use as to the rate that it is cooled and also it’s composition.

Laminated glass comes in varying thicknesses and is normally constructed from lots of laminated layers which includes polycarbonate. Its uses are varied and popular for security purposes with it even being in some guises actually bullet proof. It can be used as a large sheet of glass with toughened glass to give safety and also piece of mind security. London Glazing fit security glass.

Security Glass Film:
This type of film is available in varying degrees of thickness and is produced for application to things like glass on windows and doors for increased security but when applied it should be behind any beading etc. for optimum performance. The film has the action of keeping the glass together should it break. This is also a great quality in office windows that may succumb to bomb damage, meaning that no glass shards will not enter the rooms or offices or fall to the ground and cause injury to people below. This film can also be used to maintain privacy and also reduce the heat that would be radiated through the glass which could save on running conditioning equipment for cooling. There is also a reduction in the glare that is nearly always present in buildings with lots of glass, so it will also reduce the affect of fading the furniture such as tables and chairs that may be in the direct path of such glare for example in a homes conservatory in summer. London Glaziers can supply security glass.

Polycarbonate Glazing:
This type of plastic glazing material is strong and normally used for security access entrance doors. If this is used it will probably means that there has been an incident previously and is a replacement for more conventional breakable glass and that there is a high risk of such an incident reoccurring.

Insulate:
In the years gone by it was a real bonus to and somewhat of a novelty to save heat and stop things like condensation, however in these days of green and environmental issues and goals it has now become a requirement that is governed by law that every new home that is now constructed must adhere to something called the Building Regulation Document ‘L’ which advocates conservation of heat and power and quite a long and detailed document, so you can see it is now very important. London Glazing can advise on benefits of glazing.

Insulate Against Noise:
The sealed double glazed units that are fitted today are very efficient at keeping noises out of the home. This is achieved by the use of varying depths of glass. There is a recommendation that a sealed unit should be made from two different depths of glass for example 10mm with a 6mm second piece. This is said to reduce any resonating frequencies occurring between the two.

Secondary Glass:
This is a cheaper way of installing another pane of glass behind an original single window pane and can be quite effective depending on the gap that is made between the two panes. London Glaziers will supply and fit secondary glass.

Some Nice To Know Tips:

The life expectancy of a double glazed sealed unit can range from 2-over 20 years. This will depend on the quality of the unit installed and how good this installation was carried out.
The most dangerous elements for double-glazing are the sun’s rays and ingress of water.
These units fail if they are made from inferior materials or badly fitted.

So as you can see there is a good side and bad side to improving your home with the installation of double glazing. However the up side is that it will improve the look and feel of your home and is worth doing…BUT WELL