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Replacement sash windows by Gowercroft Joinery

Unseen and blessedly unfelt – a revolutionary draft proofing system for sash windows

I will be honest I was not really interested in ‘just another replacement window company’ when I went to Grand Designs Live at Excel in London. I was looking for something new and innovative that would wow our blog readers. Like our Tree Tent article or the write up on LoftZone products in previous posts

However then I met David Brown on the Gowercroft Joinery stand. He was so earnestly enthusiastic about his products, that he prompted me to spend more time talking to him, and by the end of our conversation he had officially proved himself to be The Window Specialist.

Accoya Timber Treatment

We initially started the conversation discussing the merits of Accoya timber. This is a non-toxic method of treating timber to resist weather damage, by treating the wood with ascetic acid to create a durable and stable surface.

Ascetic acid (also known as vinegar) makes the timber harder and more resistant to water. The process is similar to hardening conkers in vinegar. David joked that the treatment process means that his workshop smells of fish and chips. If you ever want to visit them in North Derbyshire he will be pleased to give you the tour, but I am guessing you will feel hungry as you wander around.

How To fit Sash Windows without the drafts

Not only does David’s company sell traditional wooden windows and sliding sash replacement windows, he also has a solution for completely draft proofing your home by fitting a window with his new Sash Sealer system. So if you are thinking of fitting a window but you believe that you can only avoid drafts by getting rid of your existing sash windows for the dreaded UPVc, then think again.

Although David was enthusiastic about his Accoya Timber, what he really wanted to show me was the SashSealer, this is Gowercroft’s answer to draughty sash windows. It is a truth universally acknowledged that if you want the aesthetic features of sash windows then you have to put up with a draught. However if the display model on the stand was anything to go by, Gowercraft may have found the solution. They certainly have the test results to back up their assertions.

Proving the system works

Gowercoft have been granted a patent for the SashSealer and they chose Grand Designs Live to launch it to market, visit their website to find out more about it. David is understandably proud of the product. He explains tests by the British Standards Institute showed performances equivalent to casement windows. He says “our sliding sash windows now exceeds Class 4 Air Permeability standards”.

It is an entirely invisible system and it does not alter the way the mechanism works so it can be used in conservation and heritage areas. It can be installed on all types of sash windows including spiral balanced or weighted sash windows whether double hung, single hung or fixed configurations.

So I left the stand reminding myself that sometimes the most effective building systems are unseen once they have been installed.

Quick Fix Remedies

If your renovation doesn’t run to a replacement sash window and you need to know how to referb a sash, you can learn how to replace a sash cord or how to paint a sash window in the DIY Doctor Projects section or visit our forum for help and advice on all sorts of Do It Yourself and Home Improvement problems such as repairing rotten sash windows

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Shutters are a lovely way to dress your window, but contrary to popular belief, they are relatively easy to fit. So whether you fancy a dark wood European style or a white Caribbean look, then don’t hesitate to get started. Most shutters come with a frame and the shutters themselves, so you are able to choose where they are positioned.

Measuring
First you should divide your window into thirds vertically and measure along each of those points. Record whichever measurement is the smallest. Do the same horizontally, remembering to record the smallest measurement. This is to make sure that the frame fits within the window. Any gaps can be filled in with decorator’s caulk. Use these measurements to order your shutters.

If you wish to have a divider rail or a split in your shutters, then make sure that you measure to the right location.

If your shutters are to be placed externally rather than in the interior, then the measurement procedure is the same, but should be between the window surrounds.

Fitting
If you have opted to save money and do the fitting yourself, then when you receive your shutters, you should make sure that everything that should be included in the package is. Usually included are the pieces of frame, the shutters and the appropriate hardware. You should also read the instructions fully before you start.

The Frame
If the frame is not already constructed, then you should lay out the frame as how it should look when assembled. They may be labelled, but you should be able to figure out which piece goes where if you compare it to the window. If you’ve opted for a cafe style frame, it is common to have three pieces in the frame instead of four.

Fit the frame temporarily and mark where you are to drill holes. If you have measured it well, then the frame should hold. If the holes in the frame are big enough, you’ll be able to drill with the frame still in place and secure the frame as you go. Making sure that the frame is square and level with a spirit level or plumb bob at every step will prevent problems later on too.

The Shutters
The hinges can be the hardest part of fitting shutters and ideally would require another person. Some shutter panels and frames will have the appropriate part of the hinge already attached and all you have to do is to drop the hinge pin in and secure the hinge. Others you may have to line them up and attach them yourselves. It may be a long process of small adjustments before you get it exactly right, however, when your shutter panels hang right it will all be worth it.

Finishing Touches
Decorators’ caulk is not only good for filling in any gaps that there might be between the wall and the frame, but also covers up screw holes and screw heads.

If you’ve realised that fitting a shutter may not be that difficult after all, then check out Niche Blinds who offer a wide range of blinds, awnings and curtains as well as shutters.

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There has been a huge level of growth in the green homes industry in recent years. It seems that many of us have finally woken up to the possibility of doing something to help the planet. This is great news and one of the side effects has been the number of unusual and interesting ideas which this trend has brought with it. All these ideas complete more traditional energy efficient home improvements such as the installation of double glazing windows.

A Green Roof

Actually, green rooves aren’t all that new or unusual in some parts of the world, as they have been used for some time in Scandinavia and Germany among other places. However, in other places they are causing something of a sensation. There are a number of benefits to this kind of roof garden, from filtering pollutants out of the air to minimising storm water runoff. It looks like we will be seeing a lot more of them in the future.

Green Curtains

Now this will be a new idea for most people. In Japan there is a company which produces green curtains. This simply means that they put a leafy covering on the sides of buildings. What this does is stop too much sun getting in during the warmer months of the year, thereby cutting down on the amount of air conditioning needed to keep the place cool.

Underground Living

The idea of living under the ground just sounds too extreme for most of us when we first hear about it. However, these underground properties are said to be bright and spacious as well as extremely green. There are some stunning pictures on the internet of underground homes and if you are planning on really pushing the boat out then this could right for you. They are among the greenest homes around, of course, and most of them are modern and really rather stylish looking.

Don’t Forget the Basics, Though

These are fun and very interesting ideas which can also do a lot of good. However, before you think about putting a roof on your garden, adding plants as curtains or going underground you should think about the basics of green living. These new ideas will only work as part of an overall environmental plan which includes the likes of loft insulation, double glazing and reduced water consumption. If you are stuck for ideas then there are plenty of internet sites with lots of good tips, and the likes of the Anglian website will show you how easy it is to get rid of draughty old windows and stop losing so much heat that way. Once the basics are sorted out you will feel a lot better about making your life more environmentally friendly and might decide to go for some of the more unusual ideas.

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Installing double glazed windows can improve the overall appearance and energy efficacy of your property but you could still come across some problems with it. Continue and read on to find out what these issues are and how you can remedy them.

Adding double glazing as substitute for your current windows will offer you amazing benefits for your household aside from it being an ideal way to make your house look outstanding. New double glazing will straight away boost the electrical efficiency of your house and improve its worth. As with many things, double glazing also encounters deterioration throughout its lifetime.

We’ve detailed some of the most typical problems a lot of homeowners experience with their double glazed windows. Although many occur due to misuse and wrong installation, these could be prevented to save your investment in the long run. Listed below are 4 problems you have to be aware about:

1.    Condensed windows

Humidity, errors in assembly and non-working fittings are some of the causes of condensation in double glazing Be wary of fractures in your double glazing or fittings no longer working properly as this may cause condensation.

Significant humidity changes may cause windows to condense. In case your house is a lot hotter than the climate outside, it may cause water droplets to form. Adjust the humidity level by ensuring that moist air inside your home goes out.

2.    Broken handles and dysfunctional window locks

Broken handles in your double glazed windows can make it tough for you to properly operate your windows. With defective locks, you present yourself open from break-ins and burglary. The second you start to feel something different concerning the performance of your windows’ handles and locks, get them replaced instantly to help keep your home safe and protected.

3.    Cracked window panes

Cracked glass happen because of external factors. More often than not, they happen because of an external element applied to it. It may have been hit by a ball or by something else. Don’t preserve that cracked window pane for a long period because you are likely to experience more problems if you keep them. So be certain you have them replaced immediately to avoid condensation and safety problems from occuring.

4.    Jammed hinges

Are your window’s hinges jammed? Windows are simple home machines that still require up keeping. Have the hinges of your windows coated with lube regularly or on a routine to keep the windows functioning perfectly. You won’t have difficulty opening or shutting your windows at all.

A pleasant and safe home starts once your double glazed windows are in good order so make sure you are aware of the key areas to take care of. Addressing these four double glazing hitches are as simple as 1-2-3!

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In the current economic situation, it’s a good idea to be frugal whenever and wherever you can be. DIY is a natural frugal stepping point for the home improvement enthusiast, but there are several pitfalls for a newbie or novice to fall into. Measurement is one of the main ones, as if the initial measurement is wrong then it doesn’t matter how good a job you do at the end of the day, the job is doomed from the beginning.

Frugal options for curtains is to either make them yourself or to buy ready made curtains online, and with both these options, the measurement is vital towards the success of the project. So, here is a useful guide on how to measure for curtains:

Measure The Width

A common mistake when measuring the width for curtains is to measure the window instead of the curtain track or pole. Unlike blinds, curtains need to be measured so that the hang over the width of the window, meaning an exact measurement of the window width will result in too short curtains that won’t cover the entire window.

If you already have a curtain pole in place, then measure the length of the pole between the finials, which are the decorative ends of the pole.

If you have curtain rails, simply measure the length of the rail. If your rail has an overlap, then add the length of the overlap to the length of the rail.

When fitting a new track or pole, be sure to extend the width of the window by 15 to 20 cm on either side of the window, thereby preventing the dilemma of having curtains that won’t cover the window.

Measure The Drop

The drop of your curtains is the length which you’d like them to be. This is fully dependent on your preference, and it is currently fashionable to have long and cascading curtains meaning that the drop rolls over onto the floor. Trends aside though, you can follow these three typical measurement guide:

A: Full length – Approximately 1.5 to 3cm above floor level.

B: Above radiator-  The curtains end 1 to 3cm above the radiator.

C: Below window sill- Usually 15cm are added to the measurement of rail to window sill.

If you’re measuring from a curtain pole, remember to measure from the top track or bottom of the curtain rings to the desired drop length of your curtains.

For eyelet curtains also known as Tap Top, you’ll need to take the measurement from the very top of the curtain pole.

The measurement of the width of the curtain needs to be very precise and is the measurement which can make a break the success of the project, whereas the measurement of the drop has more flexibility and gives you the chance to try out different length ideas. If you’re not sure how long you want your curtains to be, try visualising the end result, using a spare bed sheet to guide you. Simply highlight the measurement options on the bed sheet using a non-washable fabric marker, and ask someone to hold up the sheet in front of the window, then stand back and observe. You can also fold up the sheet to give a better look at how the curtains will look in that particular length.

This article was written by Sarah Oxley on behalf of Custom Curtains, providers of quality ready made curtains you can buy online. Sarah is a home improvement and DIY enthusiast, who believes that DIY needn’t be complicated and wishes to encourage everyone to give DIY a go.

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