James Spraget

How to measure for a timber sash window.

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Traditional timber sliding sash windows are fitted into a reveal or recess in the brick work, both the sides & across the head (top of the window). There is NO recess at the bottom of the window, the hardwood sills are designed to sit on a flat surface.

When ordering a timber sash window, you will need the total window size so it is important to take into account the amount of window sitting hidden behind the reveal. We would recommend exposing approximately 30mm of the outer lining of the sash box on the top, left and right sides:



IMPORTANT – Check the internal width and height are larger than the external. It is also advisable to expose the overall size of the window by removing the internal architraves or linings, this can be a reassuring way to ensure that the windows are the correct size.




Sliding sash windows sitting in a standard opening.

New build properties tend not to have a brick recess for sliding sash windows, this is because they are designed to take spiral balance sash windows which can be fitted in a more conventional way, so the usual tight brick to brick measurement less 10mm clearance is the way to go with this. Traditional timber sash windows can also be fitted in a flush opening without a sash reveal, this is usually known as ‘brick to brick fitting’. When fitted brick to brick the outside facing side of a sash box can be ‘dressed’ with some trim if you feel this is required.

Should you require any further assistance in measuring sliding sash windows or any other type of window, please do not hesitate in contacting one of us. Why not send us a few photos of your windows and we’ll talk you through it!

Timber Windows
James Spraget

Everything you need to know about Timber Bi-Fold Doors

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Do you have a spectacular view of the city, a lovely garden or patio or even an outdoor landscape? Do you get the feeling that your existing doorways to these areas are simply not conveying the true impact of the view? Transform the look and feel of your home and incorporate aluminium bi-fold doors. Step outside of your comfort zone and consider bi fold doors. They provide one of the best ways that you can enjoy both outdoor and indoor living.

Bi-fold doors are one of the best ways to allow a homeowner to maximise a wide doorway. These special doors can be configured to integrate multiple door panels, typically two to eight, depending on the width of your doorway. Depending on the configuration they either stack to one or both sides.

Open plan living is an enviable feature of modern homes, and with their ability to be installed in very wide openings, a bi-fold door allows you to connect your living room with an outdoor entertaining area by essentially easily removing entire wall between the two spaces. This allows you to, in many cases, have your kitchen, living, dining, and outdoor areas all linked and open, offering a sensational aesthetic to your home. Even when they are closed, they offer a terrific amount of light and a near unobstructed view. This would be one of the most common ways to use a Bi-Fold Door.

How Do Timber Bi-fold Doors Work?

Interior and exterior bi-folding doors both use a simple track system that runs along the panels, which are connected on a train. The doors work by folding in on themselves and then gliding along the tracking system with the help of a series of wheels or a lower tracking system, which both lead to a smooth motion and quiet operation.

Bi-fold doors generally come in pairs, with two doors folding to one side or with four that part in the centre with two doors folding back to either side. Your bi-fold doors will usually come with all tracking and fittings already installed, can be opened either inwards or outwards. It’s this kind of flexibility that has led to their popularity in recent years amongst open-minded homeowners.

Most bi-fold doors will have anywhere between two and seven panels, all of which will be connected with hinges and attached to the roller track at the top or bottom of the door (or both). They are remarkably easy to operate, though it’s advised that you don’t get too carried away as if you use too much force you could end up pulling the doors out of the tracking system

In many homes, there are living and dining sections that next to each other but divided by a wall, or not divided at all. Sometimes, open plan isn’t always the best option, as you may wish to improve privacy or entertain two different groups at once. Installing bi-fold doors internally as a divided wall is a great way to make one large room into 2 without making the rooms seem boxed in or small. The glass panels keep noise transference to a minimum, but allow visibility into the adjoining room. This is great for families with small children for example, as you can have a dinner party in one room, with the kids table in the connecting room, where you have total visibility but can also enjoy some peace & quiet. Another example is if you work from home, where you could segment off a section of the living area during business hours, but then open it back up the rest of the time.

Above we talked about connecting two rooms, but by installing multiple bi-fold doors, you can turn your dining room into an outdoor entertaining area, simply by removing the walls around it. Depending on the layout of your home, you could install 2 or 3 bi-fold doors to make up the walls of the dining area, then when the weather’s beautiful, you can easily remove all the walls and dine alfresco!

If you’re lucky to have a bedroom that gazes upon the abundance of natural beauty, then why not take full advantage of it. This is one of the most beautiful ways to use Bi-fold doors. When it’s perfect weather, you can remove an entire wall to make the most of the sunshine and cool sea breeze, and even when it’s not the best conditions outside, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the reason you’re still in your PJ’s watching Netflix in bed.

Choosing the right bi-fold door for your renovation project can be both exciting and overwhelming. You’ve got a grand vision for your new space and a lot of questions about products, materials and styles. Although your contractor may make suggestions as to which material or brand to use, ultimately the final decision is up to you.

Bi-fold doors come in a range of sizes, glass types, colours and materials. One of the most important factors to consider when selecting the right bi-fold doors is which material to use for your project. When making your selection, you should note that not all materials are created equal. In fact, each of these materials has different properties which help to determine their price point.

Timber is one of the oldest building materials known to man. It is all natural, non-toxic and a high quality, timber doors can last many, many years. Timber products come from FSC certified forests which means that they are harvested from forests that are responsibly managed and farmed. Wood that comes from an FSC certified forest is replaced with new growth for future use.

Although more expensive than PVC, selecting timber for your bi-fold doors can greatly elevate the look of your project. it may also help to create an ambiance that is warm, welcoming and even rustic.

Timber Windows
James Spraget

Should I choose Weights or Springs?

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Traditionally, all sliding sash windows were operated by cast iron weights.

Weights

A sash box of 98mm is built into each side of the window, which houses the weights. This is then attached to a piece of sash cord, which travels over a pulley in the top corners of the window and attaches to the sash that will be sliding. The weight is selected to closely match the weight of the sash that is sliding, so that a perfect counterbalance is achieved and movement of the otherwise heavy window sash is as effortless as possible.

Spring Balances

The use of weights and pulleys in modern sliding sash windows has declined over recent years, and has largely been replaced by the spring balance system. The Springs work using similar principles of counterbalancing, but achieve it through the use of two springs inside a PVC tube. Spring balances are normally visible on the inside of the window. However, a thin cover paint matched to the window and allow total concealment is used in manufacturing. This makes the windows with spring balances almost perfectly reflect the style of those with weights and pulleys.

To aid in opening windows, as well as hold windows open and closed, spiral balances utilize a spiral-shaped rod within a tube. This rod connects to a spring, which is what provides the tension for supporting the sash. The tension is adjusted by being wound to match the sash it is supporting.

Should I choose weights or springs?

Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, and the right system for you will depend on your location, the reveals in the window opening and the desired impact you are hoping for. Weight and pulley systems have an unmistakeable historic feel, they fit neatly behind traditional reveals, the systems last longer (many decades) and repair only requires fitting a new sash cord. Spiral balances systems fit neatly into all building/reveal profiles without reducing light.

If you would like a quote for sash windows with Weights or springs please get in touch.

Timber Windows
James Spraget

Timber Sash Window – Horns

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Window horns were originally used in timber sash windows to strengthen the window’s structure. They supported the mortice and tenon joints and prevented the sashes from opening too far and becoming jammed. As the Victorian period progressed, architects wanted to use increasingly larger glass panes. Without the glazing bars, a new method of support was needed. Thus, sash horns were born.

If you look closely at any period property from the Victorian era, you should be able to see the window horns. They were manufactured in several shapes depending on the architectural fashions of the time and place. Some are a simple curve while others feature an ‘s’ shaped design, an inverted slope, or a more intricate combination of inset and protrusion. They are now representative of the period style and are considered essential in any heritage property renovations.

Victorian houses are now associated with large single pane windows many with canted rather than bowed bays. Canted or square angled bays were a third of the labour cost of bowed windows. During this period many late Georgian and regency properties had their windows upgraded; a sign of wealth was large windows without glazing bars. To accommodate these heavy single panes of glass the horn or joggle was introduced on the upper sashes. This is a detail you can see in the corner of the sash which is to hide a mortise and tenon joint which slots into each other. Earlier multi pane window were just slotted together but this joint proved to be weak with the weight of the new glass.

Originating almost 400 years ago sliding sash windows have a rich history having spanned various eras including the Victorian and Georgian eras and have seen many design developments over the years. One of which being the inclusion of a sash horn; dating back to the mid-Victorian period sliding sash horns were a little piece of intelligent Victorian engineering designed to make the joints stronger. Taking on various shapes and sizes over the years, these horns, often intricate, are used today as purely a decorative element and, despite their size, can make all the difference to the overall look of the window.