WHAT ARE CASEMENT WINDOWS?
A casement is a window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side. They are used singularly or in pairs within a common frame, in which case they are hinged on the outside.
Window casements are generally manufactured out of timber, uPVC or aluminium. uPVC casements are more commonly used in standard construction due to their low maintenance and range of colours and finishes.
WHAT ARE BOX SASH OR SLIDING SASH WINDOWS?
These are a more traditional window where the opening sashes are split in height giving a top and bottom sash, that either slides up or down to open and close. The term box sash is due to the outer frame being formed as a hollow timber box. This box section conceals weights inside that are connected to the outer edges of the sliding sashes and will counterbalance the weight of the sashes when open, allowing the sashes to be opened by any amount.
Modern versions are available in UPVC and timber that do not work with a weight balanced system, but with a mechanical spring fitted to the outer edges of the casement enabling the same operational use.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CASEMENT & BOX SASH WINDOWS?
Casement & box sash windows have endless methods of customisation, always looking attractive in either timber, uPVC, or aluminium
Since traditional casement windows open outward, they have no trouble feeding any room or space with the desired amount of ventilation
All casement windows can be manufactured to accommodate any size or shape aperture you need
It is possible to add almost any glass design into your casement window frames, including double glazing, bevelled designs, feature glazing & stained glass
uPVC casements require low short-term maintenance but may need replacing to match the life span of a house
Aluminium casements have a reasonable life span and have a powder coated finish, most colours are available
Timber windows will need maintenance every 4-5 years but are far more environmentally friendly regarding materials, manufacturing & sustainability
All types of windows can have replaceable double glazing and weather strips
WHAT IS THE INSTALLATION PROCESS OF A WINDOW?
There are various methods of installing windows dependant on the type of window being installed and the sub structure that it is to be fixed to, along with the general design of the building regarding cavities and singe wall structures etc. Also, a window installed for the first time may be fixed differently to a replacement window throughout the duration of a structure's existence.
It is important to allow a sensible fitting tolerance for windows that are being installed after the wall structure has been built. Traditionally many window styles were installed as the structural wall was being constructed, but this is a rarity now.
In modern construction it is common to have a sub-frame supplied by the window manufacturer of which the various trades can build into the structural wall, this sub frame will determine the size of the structural opening ensuring the size to suit that of the window, enabling the windows to be made whilst the walls are being built.
The positioning of the window regarding the thickness of the wall is important with the many variable construction methods of structure and ordinarily the Architect will supply a sectional drawing to indicate the requirements, here thermal bridging and weathering issues are addressed.
There are various ways of sealing the perimeter of a window depending upon the window and structure materials used, from silicone and mastic sealants to weathering strips that expand when wet and various cover mould details. The window manufacturer or Architect details will guide this specification.
Payne Carpentry have extensive experience in the many types of windows. We manage our clients’ needs by providing time and cost saving solutions by carrying out the following compulsory works procedures as part of our standard service.
We have been leading Devon’s carpentry industry with superior quality, reliable communication and efficient, effective solutions. If you have a project you would like us to work on, we would love to hear from you.