Friday, 12 June 2009

Simple air conditioning!

For some reason there's been another spate of clients only wanting their bottom sashes re-corded.

As I've said elsewhere before, to my mind it's a false economy, because when re-cording the bottom sash, the window is in bits anyway - and it would seem prudent to get both sashes working.

But what's really suprising is that many clients don't even realise that both sashes can work.

The great secret of sash windows is that they can provide the very best ventilation configuration of any window type - bar none.

A quick lesson in physics...
Hot air rises...
end of physics lesson.

Sash windows nearly always go all the way to the ceiling.
Hot air rises
If you wanted to get rid of hot air, which window should you open?

Fresh cooler air comes in from below and stale warm air exits at the top.
It works because it obeys the law of physics.
No great secret.

If you need your sash windows repaired renovated or restored - give me a call on 07930 335 937 or use the email link.

Monday, 26 May 2008

Sound proofing a traditional sash window

Contrary to populist belief, double glazing is not the best way to reduce noise - full stop.
It is just one expensive way to reduce some noise.
If traditional single glazed sash windows are the only barrier between you and the traffic you can tackle a major part of the problem by simply installing draught proofing. As well as draughts, draught proofing also reduces airborne noises which find their way through the smallest and least noticeable gaps.
The next step is to replace the glass in the sashes. There are many types of acoustic glass, available in various thicknesses, and designed to control various levels and types of noise. Developed and tested by the larger glass manufacturers (e.g. Pilkington Glass) the results are often not as impressive in real life situations as they may be on paper.
Sound insulation is probably best achieved via well fitted windows with good draught strips, laminated safety glass 4.4mm or 6.4 mm thick may not be quite as acoustically efficient as the best specialist glass but, at a fraction of the price, it will dramatically assist in an overall noise reduction plan.
For more comprehensive advice on your sash windows call me on 07930 335 937 or email me using the link on the left hand side.

Price Guide of most popular services

Re-cord
Replacement of sash cords on either bottom sash only or both sashes.
From £50.00 bottom sash
From £70.00 Top and bottom sashes

Basic Overhaul and draught proofing
For windows in generally good condition
Removal of beading, sashes and weights, making minor repairs,
Replacing with new sash cord and beading machined and fitted with draught proofing.
Windows will still require primer/undercoat/finish coat.
From 120.00

General Overhaul and draught proofing
For windows in generally good condition
Removal of beading, sashes and weights, making minor repairs,
Replacing with new sash cord and beading machined and fitted with draught proofing. Sanding down mainly to remove flaking paint
(On a general overhaul we do not attempt to strip paint work),
Cleaning and priming with acrylic primer/under-coat.
Windows will still need finished paint work.
From £160.00 Depending on size.

Replacement Sashes
New Traditional single glazed sashes fitted into existing box frame, including general overhaul as above
From £425.00 Depending on size.

Optional extras
Sash catches
Sash lifts and handles
Security stops

Saturday, 24 May 2008

Repairing and restoring sash windows in Eastbourne

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Most of the work we do is on homes built during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Original wooden box sash windows can, and do, last for centuries.
It is almost never the case that a box sash window needs to be completely replaced,
no matter how bad they may look.
The key to these windows is the simple genius of their design and construction.
They are infinitely repairable.
More often than not quite minor repairs can bring them back to full functionality.
Modern, virtually invisible, draughtproofing can bring 100 year old windows
up to modern performance standards.

The scope for restoration of your windows is virtually limitless.