Window types

1. Flush casement. This is a traditional cottage style window with the frame and casement being flush on the outside.
2. Storm casement. With this style of window the casement sits proud of the frame and overlaps it on the outside they are generally a more contemporary design, and are common with uPVC windows.
3. Sliding sash. The classic box sash window commonly found on Georgian and Victorian house. They work by using a counter weight of lead built into the sides of the window frame forming the ‘Box’ and operated using a cord and pulley.
4. Sprung sash. This is a modern alternative to the sliding box sash window and works with a twisted steel bar fitted into a plastic tube located in a channel on each side of the casements.
5. Glazing bars. These can be fitted to any of the above window types. It was traditional used to support the single glazed panes of glass. However with a double glazed window they take the form of a false bar stuck onto the glass each side with a duplex bar between the glass to give the impression of separate pains. It is a very effective way to achieve a traditional look, while maintaining the advantages of double glazing.

Timber types

1. Softwood. This is a selected redwood grown sustainable in northern Europe. It is the most keenly priced of the timbers to use, however it is not as hard wearing as others and is susceptible to rot and movement over time.
2. Hardwood. There are a few hardwoods that lend themselves to the manufacture of windows and doors. The main one being Sapele. There are slow grown tropical timbers with a tight straight grain that is stable and long lasting.
3. Oak. The prince of timbers, this is only used when you are looking for a solid oak window with a natural finish, either oiled or stained.
4. Accoya. This is a plantation grown pine that undergoes a special treatment this makes the timber very stable and will give a very high quality long lasting product.

Glass types

1. Single glassing. This is normally 4mm and held in with putty. It would only be advised to use where you are complying with a conservation project.
2. Annealed double glazed. Standard units suitable for all windows above 800mm from the finished floor, or more then 300mm from a door.
3. Toughened double glazed units. These safety glass units are used in any windows below 800mm and in all doors and adjacent windows.
4. Softcoat or low ‘E’. These are coating that are applied to the inside of the inner pane of a double glazed unit and are used to increase the thermal heat loss and give a higher ‘U’ value to the window to comply with building regulations.
5. Argon gas. This is injected between the two panes of glass into the sealed cavity and increases the thermal property of the glass and the overall performance of the window.

Ironmogery

1. Traditional. This take the form of square hinges, casement stays and latches. These are found on standard square casements. There is a large range of traditional and contemporary designs and can easily match existing windows.
2. Espag. This is a multi-point lock system used on high performance doors and windows. It gives the advantage of added security and when fitted in conjunction with friction stays gives high performance functionality and ease of use.
3. Friction stays. This have been developed for the uPVC and Aluminium market and when used in conjunction with a modern timber window works very well and gives the added advantage of easy cleaning and security.

Finish

1. Raw. Left un-finished in the bare timber to be finished on site.
2. Primed. A high performance micro porous primer is spray applied to the windows ready to be top coated after installation.
3. Fully finished. This is done with a micro porous paint system and can be supplied in any colour. It is achieved in three coats and leaves the window ready to fit. Care should be taken during the installation to protect the paint finish.
4. Stained. A clear coating containing a coloured stain is applied to the windows to complement the timber. In order to achieve a protective coating the stain colour will mask most of the base timber and can look a little synthetic.
5. Oiled. This is really only used on Oak and allows the timber to maintain is original colour and caricature and greatly enhances the beauty of the timber. It can be used on other hardwoods if required. It is applied with a cloth and is easily maintained.

Links

1. Local authority planning permission and building control for window and doors.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/doorswindows/