Category: Window Repairs

Aluminium windows
Larger windows suggest more light entering our homes– this is a big factor many of us are opting to change lumber or uPVC window frames with aluminium frames. Aluminium is stronger, so frames made from it can be thinner, which permits more glass, and more light.

That said, to keep them looking their best aluminium windows must be regularly cleaned. The precise technique you must use depends on the sort of aluminium your frames are made from.

Cleaning powder-coated aluminium windows
Among the great aspects of cleaning aluminium window frames, relative to their wood counterparts, is that they won’t ever require repainting. Instead, a layer of powder-based paint is applied before they leave the factory. This layer of paint is built to last the life time of the window, and can be cleaned with a minimum of effort.

All that’s needed to clean an aluminium window frame of this sort is a soft cloth and a little bit of soapy water. The soap will bind with any particles of oil and gunk, and you’ll be able to wipe them straight off. Don’t be tempted to use caustic cleaners or scouring pads for this task– you’ll risk damaging the frame.

Cleaning up old aluminium windows
Older aluminium windows may not have this topmost glossy layer of paint. In this case, you’ll want to use a colour-restoring item. Be aware that these products work by deteriorating the paint, which indicates you’ll want to be additional cautious near edges where the paint is thinner.

In the case of windows with no paint at all, you can manage to be a little bit more aggressive. Once again, warm soapy water is best for routine cleansing– but in order to eliminate water discolourations and the like, you may use something a bit more powerful. Buff the surface with fine steel wool and then wipe clean with a moist fabric. Be sure to dry completely.

To safeguard the aluminium against the aspects, you’ll want to use a layer of wax to the window once a year. You can do this either with a wax developed for your cars and truck (which you might have hidden in the garage someplace) or with a wax formula that’s been produced particularly with windows in mind.

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Timber windows
Timber windows are a great way of injecting a little Victorian-era beauty into your period residential or commercial property, however they’re an appealing solution for more contemporary-style outsides, too. If you’re looking for a sash window, then you’ll generally be faced with 2 materials to pick from: uPVC and Timber.

uPVC (or un-plasticised poly-vinyl chloride) is a type of plastic that’s extremely popular in windows and doors. It’s resistant and can be reshaped at heats, that makes it an affordable option. Timber, on the other hand, is a naturally-occurring product which (provided that it’s collected properly) is infinitely sustainable (and it looks great to increase).

Let’s gone through the advantages of both materials so you can figure out which one will be most ideal for your home.

What are the benefits of uPVC sash windows?

Sash window expense is unquestionably a factor that’ll affect your buying choice. uPVC has actually considerably minimised the cost of sash windows, compared to their timber equivalents.

When it pertains to running costs, the material used matter less. In fact, uPVC and wood tend to be roughly equivalent when it comes to thermal efficiency. With that stated, the lower up-front cost of uPVC sash windows makes sure to make them an attractive proposal.

uPVC windows are tough
Another crucial strength of uPVC is that it’ll stand up to basically anything nature can toss at it. You will not require to stress over water damage triggering the product to break down gradually, and minor knocks and scratches are really unlikely to cause long lasting damage.

uPVC windows do not warp
Timber is formed of fibres that will change shape in correspondence to wetness and heat. uPVC however is far more resistant to these variations.

uPVC windows are low-maintenance
Timber windows require to be dealt with sometimes if they’re to stay in tip-top condition. This might involve sanding, cleansing, and ending up– all of which might be tricky if the window is on the 3rd floor! By contrast, uPVC needs little attention; give it an occasional clean with a moist cloth and it’ll look and function just as well.

What are the benefits of timber sash windows?

Many individuals believe timber windows are more attractive than their plastic equivalents. This is particularly so if you’re installing them into a duration home, where plastic windows might watch out of place. Factors to consider like this are subjective– however the majority of us will most likely agree that an appropriately ended up wooden window frame looks better than a bright-white plastic one. Naturally, uPVC windows are offered in colours apart from white, however they are priced at a premium.

Timber windows last for a very long time
Supplied that it’s effectively looked after, the life-span of a wood window frame more than justifies the initial cost. The typical wood window will last for around 6 decades, compared to around 3 for uPVC windows. Examine the length of the warranty on offer for extra peace of mind– we offer a forty-year assurance versus rot and fungal issues on our softwood substances.

Timber windows are environmentally friendly
It may seem obvious that timber ought to be greener than uPVC. Plastics are produced using oils that have come out of the ground– oils that can’t be replaced when they’ve been extracted. Timber, by contrast, comes from trees that can be replanted over and over again. Naturally, this is meaningless if the timber in question isn’t acquired properly. That’s why we guarantee our Timber windows are FSC certified, and supply a Chain of Custody on request. That way you can see precisely how the products concerned arrive in your windows!

Timber windows are easy to customise
One significant edge that wood windows have over uPVC is that they can be customised. uPVC windows and doors are destined to stay in the same shape for the duration of their lives– they can be melted down and reshaped into a brand-new window, but they can’t be modified when they’re in location. This implies that if you’re wanting to drill into your window to install a brand-new lock, or you ‘d like a various set of manages or hinges, you’ll need to go with timber windows.

That said, bolting on new hardware isn’t the only method you might want to personalise your windows. You might want to purchase your window incomplete, and then apply your own coat of paint. Timber is the only product that’ll enable this. uPVC windows, by contrast, aren’t made to be painted, which implies you’re stuck with whatever colour you at first select.

What should you select– timber or uPVC sash windows?
When choosing whether to select a timber or a uPVC sash window, you’ll need to evaluate what’s crucial to you, and what the very best match will be for your house. If you’re upgrading the windows on a period home, wood tends to be the better choice. You might even find that planning consent limitations prohibit you from choosing anything else.

On the other hand, if you’re purchasing for a more modern property– and perhaps changing a set of existing white uPVC windows, then uPVC might hold greater appeal. It’s also worth thinking about just how much time you’re likely to buy taking care of your windows– particularly if they’re being set up someplace challenging to reach.

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Windows with external shutters.
While sash windows offer a particular feel and look (to the point that they’re a nearly indispensable feature of period residential or commercial properties), traditional wooden sash windows can be somewhat challenging to keep. One particular problem occurs when you come to paint them– do it incorrect, and you’ll wind up painting over the edges of the window and sealing it shut. Learn how to do it appropriately in our easy guide to painting sash windows.

What if my sash window is stuck?
If your sash window is stuck to paint, do not stress– there’s an easy fix. All you require is a blade that’s thin enough to slice through the paint without interfering with the surrounding wood. A Stanley knife is an apparent candidate.

Run the knife slowly along the edge of the frame. If the paint shows too durable, then your next action should be to utilize a steel scraper, and failing that, a hammer and sculpt. You may discover that any resistance provided by the window will disappear rapidly, so do not be lured to risk damaging the window with excessive force.

How to paint a sash window.
Of course, it’s much better to avoid the issue in the first place than need to fix it. By taking a bit more care the next time you paint your window, you’ll have the ability to prevent needing to break out the Stanley knife. Let’s run through how to paint sash windows so they don’t stick.

1. Get rid of the ironmongery.
   Initially, you’ll want to eliminate the ironmongery on your window. You’ll likewise wish to clean up the existing layers of paint. If you do not they’ll build up each time you paint the window, and ultimately, the window will get stuck to paint.

To do this, just sand down the wood and completely tidy up any dust you leave (because you actually don’t wish to paint over the top of it).

2. Paint the mullions.
   You’ll need to reverse the sashes in order to gain access to every part of the window. The sash you’ve pressed to the top should be painted first, from the mullions (the components that divide the window– as seen in the photo) outwards.

sash window with mullions.
Paint one side and after that the other, developing coats for a smooth finish. Repeat the treatment on the lower sash.

3. Paint the frames.
   Next, go back to the upper sash and paint the frame, along with the refund into which the upper sash will slot. Push the sash upwards however not so far that the painted surface areas fulfil (this is where sticks can develop). You’re practically done!
4. Paint the remainder of the window.
   Finally, you can paint the case and cill. You can then use a window-scraper to tidy up any splatters you may have left on the windows.

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When you invest money into things such as double glazing and uPVC windows, you’re going to wish to keep them in good condition to guarantee that there are no future maintenance expenses associated with them. By investing money in double glazing you will be left with very strong and long lasting uPVC windows.

Among the greatest selling points for uPVC double glazed windows is that they are extremely low maintenance which is why they’re such a popular choice as a structure material in brand-new building and constructions. It is also commonly used in double glazed doors throughout both industrial and houses. Many merchants and sites suggest uPVC windows because of its innovative design and innovation as these types of double glazed windows do not rot or warp and will not need re-painting. We all understand how tired a house can look when the surrounds of windows look old and grubby.

uPVC when used for double glazed windows and doors are extremely resilient and direct sunlight, water and wind have extremely little long term effect on the windows as they barely oxidise. Unlike other plastic items which may produce a powdery residue when left outside for too long uPVC does refrain from doing this for that reason the life span on uPVC windows is extremely long.

While the doors and windows will not need maintenance you will need to clean them like anything else as wind kicks up dust and gunk, trees drop their leaves and birds can do their service anywhere, but the maintenance will be at a really minimum. UPVC is very easy to clean, if the inside of your windows get a bit grubby or dirty all you need is a damp cloth and some washing up liquid, absolutely nothing taxing or challenging. While cleaning the outside keep in mind that uPVC can be rather easy to scratch so for dried on marks loosen up the dirt before scrubbing and scraping to guarantee you do not harm them. Products which are created to help clean cars and trucks are ideal for usage on the windows.

If you’re cleaning up double glazed doors or windows which are heavier soiled then use a cream based restroom cleaner such as Cif, or a professional uPVC cleaning fluid. No matter what you use make certain that you wash the uPVC surrounds completely later on to make sure that no residue is left. When using cleaning fabrics opt for a sponge or soft fabric, or for something more stubborn a non-scratch washing up sponge but do not use an abrasive fabric. If you use something like a steel cleansing pad you run a high danger of scratching the double glazing window surrounds.

When cleaning the glass itself a microfibre cloth with a little water suffices to shift most marks and grim but a bit of detergent is enough to leave anything else. It’s wise to not use a pressure washer though as although doors and windows are designed to keep out water if used at a high pressure straight at it they may not be completely watertight.

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