An inventor and scientist of the 15th century named Robert Hooke, created Sash windows. It became the rage of all England at the time because of its simple mechanisms that allowed air into a home of someone. It was adopted as the main features of a house in the Georgian and Victorian ages. It consists of two glass panes that have been fitted into a single frame with a six by six look. One panel will slide over the other to open up a space either vertically or horizontally.
The two glass panes are encased into a box frame that is set into the opening of the home. There are steel or cast iron counter weights installed into the box frame which is attached to each glass pane so when it's open, it will stay open. The weight is connected to the glass by means of a cord or a pulley.
Sometimes, spring balances are used in place of the pulley. Normally, the frame is fitted with simplex hinges on one side to enable the box frame to swing to one side. This will enable the cleaning of the glass and serves as a potential escape route in case of an emergency.
It can be quite stunning to see the white box frame and muntins against the wood and the glass. Some old houses are considered as national monuments or museums and there are laws about ensuring that these frames remain well maintained and secure. Simplex hinges are a normal feature that will allow the entire box frame to separate from the window jam.
If the wooden windows and doors are not treated properly, there could be some problems. These could include swelling of the wood, distortion and rot. If the wood shrinks, the glass will rattle. The sliding mechanism can get stuck and the pulley and the weights can rust and make the whole pane unusable. Therefore; maintenance of these glass panes is required. If the wooden pane is not treated correctly with waterproofing varnish and other treatments, the pane can deteriorate at a much quicker rate.
One way to prevent glass rattling when doing sash window repairs, is to use a silicone sealer to seal the glass pane into the wood. Normally, silicone is impervious to the weather and fully waterproof. More recently, PVC and Vinyl box frames have been manufactured. These panes need much less maintenance. There are many movable parts in this type of frame such as the axle pulley which is a wheel that is set inside the frame which is attached to the sash cord. The horn or joggle is an extension of the stiles that strengthen the joints. They can serve as a decorative feature on the pane and painting and decorating can be a lot of fun.
Normally, the glass panes have been single or double glazed to keep bad weather out. Another measure that one could implement is by using a silicone sealer to better seal the glass in the frame. This is a good measure because the sealer won't deteriorate with bad weather or rain and it will secure the glass for the rest of the season.
Sash windows are attractive and can make a house seem more homely. The glass is easy to keep clean because of the simplex hinges. If one needs to replace the glass pane, a cheaper and more user friendly alternative is available. It is definitely a classic look that is clearly here to stay.
The two glass panes are encased into a box frame that is set into the opening of the home. There are steel or cast iron counter weights installed into the box frame which is attached to each glass pane so when it's open, it will stay open. The weight is connected to the glass by means of a cord or a pulley.
Sometimes, spring balances are used in place of the pulley. Normally, the frame is fitted with simplex hinges on one side to enable the box frame to swing to one side. This will enable the cleaning of the glass and serves as a potential escape route in case of an emergency.
It can be quite stunning to see the white box frame and muntins against the wood and the glass. Some old houses are considered as national monuments or museums and there are laws about ensuring that these frames remain well maintained and secure. Simplex hinges are a normal feature that will allow the entire box frame to separate from the window jam.
If the wooden windows and doors are not treated properly, there could be some problems. These could include swelling of the wood, distortion and rot. If the wood shrinks, the glass will rattle. The sliding mechanism can get stuck and the pulley and the weights can rust and make the whole pane unusable. Therefore; maintenance of these glass panes is required. If the wooden pane is not treated correctly with waterproofing varnish and other treatments, the pane can deteriorate at a much quicker rate.
One way to prevent glass rattling when doing sash window repairs, is to use a silicone sealer to seal the glass pane into the wood. Normally, silicone is impervious to the weather and fully waterproof. More recently, PVC and Vinyl box frames have been manufactured. These panes need much less maintenance. There are many movable parts in this type of frame such as the axle pulley which is a wheel that is set inside the frame which is attached to the sash cord. The horn or joggle is an extension of the stiles that strengthen the joints. They can serve as a decorative feature on the pane and painting and decorating can be a lot of fun.
Normally, the glass panes have been single or double glazed to keep bad weather out. Another measure that one could implement is by using a silicone sealer to better seal the glass in the frame. This is a good measure because the sealer won't deteriorate with bad weather or rain and it will secure the glass for the rest of the season.
Sash windows are attractive and can make a house seem more homely. The glass is easy to keep clean because of the simplex hinges. If one needs to replace the glass pane, a cheaper and more user friendly alternative is available. It is definitely a classic look that is clearly here to stay.
About the Author:
To learn all you need to know about the care and maintenance of windows with a wooden sash, visit our website, the London Sash Window Repair Company. For details visit us online at http://www.sashwindowrepairs-london.co.uk/why-wooden-windows-.html to learn more.