7c669261

Designing a Front Entrance Door

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:29:14 GMT

Designing a Stunning Timber Entrance Door

Inspiration and Vision

Before diving into the design process, take some time to gather inspiration and define your vision. Explore various architectural styles, visit design blogs, and browse through magazines to identify elements that resonate with you. Consider your home's overall aesthetic, whether it's modern, rustic, traditional, or eclectic. Visualizing the door's design in the context of your home's façade is a crucial first step.

Timber Selection

The type of timber you choose will greatly influence the door's appearance and durability. Popular choices include European Oak or Accoya (acetylated timber). Each timber species has its own unique grain patterns, colors, and characteristics.

Design Elements

Style: Choose a style that aligns with your home's architecture. Options range from classic panel doors to contemporary designs with clean lines.
Panels: Decide on the number of panels you want on the door. Panels can add depth and visual interest.
Glass Inserts: Glass can introduce light and elegance. Decide if you want a small window or a full-length glass panel and choose from various glass types like frosted, stained, or textured.
Hardware: Select door handles, knobs, and hinges that match the door's style. The hardware can greatly impact the door's overall aesthetic.
Finish: Consider the finish you want, such as stain, paint, or a natural wood finish. The choice of finish can bring out the timber's character and protect it from the elements.

Customisation

One of the benefits of timber doors is their customization potential. Work with a skilled carpenter or door manufacturer to create a door tailored to your specifications. They can help you realize intricate carvings, unique patterns, or custom inlays to make your door truly one-of-a-kind.

Sustainability

Opt for timber sourced from sustainable forestry practices. Choosing responsibly harvested timber ensures you're making an eco-conscious choice. Additionally, timber is a natural insulator, contributing to energy efficiency in your home.

Functionality and Security

While aesthetics are essential, don't compromise on functionality and security. Ensure your door provides a secure lock system and consider features like weatherstripping to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Designing a timber front door is an exciting endeavour that allows you to make a lasting impression while enhancing the functionality and security of your home. By carefully considering your vision, timber selection, design elements, and customization options, you can craft a stunning timber front door that not only complements your home's style but also tells a story of craftsmanship and beauty. A well-designed timber front door is more than an entryway; it's an expression of your home's personality and your personal style.

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Energy Efficient Glass

Fri, 05 May 2023 14:10:56 GMT

Softcoat Glass and the Benefits

Softcoat glass, also known as low-emissivity (low-e) glass, is a type of energy-efficient glass that has a thin coating of metal or metallic oxide applied to the surface of the glass. The coating reflects heat back into the room, helping to keep the interior of a building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Compared to regular glass, soft coat glass can reduce energy loss by up to 30-50%, which can lead to significant cost savings on heating and cooling bills. Softcoat glass is also effective at reducing the amount of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation that passes through the glass, which can help protect interior furnishings and fabrics from fading.

There are two types of soft coat glass: pyrolytic and magnetron sputtered. Pyrolytic soft coat glass is made by applying a coating of metal oxide to the surface of the glass while it is still hot from the manufacturing process. Magnetron sputtered soft coat glass, on the other hand, is made by using a vacuum deposition process to apply the coating to the glass.

Overall, soft coat glass is a popular choice for windows in energy-efficient buildings, as it provides a high level of thermal insulation while still allowing natural light to enter the building.

Soft coat glass offers several benefits for homeowners, including:

Energy savings: Softcoat glass can significantly reduce the amount of heat lost through windows in the winter, and the amount of heat gained in the summer. This can result in lower heating and cooling bills and help homeowners save money on their energy costs.
Comfort: By reducing heat loss and gain, soft coat glass can help maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature year-round. This can improve the overall comfort of a home and reduce the need for additional heating or cooling.
UV protection: Soft coat glass also blocks a significant amount of UV radiation, which can fade fabrics, carpets, and furnishings over time. By reducing the amount of UV radiation that enters a home, soft coat glass can help protect interior decor from fading and damage.
Noise reduction: Soft coat glass can also help reduce noise transmission through windows, which can be particularly beneficial for homes located in noisy areas, near busy roads or airports.
Environmental benefits: The energy savings associated with soft coat glass can also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option for homeowners who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Overall, the benefits of soft coat glass can help improve a homeowner's quality of life, reduce their energy costs, and provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly living environment.

Approved Document F - Do I Need Trickle Vents?

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 13:21:58 GMT

Trickle Ventilation

The changes to the latest building regulations were published back in December 2021, and come into effect on 15th June 2022. They relate to Approved Document F (Ventilation) of Building Control specifically in regard to the use of Trickle Vents in replacement windows is domestic dwellings. The rules apply to installations where the surrounding frame works are being replaced and the property is not Grade I, Grade II or in a Conservation Area (where different rules apply to ensure the integrity of the architecture is maintained.

What is a Trickle Vent?

A Trickle Vent is a small plastic Vent situated in the Head of the Frame of Doors, Casement and Sash Windows and bespoke joinery screens in external applications. It's primary function is to provide continuous and discreet background ventilation into the property, and has become mandatory in new installations post June 2022.

In most applications the Trickle Vent can be positioned in such a way that it is significantly less noticeable but still provides the benefits of having the background ventilation. It's important if you are unsure to discuss with the Fenestration Surveyor the position of the Vents prior to installation.

The Trickle Vent Decision Tree

Question 1) Does the Property already have Trickle Vents?

Yes - The replacement windows and doors must also have trickle vents (or another method of background ventilation), and the size of these vents must not be smaller than those installed in the previous windows.

No - Go to the next question

Question 2) Are You Replacing Less Than Or Equal To 30% Of The Windows & Doors In The Property?

Yes - No trickle vents are required provided that no more than one other minor energy efficiency measure has been completed at the property such as cavity wall insulation.

No - Go to the next question

Question 3) Is There A Mechanical Ventilation With Heat Recovery System Installed At The Building Or Any Other Ventilation Provisions That Can Be Demonstrated To A Building Control Body That They Comply With The Requirements Of Paragraph 3.2?

Yes - No Trickle Vents Required

No - Go to the next question

Question 4) Does The Property Have Continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation (a ducted system where a single fan draws air continuously from each room constantly or individual room extract fans)?

Yes - No trickle vents required in wet rooms (kitchen, utility, bathroom, WC), but you must fit 4000mm² Equivalent Area in all other rooms.

No - Go to next question

Question 5) Are There Any Other Ventilation Provisions That Can Be Proven Will Not Make The Previous Air Infiltration Of The Property Worse?

Yes - Record these provisions and save to the work file, they will be required to be assessed at time of inspection of this property.

No - Fit trickle vents

Question 6) Can You Feasibly Adopt The Minimum Equivalent Vent Sizes Set Out In Table 1 In Each Window?

Yes - Install the vents as per the table below

No - Install vents as close in size to the table below as possible

Room Type Minimum equivalent area Minimum area when property has

for background vents continuous mechanical vents

Habitable Rooms 8000m2 4000m2

Kitchen 8000m2 Should not be installed

Bathroom (with or without W.C) 4000m2 Should not be installed

Utility Room No minimum Should not be installed

Benefits of Accoya Timber

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 12:19:06 GMT

What is Accoya?

Accoya starts out life as Radiata Pine (Pinus Radiata), which is a fast growing Medium Density Softwood. The tree reaches maturity and can be harvested after approximately 30 years. In it's natural state Radiata Pine is valued for rapid growth and desirable timber and pulp qualities.

However, the Radiata Pine undergoes a scientific modification process known as "Acetylation". During the process the Timber is exposed to Acetic Acid under controlled conditions, which is then drawn out. In basic terms, acetic acid is essentially Vinegar so the timber undergoes a Picking Process.

This process modifies the characteristic properties of the timber. Turning it from a Softwood into a Hardwood and modifies the timber so that it can no longer absorb water. The result is a dimensionally stable timber which out performs most other Timber Types, and is perfect for use in Sliding Sashes, Casement Windows & Doors.

Performance Benefits

50 Year "Above Ground" Anti-Rot Guarantee
25 Year "In Ground/and or In Fresh Water" Anti-Rot Guarantee
Insect Resistant - Highly resistant to attack by insects
Long Service Life - 70 Year minimum service life as tested by Timber Trade Body TRADA

Sustainabilty

Sustainabilty it vital as it improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations. In the corporate world, sustainability is associated with an organization's holistic approach, taking into account everything, from manufacturing to logistics to customer service. Sustainable wood is timber that has been harvested responsibly from well managed forests that are continuously replenished and ensures that there is no damage to the surrounding environment, or to native flora and fauna. In the UK the main ways to demonstrate timber is sustainable is by obtaining certification from the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council). Accoya is FSC® certified.aph

Accoya’s outstanding sustainability credentials start with the sourcing of the raw material. Accoya only uses timber from FSC® certified forests, that have to prove they are managed in an environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable manner.

These forests are a natural, renewable solution for global environmental problems such as climate change, ecosystem destruction and landscape deterioration caused by increasing consumption.

Single Glazing Vs Double Glazing

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 16:10:12 GMT

Benefits & Negatives of Glazing Options

Single Glazing Vs Double Glazing

What is Single glazing?

Single glazed windows are those which consist of a singular pane of glass within a frame. Traditionally the glass is held in place using glazing pins and putty, which is then overpainted to seal the glass into the frame.

Benefits of single glazing

Some of the benefits of single glazing include:

Retaining the Original Appearance. Original Timber Sash & Casement Windows were always fitted with Single Pane Glazing. Having a slender pane of glass within the window allows the moulding of the window to remain deep giving the window a slender/more attractive appearance. In some areas in the UK, known as Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings it is important to retain as much originality as possible and maintaining or replacing with a like for like Single Glazed Window is necessary. Many of the Original Timber Windows still have the Original Float Glass, this type of Glass has unique patterns and swirls which can have an attractive look, however the Glass itself offers little in terms of security and safety.

Negatives of single glazing

Lack of Heat Retention. The level of insulation provided by Single Glazing which is virtually non-existent. The U Value of Traditional Single Pane Glazing is approximately 5.8-5.9. In cold winter months the Single Pane Glazing will not work efficiently to retain the heat inside the property.

Condensation. Condensation can occur when warm air collides with cold surfaces, or when there's too much humidity in your home and creates water. This water collects as droplets on a cold surface (such as Single Pane Glazing). This is especially common in winter, when your central heating system comes on or when washing is left to dry out inside the property. When warm, moist air comes into contact with either a surface or air that is colder than it is, the warm air is unable to retain the same amount of moisture as it did and the water is released either into the cold air or onto the colder surface, causing condensation to form, quickly followed by mould which can have adverse effects to health and may cause (in time) the window to rot. It is very difficult to predict the occurrence of Condensation, and some properties are more prone than others.

Little Acoustic Benefit. Since it consists of only a single pane of glass, any noise created outside will travel through it more easily. This can be more of a nuisance in areas close to the road, by busy streets or on flight paths.

Security. Single Glazed Windows (primarily original Sash & Casement Windows with the Original 3-4mm Float Glass) are far less robust against intruders. They also offer no-protection against accidental trips and falls. When broken this type of glass forms sharp shards, rather than the small cubes formed when toughened glass breaks.

In conclusion , some areas of the UK will only allow Single Glazed windows to ensure the original appearance and features are upheld, and in some cases they can look more attractive. However these windows have little to offer in terms of heat retention, security and safety.

What are double glazed windows?

Double glazed windows consist of 2 glass panes which are joined together by a spacer bar. The space in between the 2 glass panes is either filled with air or an inert gas such as Argon/Krypton or a mixture of the two. This size of the cavity between the glass can range between 4mm (slimline) at the smallest all the way up to 20mm. The size of the Cavity is depicted by the depth of your original windows or by the specific window fabricators model window. At Midhurst Windows & Doors our standard model window (with New Frame) features a 4/16/4 Softcoat Low Iron Unit with Argon Gas Filling. This type of Unit achieves a centre pane U Value of 1, this is far more efficient at retaining heat that a single pane system.

Benefits of Double Glazing.

Heat Retention & Energy Efficiency . One of the main reasons that customers decide to change their windows is to be increase the efficiency of the windows, to make their homes warmer and also reduce the cost of energy bills. The Double Glazing features a Softcoat Energy efficient pane on the inside which can assist as it has a microscopically thin transparent coating made from tin, silver or zinc, which is applied during the manufacturing process. It is designed to prevent radiant heat loss through the glass by reflecting heat back into the building. This combined with modern cavities that use Argon gas and warm edge spacer bars for improved thermal performance, help to maintain a stable temperature inside the building by limiting heat loss back out through the glass.

Reduced or No condensation. The insulation layer between the 2 glass panes in double glazed windows also helps to prevent condensation. As a result, you can maintain the temperature that is required within in the home.

Reduction of Noise. If you live on a street close to traffic noise, double glazed windows are almost a necessity for you. Double glazed windows help in cutting out the noise present outside. In particularly noisy areas the use of Acoustic Glass can further increase the deadening of external noise. This can help the home to remains much quieter and calm.

Higher margin of safety. By law all New Windows fitted within critical locations should be installed with Toughened Safety Glass. All doors and windows that are within 800mm from the finished floor level should be Toughened. At Midhurst Windows all the glass we provide in Doors and Lower Sash Windows in Toughened as standard for security and piece of mind. The Toughened Glass has been through a heat cycle which changes the properties of the glass itself. The glass will become harder to break and also if it did break it would form small cubes of glass rather than dangerous shards.

Guarantees With a brand new Double Glazed window complete with frame, everything will be guaranteed for total peace of mind.

Aesthetically Appealing. Sympathetically created double glazed windows can look very much like the single glazed ones. This ensures that if you just want to replace a few windows with double glazing, you can easily do so.

Summary

To improve the comfort of your home by reducing heat loss, security and safety then Double Glazing is definitely the way to go. The added peace of mind that comes with full guarantees does make the Double Glazing an attractive option.

The Origins & Benefits of a Sash Window

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 19:55:41 GMT

The Origin of a Sash Window

There are examples of Sash Windows in the U.K dating back as early as the 1670's, which is around the time of King Charles II.

The invention of the Sash Window is often credited to the English National Philosopher, Architect and Polymath Robert Hooke. The oldest examples of Sash Windows are known to be installed at Ham House (1670), Chatsworth (1676-1680) and at the Banqueting House at Whitehall.

Since the first examples were installed the Sliding Sash Window became increasingly more popular, being installed almost exclusively in building works for the next 250 years. The success of this style of window is down to 2 main areas, one of which being from an architectural perspective and the second is that of functionality.

Sash Windows from an Architectural Perspective

With the Traditional Sliding Sash being installed behind a brickwork reveal and seated directly on top of a stone sill, the window itself remains mostly protected from the elements. The Box Frame has just 15-20mm of exposure, and the sash held within the frame features approx 38mm of exposed timber on the verticals.

With the majority of the Outer Framework being housed behind a reveal allows for slender appearance to the windows themselves. Pretty, slender proportions lead to maximum light ingress into the property, especially important for properties with smaller windows.

On a warm day, when a properties windows need to be opened to allow for the ingress of cool air, this can often have a detrimental effect on the exterior architecture of the property. With a Sliding Sash remaining within its frame when open, and not protruding the architecture of the building remains mostly un-disturbed.

Sash Window Functionality

With the use of cords, pulleys and counterbalance a Sash Window can be opened exactly as required. The position of which is easily adjusted, with the Upper and Lower Sashes able to open to any point within the framework (where restricted openers aren't used).

By opening both the Upper & Lower Sash to the central point of the Box Frame so that there is an equal gap both Top & Bottom. This allows cooler air to flow into a room through the lower opening and push out warmer air through the top.

When in the open position a Sash Window remains held within the frame, in a ground position this prevents any traffic walking past from accidentally walking into an open window frame.

7c669261

Designing a Front Entrance Door

Designing a Stunning Timber Entrance Door

Inspiration and Vision

Timber Selection

Design Elements

Customisation

Sustainability

Functionality and Security

Conclusion

Get in Touch for a FREE QUOTATION

Energy Efficient Glass

Softcoat Glass and the Benefits

Soft coat glass offers several benefits for homeowners, including:

Approved Document F - Do I Need Trickle Vents?

Trickle Ventilation

Benefits of Accoya Timber

What is Accoya?

Performance Benefits

Sustainabilty

Single Glazing Vs Double Glazing

Benefits & Negatives of Glazing Options

Single Glazing Vs Double Glazing

﻿

What is Single glazing?

Benefits of single glazing

Negatives of single glazing

What are double glazed windows?

Benefits of Double Glazing.

Summary

The Origins & Benefits of a Sash Window

The Origin of a Sash Window

Sash Windows from an Architectural Perspective

Sash Window Functionality