Double Glazed Sash Windows in Cardiff, Newport and South Wales

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Wooden sash windows can be found in many homes throughout Cardiff and South Wales, they add to the integrity of the house and its surrounding area. Along with wooden floorboards, original fireplaces and decorative cornices; sash windows are one of the features that potential buyers are willing to pay more for.

But what happens when your beautiful windows are causing cold draughts and increasing your energy bills; time for an expensive renovation project?

Depending on whether your home is in a conservation area, you will have no choice but to replace your sash windows with like for like, either in upvc or wood. Many people are cautious about using upvc windows but there has been a great deal of improvement in the aesthetics of modern double glazed sash windows as well as the improved energy efficiency that these products offer. Vertical sliding sash windows now come in an array of colours that can offer a more sympathetic look to your home.

From a planning perspective the planners are interested in every detail of the window, a few points taken from Cardiff Council that you should consider when looking for quotes;

Section Dimensions

The size of timber sections in the new windows should match those of the original. This is

particularly important for the bottom rail of the lower sash which should generally be deeper

than the meeting rail on elevation when the window is closed. The visible part of the sash stile,

top rail and meeting rail should be of a similar width and depth.

 

Operation

Sashes close vertically and can be operated by sash weights or spiral spring balances. Spring

balances are unlikely to be acceptable if they replace box sashes on a listed building. It is

sometimes possible to fit hinges which can also allow a sash to open inwards for cleaning.

Glazing

If a double glazed unit creates a substantial alteration in window size and dimension from the original, it is unlikely to be acceptable. It is usually impossible to install double glazed units in existing frames or to replicate existing frames with new sealed units without making drastic changes to the shape or proportions of glazing bars. Slimline double glazed units (3-10mm cavity) are now available that have much lower profile perimeter seals within the cavities.

This in turn allows for more slender sash frame dimensions. The use of highly insulating gases means that the energy savings offered by such units is comparable to standard double glazing (16-20mm cavity). Where the original windows have glazing bars, the new ones should match the original, particularly in multiple pane sashes.

 

Sashes with horns

Sash windows may have horns. These are additions to the lower part of the sash which enhance a window’s rigidity. Georgian and early Victorian windows rarely have horns but later Victorian and Edwardian sash with horns are common in Cardiff and often have decorative qualities that can be replicated in timber.

If your home is not in a conservation area, but you currently have sash windows, an increasingly popular option is to have casement windows with run through sash horns. An average upvc sash window will cost you upwards of £600 each for a reasonable quality product. A casement window with an equal split top opening sash and run through sash horns will cost from £400 upwards, quite a saving if you need to change all of your windows. The anthracite window shows a casement in this style.

To add to the traditional look, the addition of internal Georgian bars or external astragal bars is common in these styles of window.

 

If changing all of your windows and doors at one time is too expensive, why not consider replacing the front of the house first. We can advise you on the best options to suit your home and budget, call us on 02920 734573 or build your own online quote www.inspirewindows.co.uk.

Rehau- Cardiff’s choice for UPVC Windows and Doors

Double Glazing CardiffAs a local Cardiff double glazing company we choose to fit products that will stand the test of time and outperform our competitors. Through our many years experience in the industry we have chosen to use Rehau as our preferred profile. Through fitting premium products we can offer you enhanced security for your home, a more attractive look for your property and reduce the likelihood of maintenance problems in the future. As a double glazing company who plan to be around for a long time it makes sense for us to fit windows and doors that we are proud to put our name to.

When choosing your new windows and doors it is important to decide on a company that you trust, who sell a high quality product and also have a good reputation for after sales. Unfortunately there are still a few double glazing companies who are happy to sell less technically advanced windows and doors and achieve very low profit margins, as they have no intention of dealing with maintenance problems in the future.

Rehau was founded in Germany and was one of the first companies to produce and sell UPVC window and door profiles in the UK.  Rehau frames, which are now produced in North Wales, are the market leader in UPVC windows and doors. Simply search on the internet and you will find an over whelming amount of reviewers that rate Rehau as one of the top upvc profiles.

There are many benefits to you as a customer when choosing Rehau windows and doors for your home;

Enhanced security – Our frames are reinforced with steel which not only makes the frame stronger but also gives a stronger fixing points for the locks. Our windows have between 9 and 11 locking points on every sash. Our windows and doors achieve the police approved secure by design status.

Aesthetics – Our customers can choose from two different profiles, the S706 or the Rehau edge. The latter offers a sculptured frame which lends a softer look to your new windows whereas the S706 provides a modern square edged finish.

Energy saving- All rehau frames are produced with a 3 chamber profile to reduce energy loss. Fitted with warm edged spacers, our windows easily achieve an A rating.

Discolouration- Our UPVC is produced with a unique compound that results in a smooth gloss finish ensuring your windows and doors remain as pristine as the day they were fitted.

There are many things to consider when deciding on your replacement windows and doors; our checklist identifies some on the main factors that affect the price of your double glazing.

If you are considering having new windows and doors fitted, please give us a call on 02920 734573.