The window manufacturing industry is now seeing a notable resurgence in the traditional sash window, also referred to as the “Box Sash” or “Sliding Sash Window”. This specific style of window frame will never become obsolete because it is an integral part of heritage buildings and a major feature within the legislation of local conservation authorities.

The majority of proprietors owning traditional buildings have no wish to remove these windows, whether their property is used for residential or commercial purposes. This is because the sash window gives so much character to almost any building in which it resides, and has been proven to increase value and saleability.

The most notable upturn with these windows is that they’re now commonly being designed into new build projects. Admittedly at the moment this is generally focused at the higher end of the market where there is likely to be a greater flexibility toward rather than constraints on budgets, but there is no doubt that the sash windows popularity is as strong as ever.

Over recent years there have been a number of improvements made to the sash window with greater seals, smooth action guides and the introduction of high insulation double glazing. The only issue with double glazing in a sash window is when Georgian style or marginal bars are incorporated into the design. To hide the spacer bar and unit sealant between the two panes of glass in a double glazed unit means that these Georgian or marginal bars have to be increased in section. On extremely large windows this is not a major issue, but on smaller windows or those with a large number of glazing sections the difference is notable.

To alleviate this problem there is now a new glazing unit called “Slimlite” which manages to achieve the same levels of insulation as a standard double glazed unit, yet is manufactured with a greatly reduced cavity, spacer bar and sealant. This unit provides the appearance of a single pane of glass allowing the window to be constructed in a traditional slim-bar style yet delivers all the insulation you would expect from a modern window.

Like all new and innovative products there is a cost involved, and one that some may find a little excessive. However, those prepared to go the extra mile by installing, or replacing traditional sash windows, and if necessary “Slimlite” glazing, can rest assured that the financial layout is a strong investment.

The oldest of sash windows have lasted literally hundreds of years, and their successors which have the added benefits of the modern age will be even more reliable. Installing sash windows today is really a once in a lifetime event as long as a realistic amount of maintenance is upheld.

There are few products where you can be guaranteed of such long term character, charm and reliability, and also know that you are upholding or improving a property’s appearance and value. By installing sash windows you will have done exactly that.

Sustainability is now a huge issue on a global scale. Across the planet, governments and their populations are increasingly aware of their impact upon the environment and are looking for ways to minimize their “Carbon Footprint”.

Initially the focal point of environmental pollution reduction was toward aerosols and vehicle exhaust fumes, but we now know that we must look at the effects of everything we do. With a planetary population of over 6 billion and growing, the issues of renewable energy sources, recycling and product sustainability have never been more important.

For each individual household there are a number of major areas where they can immediately lower their environmental impact. Using low energy lighting, taking more showers rather than filling a full bath and correctly insulating their property to minimize heat loss are some obvious areas that can be addressed fairly quickly. Other areas require far more planning and outlay but are just as, if not more important than the aforementioned.

Your choice of windows will have an environmental impact in the long and short term. Timber is by Far the best material from both an insulation and environmental perspective. Some may argue that over the years deforestation has had a heavy impact on the planet and for this reason they would not choose timber or wooden windows. Although this is undeniable there is also no denying that timber is both a sustainable source and environmentally friendly.

In the developed world there is now great emphasis on reforestation and tree management. The Scandinavians, Europeans and North Americans have led the way and the rest of the world has either caught on or soon will. They will have no choice in following suit because the average consumer is now genuinely concerned whether the product they are purchasing is coming from a sustainable source or not. Those that refuse to employ reforestation and sustainability policies will find their customers dwindling dramatically. The additional growth in government legislation on such issues will further strengthen the worldwide call for global sustainability and reforestation of those areas that have been hardest hit.

Once satisfied that the timber used to construct your windows and doors comes from a sustainable source you can enjoy the other advantages of choosing this material. Timber is biodegradable so it actually has a positive effect if put straight into landfill. It can also be broken down for compost or even incinerated for biomass energy, which releases a minimal amount of carbon in comparison to the combustion of fossil fuels.

The most important thing for the end consumer is long term durability. Timber windows are durable, easily repaired and maintainable. The modern coatings and pressure treatments available have further increased timbers durability. There are even timbers such as “Accoya” that is pickled and carries a 60 year guarantee.

Timber windows and doors have proven themselves and stood the test of time when they are well manufactured and maintained. Even now there are timber windows in place that are well over a hundred years old. With that being the case along with all the modern construction methods, high quality security and operation mechanisms, durable coatings and timbers natural appeal, it’s hard to understand why an end user would consider any other material. The test of time has now proven beyond doubt that the composite materials such as UPVC are not as first promised “No Maintenance”. There really is no such thing!

Timber has been proven over centuries and is likely to be the best choice for centuries to come.

Now that a staircase is seen as a main feature in a property there is a lot more emphasis on the overall design. In anything other than the absolute grandest of properties the stairs had generally been seen as solely a means of access between floors. Nowadays this is certainly not the case, and homeowners, property developers, architects and designers are all heavily focused on ensuring that the staircase they install is an integral part of the overall design concept.

There is a wide variety of materials from which a staircase can be constructed. Although timber has historically been the most common material, stone, glass and metal are now often used either as the primary material, or as part of a combination to attain the desired effect. These materials can all be incorporated in innumerable methods and areas within the stair construction, and each will deliver a different concept.

The only drawback to using materials that are ultra modern is that they can quite quickly date or go out of fashion. This is not such an encumbrance when your buying an item of clothing, but when your money has been spent on such a permanent structure as a staircase it’s advisable to ensure that the design will compliment the property for a relatively long duration. For this reason a slight compromise in material combination may well provide the best option. For example, a glass and steel staircase whilst modern and contemporary at the time of installation may quickly look out of place. This is often because both materials are manmade and can look too hard. The best way to alleviate this situation is to combine one manmade material with one that is natural like glass and timber or metal and stone. Such combinations have far greater longevity.

It is essential that the staircase you choose is complimentary to the building you intend it for. It’s also advisable to not get too rigid with a design that you feel look stunning in a magazine or showroom if it won’t deliver the same effect in the position you intend it to be placed. This mistake is often evident with swept and spiral or open rise stairs.

The right staircase will compliment a property, add to its character by being a feature in itself and be able to cope with changes in décor. This type of staircase is an asset to a property and can increase its value. The wrong type of staircase can become an eyesore and use up unnecessary space that would be better used for another purpose.

The main points when deciding to install a new staircase are 1) which location? Where will the staircase sit and why? 1) What configuration? How will the staircase layout compliment the property and effect the space around it, should it be straight, have a small landing perhaps with angled step, return on itself etc. 3) What design? Which materials should be used, should the spindles sit on the steps or in a rail, open or closed risers etc.

All of these points should be covered by your supplier or designer. Taking the time to get your staircase right will be a long term investment and something that can give you great pleasure for many years to come.    

A front entrance door is an individual item in any property. Therefore it can and should make a statement. There are a number of factors to take into consideration when choosing a new front door, yet some of the most important ones are all too often overlooked.

Security is always the primary issue with any entrance door, and this should not be compromised in any way. The security of a front door is reliant upon two factors. The first is the composition of the material from which the door is constructed, and the second is the strength of its locking system. The strongest doors by far are either composite engineered or solid timber. These doors are almost impossible to break through, whereas those constructed with upvc panels are relatively easy to destruct.

Having a front door that is structurally sound is imperative. However, if the method of securing the door in its closed position is sub-standard then the doors solid structure in itself is useless. As almost all front doors open inwards, an intruder applying their weight in the right place to a door that is not secured properly is all it takes to gain entry. Unfortunately the majority of people rely upon nothing more than a simple Yale style lock. With this kind of lock the security is based on a simple receiver that is screwed to the frame. A relatively small amount of body weight can easily dislodge this. All Yale locks should be accompanied by a dead lock situated at the midpoint of the door. When activated, the deadlock is inserted into the frame providing far greater security.

All modern doors and frames should have multi point locking systems. These are either operated by turning the handle upwards then being locked into position with a key, or by turning a key a number of times that activates the bolts. These are commonly on all upvc doors, but are now just as freely available for timber doors also.

Choosing the right style of front door will depend upon your individual taste and what is most fitting with the property. For example, putting an extremely traditional panelled door on an ultra modern house or vice versa is a confliction. Although as the front door of a property is an individual item there are no set rules on what a homeowner should do.

Many people prefer to incorporate glass into their front doors and frames to both add character and allow greater penetration of natural light. This glass should always be toughened in accordance with current building regulations. However, for greater security and safety, laminated glass is far more effective. Laminated is actually two pieces of glass that has a plastic film between them that holds them together. Rather than shattering like toughened glass, laminated stays together and is very difficult to breakthrough.

Your supplier should give you the best advice regarding which material, design, security system and glazing to use in your front entrance door.    

For the appearance and security of any building, its windows and doors are of utmost importance. Fortunately the householder and end consumer today has a far more reliable and wider choice range than ever before.

The most important factors for anyone having new windows are cost, and a style that’s in keeping with the character of their property. Anyone who is constricted by a tight budget should focus mainly upon upvc. The modern upvc windows are well constructed, secure and still relatively cost effective because the upvc market has the most supplier competition. Although white upvc is by far the most common window, wood grain effect windows in rosewood mahogany and golden oak are also available in upvc plastic. These are more expensive but give added character and weather a little better than the white option.

Aluminium windows were first installed into timber framing surrounds, but nowadays the modern powder coated aluminium windows are a stand alone item that are most commonly used in contemporary homes and commercial buildings. Aluminium is certainly at the more expensive end of the cost scale but probably the most suitable for extremely modern and contemporary homes. These windows certainly do not look like a natural product by any means, and they’re not meant to, but they can be powder coated to any colour and have unquestionable durability.

Having new windows constructed from timber gives the greatest variation of options. Timber does have a budget range but the majority of manufacturers will recommend medium or high quality hardwoods which provide maximum durability to the elements. From all three options, timber is the only natural product, which in itself is extremely appealing. New timber windows can also be moulded and shaped into a range of styles and are by far the most suitable for traditional or period buildings, although the flexibility to mould the timber to any preferred style means that timber can be used for new windows in any building or home. Obviously the natural element means that new timber windows will require treatment every 3-5 years. However, the high quality modern paint and lacquer applications have improved dramatically and are extending this timescale dramatically.

Regardless of the material or style that is chosen to construct new windows in, the finished article should provide reliable security, a total seal from the elements and enhance the character and value of the property they occupy.             

The primary reason for householders installing a spiral staircase in their home is the aesthetic appeal. From a design perspective, a spiral staircase will certainly stand out and may well be the focal point in an overall design concept. Their popularity has been steady for decades. In fact the last decade has seen a noted growth in demand for this style of staircase.

Despite this, there are certain things to consider before installing a spiral staircase. The steps on spirals are angled, with the smallest part being at the centre. We all take the shortest route up and down any flight of stairs, and on a spiral, or even a normal staircase with angled (kited) landing steps this is the area with the least foot space. Whether climbing up or coming down, this limited foot space dramatically increases the likelihood of slipping and falling. So when you have a spiral staircase, and especially one that has a narrow width, it’s very important to consciously take the widest route going up or down and make full use of the handrail. The wider spiral staircase is always the safer one, especially those that have handrails on both sides and don’t pivot around a single central post.

There is also a common misconception that a spiral staircase is a space-saving item. In truth, the area that is occupied by a spiral staircase can, in most cases, easily accommodate a conventional staircase. Often a conventional staircase is actually a better option and will afford a far greater feeling of space in the stairwell. Space saving stairs are steep with paddle steps and are used in extremely tight areas that cannot take either a conventional or spiral staircase.

Anyone who has a narrow spiral staircase or one that takes up the whole area of their stairwell will understand the difficulty in moving furniture between floors. The design may well be appealing to the eye, but as with any product, this does not necessarily mean that functionality will be sufficient for the immediate purpose.

Before purchasing a spiral staircase, ensure you experience walking up and down one that is of same or similar design and size to the one you intend to install.

The installation of wooden and timber windows took an enormous dip during the late eighties when homeowners began turning toward UPVC. The promise of zero maintenance plastic windows easily overshadowed the budget timber window which was commonly problematic. The old wooden window required high levels of maintenance due to movement, weathering and rot, and the market was crying out for an alternative to alleviate these stressful problems.

Although plastic windows filled the void, it’s obvious that people hadn’t completely fallen out of love with the traditional wooden window as many of the upvc styles were designed to imitate timber. This is clearly evident in the upvc designs of “Rosewood” that imitates mahogany, and the rich looking “Golden Oak”. Later designs were even made to imitate the most traditional of timber windows, the sliding sash, also known as the box frame window. Obviously the look of natural wood is as appealing as ever, but the hassle element was more than enough to persuade the masses to opt for plastic.

However, the window industry is experiencing a resurgence of demand for traditional wooden windows, and there are a number of reasons to explain why. Although the changes are nowhere near as swift, fashion is just as relevant in the construction industry as it is on the catwalk. What’s in today will be out tomorrow, or at least in twenty years or so. That same twenty years has also given plenty of time to evaluate the long term performance of plastic, and it’s now obvious that there’s no such thing as “No Maintenance”, just ask anyone who has watched their upvc windows discolour, or struggled to make minor repairs without replacing the entire window.

Timber merchants and wooden window manufacturers have learnt from the mistakes of yesteryear and improved their products enormously. Durability has improved dramatically, especially as there are now timbers such as “Accoya” that come with a massive 60 year guarantee. Wood preservatives and finishing’s have also made huge advancements, and spray finishing prior to installation is becoming common. Many of the spray-finish wood coatings of today even carry their own personal protection guarantees. Additionally, the mechanisms and locking systems that operate and secure the moving parts of a window give the end user peace of mind. With the added bonus of wood being a sustainable, bio degradable product that won’t harm the environment long term, it’s no surprise that there is far greater confidence in timber windows than ever before.

For anyone harbouring fears that timber windows will still be problematic in comparison to plastic, you need not worry, in fact, the reverse is more likely. Plus, as the famous chocolate advertising slogan goes, “Why have cotton, when you can have silk”!

Of all the timber species available, Oak is by far the most popular. It is in fact the “Rolls Royce”, or 24 carat gold of timbers on a fashion scale, and is used for all manner of products within the construction and furniture industries.

A solid oak staircase makes a statement in any property. Although we traditionally see Oak stairs in grand stately, Victorian and Edwardian properties, they are by no means limited to these dwellings alone. The huge growth in popularity of designer stairs means that people now see their staircase as a feature rather than just a simple means of access between floor levels, and T.V programmes such as “Grand Designs”, “Build, Buy or Restore” and “Property Ladder” have focused on making the staircase a fashionable item that deserves special attention during a build or renovation project.

Oak is a strong and durable timber with a natural colouration that can easily blend with a design colour scheme. It also has more than enough individual character to make a statement within a stand alone item or main feature of a property, which is why it’s still so popular for constructing stairs, even in modern homes of today.

Should you decide to have a completely solid oak timber staircase, or mix oak with other materials such as stainless steel or glass to create a more modern concept it’s worth understanding a few things about the timber itself.

Oak is sourced from a number of countries so there are variations in colouration and grain character. For example, European and American white are both strains of oak but look very different on closer inspection. The oak tree also branches out very early so sourcing extremely long lengths for large straight staircases can be difficult. The timber can also be highly defective with knots and shake, and although this is partly what gives it character, manufacturers must allow for a greater portion of waste. Subsequently, these points will be reflected in the final costs.

Due to its fashionable status, many people will not consider an alternative timber for their staircase, but it’s worth knowing that close alternatives do exist. American white ash is much cheaper than oak yet holds easily as much character, and it’s slightly lighter natural colouration allows for simple colour matching. In fact, a high percentage of end users actually prefer ash once they compare it directly to oak. The other alternative would be African Idigbo. This timber is generally used for exterior products (Although not exclusively) but when stained with a light oak coating gives a close colour match to real oak. Idigbo would be best suited to a period building or barn conversion, whereas ash is suitable for any interior, whether traditional or modern.

One thing is certain. Installing an oak staircase, or feature staircase of any kind will be an investment that enhances your properties value.

Patio doors first came onto the scene in the 70’s when the then modern aluminium sliding doors became fashionable. These doors have lasted fairly well, and there are still a few residential properties that have them in place today. However, the one draw back to this style of door is the reduced opening due to their parallel sliding action, which results in only 50% of the available space giving ventilation at any one time. This older style of patio door was also extremely metallic looking, and almost always silver.

The only other option to the modern patio door in those days was traditional French doors, which are still very popular today, especially in period properties. French doors usually open outwards (although not exclusively), and if they’re hung on parliament hinges will fold back a full 180 degrees against the property wall, and open up the entire space out onto the patio or garden area. The only draw-back with French doors is they have a limit to their size. For people with above average sized houses that also have of an open aspect of anything greater than 2 metres in width, French doors have to be placed into a large frame with glazing panels to each side. Although this is fine for light penetration, it doesn’t take full advantage of the available space.

Bi fold doors or folding sliding doors as they’re also referred to are designed from the same concept as concertina doors that usually separate two rooms. Concertina doors are not suitable for exterior use, and can often be problematic as room dividers because of their feeble construction. Bi folding doors have dealt with both the interior and exterior aspects that we want to fully open or use for dual purposes. Their sturdy construction, high level of security and ease of operation make them appealing, especially as you also get full light penetration into the area they occupy. The folding sliding doors are ideal for homes and businesses who want the option of a greater feeling of space.

Even though bi fold doors cover a huge range of sizes, once we advance to extremely large spaces that are commonly seen on modern extensions spanning the full width of a property it may be time to look again at the original sliding patio door. Rather than having ten to twelve doors covering an equal amount of metres and perhaps looking a little repetitive, the new sliding patio doors can cover huge distances and still be extremely aesthetically pleasing. Gone are the days of sliding patio doors only being available in a two door system. Three, four, even six door systems are now readily available, and are constructed from much sturdier materials than the originals. The new lift and slide patio door systems are available for openings as small as 2 metres, right up to the biggest opening spaces on a private swimming pool, entertainment room or wine bar. The doors are available in either powder coated aluminium or a range of hardwood timbers from specialist manufacturers.

Once decided upon timber as a material, there are a number of things to consider which help ensure you choose the right species for your needs.

First of all, is the timber going to be located externally or internally, and what kind of finish and character do you want the timber to achieve? If your product will be outdoors and you are going to paint the wood your preferred colour, then there’s the possibility cost-effective softwood will suffice, as long as it receives the right treatments and aftercare. If however you prefer a wood with richer character and greater durability, then there are broad selections of hardwood timbers to choose from.  

When using exterior hardwoods it’s advisable to look at those with a medium to darker natural colour as they will be less likely to show weathering. Lighter hardwoods such as oak, although very appealing, can tend to discolour easily if not well protected or in some way guarded from the elements. Certain hardwoods, for example American white ash are simply not suitable for exterior exposure at all.

There are specific exterior timbers best suited when you want to achieve a weathered effect, perhaps for a barn conversion or period building. Oak, Western red cedar and Iroko are good examples of natural timbers that will be consistently durable and achieve the desired look by turning silver over time.

If sustaining the natural character of the wood is your preference then a good quality sealant is essential. A clear, micro-porous varnish will allow the wood to naturally expand and contract without the sealant cracking and exposing the timber to the elements. However, there are many different kinds of coatings and their suitability may well depend upon the elevation the product will face, so consulting an expert before application is advisable.

For interior wood products that are being painted there is no great advantage of using hardwood, so a soft or redwood either stained or painted will meet almost any need. For hardwoods the focus is generally on character and contrast to the overall interior design concept. Therefore wood grain and colouration should be of paramount importance.   

It’s important to realise that wood is a natural product and can subsequently expand and contract due to temperature and moisture changes. Although temperatures change externally, the quick temperature rises from heating systems in the home can cause timber to move, especially if the heat is directly aimed at the product. Always ensure your products are constructed from kiln dried timber with low moisture content. When installing new solid timber doors, stack the doors flat on top of each other and leave them to acclimatize for a few weeks before they are hung.

Your manufacturer should always advise the most suitable timbers for your purpose. Taking the time to make the right choice will give the greatest chance of your product lasting a lifetime.