The property below is a great example of the perfect situation for Flush Sash Casement Windows.
Surrey Windows have been designing and installing windows and doors throughout Surrey and London and we have become a natural choice for discerning clients wishing to consult a company with almost 30 years of combined experience.
As it stood, the property was a substantial brick-built, detached house with the popular mock-Tudor appearance. This has been popular throughout Surrey for the last Century. At some point the house had had replacement windows with opening side-hung sashes and no fanlights.
As can be seen in the earlier photograph, the opening sashes are wider than the frame of the window. With no dummy sash in the centre panes, this upsets the proportions of each window. To use industry speak, this is referred to as an ‘unequal sightline’.
Are Leaded Light Windows now dated ?
The existing glazing copies period diamond-leaded lights that continue the mock-Tudor theme – a style of replacement glazing that has been very popular in 1980’s and 90’s. You could argue that they look a little dated today although the diamond-lead design does originate back to Tudor times.
However, it’s not a Tudor home and unless you really want to retain this theme. There are other ways of achieving a quality, period appearance without having to use a leaded-light glazing design. The client wanted a cleaner, simpler appearance and this was achieved with the use of clear, plain glazing which as we can see in the second photograph, has proved to be an excellent decision.
Flush Sash Casement Windows for a Period Design
Each window uses two dummy sashes central to the opening sashes at the end of each window. The client also opted to move away from the diamond-leaded lights and use a more modern clear glazing throughout. The clear glazing design looks tidier and allows more light to come into the house whilst giving an free view back out. This hasn’t detracted from the period design of the house nor does it look too modern.
After some discussions and product viewings, the client opted for the new Residence 7 Flush Sash Casement Windows. A window system that matches 18th and 19th Century timber windows thanks to careful attention to detail that matches original timber sizes and proportions.
Residence 7 windows are described as ‘flush sash’ – a term the industry has adopted that describes a casement window with sashes that don’t protrude outwards from the surrounding frame. This is an appearance that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing on replacement windows installed over the last few decades. The flush sash appearance is more noticeable when viewed from an angle as you notice how much neater the window looks without protruding sashes.
Very Smart looks !
The Residence 7 window allows for a very even appearance across all of the windows irrespective of their size. This in itself looks very smart from outside. The frame and sash widths are very close in size to the mock-Tudor timber beams across the front elevation. This use of a ‘dummy’ sash means the fixed and opening sashes look the same from outside, their widths are the same – this is referred to as ‘equal’ sight-lines.
All window and doors in The Residence Collection are manufactured using multi-chamber composite PVCu. Their design makes them suited to almost all British properties built over the last 3 – 4 Centuries as they emulate timber windows with a high degree of accuracy. Despite the use of such a modern material, their authentic appearance has been approved by many planning offices for use in Conservation Areas.
Such modern materials and their advanced design and manufacture makes them not only secure and energy-efficient but also in need of very little maintenance. Their construction also allows for the use of many types of glazing. These include Double Glazing, Triple Glazing and acoustic for even greater levels of security and insulation. The simplicity of the R7 design is also suited to contemporary windows, unlike the deeper R9 system, they have a flush fit appearance on the inside too!
Almost identical to original Timber Window Cills
These particular Residence Collection windows use an optional butt-jointed construction for greater authenticity. This replicates the method of joinery that would be, and still is, used to produce a timber window or door. The cill below the window uses the same composite PVCu. But is over twice the thickness of typical replacements and they appear almost identical to original timber windows cills.
As with the finish of the window, a wood-grained foil finish further adds to the timber style. Extending not just to the faces of the window inside and out, but also the reveals of the window which are visible when the sashes are opened. Despite the lack of fanlights that would be used for ventilation, the R7 has a fully-lockable night-vent position. This allows the opening sashes to be left ajar yet without reducing security.
Surrey Windows install windows from The Residence Collection and the company has great faith in this system and as a result of which, it carries their exclusive 20-Year Guarantee.