Lead Balance Sash Box Window
Centuries of using the lead balance sash box windows have done nothing to dent the popularity of this type of windows in the UK. If we think about it for a minute, a lot of things went out of fashion since the 17th century. Yet, not the sash box window with pulleys! This phenomenal success story is due to many excellent qualities of the sash window such as the best possibly suited design for the British weather, finely adjustable ventilation with little probability of rain getting inside and appealing aesthetics. By the 18th century, they became exceedingly popular throughout the whole Britain Empire – virtually everyone wanted to have glazed sash windows, from cottages to palaces. Dwellings architecture has changed dramatically since then, but the sash windows are still immensely popular. They simply refuse to die! There seems to be some confusion in historical documents around where the sash box windows, as we know them, were actually invented - in Holland or in Britain. The uncontested fact seemed to be, nonetheless, that they were definitely developed and innovated by the British. The main fact is that now we have the top-one-nation-most-favourite-window-of-all-times, may it live forever!
The best thing about the sash windows that we do at DM Windows is that they are NOT at all different to those back in Victorian and Georgian times. Well, not on the outside, to be precise. Of course, standards regarding performance, thermal efficiency, glass units, treatment for timber and security – they all changed. The funny thing is though that all of those could be innovated, improved and developed depending on the need and the law requirements but these are things that can remain hidden, so to speak. However, none of it changed the immortal looks of the traditional sash window one iota. This is the mark of an ingenious design – one can improve the whole thing without actually changing a thing!
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Our timber sash windows are manufactured from the highest quality of timber and being constantly improved and innovated. Moreover, they can be tailor-made to suit any configuration. They can accommodate single, slim-line or double glazing to help meet the requirements of architects, planners, contractors and individual customers alike. Using classic design and solid craftsmanship, our manufacturers create bespoke vertical sliding sash windows to match the original design in order to retain the period character of your house. Each of our traditional windows is made to fit the original opening exactly, to provide a timeless elegance and sophisticated finish. Unique draught-proofing in our sash windows overcomes the old problem of cold draughts associated with sliding sashes, thus maximizing heat retention.
What makes our products and services to stand out from the crowd?
The answer comes from us as well as from our customers, among them architects and developers.
It’s the unique combination of the highest quality with the lowest market price.
The vast majority of our new clients were forwarded to us by our existing happy clients.
With our dedicated approach to replacement of windows, it is no wonder!
It is likely that your existing sash windows are an intrinsic part of the aesthetic appeal of your home.
That is why DM Windows can help you to carefully consider if you should replace them. We would give you all the pros & cons based on our expertise and years of experience so you can be in a position of making a well-informed decision on your own. We have dedicated teams of expert joiners in our workshop and installers at hand, who are pools of talent, enthusiasm and knowledge. All our sash windows are bespoke, which means that we can make an exact like-for-like copy of your existing windows. No project is too big or too small for us! Whether you are coming to us with one window or a hundred to be replaced, we are going to supply you with exactly same top notch quality and treat you with respect. The key to our popularity is the ability to understand and empathise with our customers’ tastes & expectations, awareness of timescales & budget and flexibility in negotiations on the scope of the projects. We are a maker of happy homeowners! They are proud of their homes having our beautiful and impressive windows. Usually, the relationships we have with our customers last for years. They are very attached to our windows, our fitting crew and our excellent customer service from the office-based team.
A typical sash box window with lead balances consists of a number of individual boxed frames constructed in one or more moveable sections of window that slide over each other by the use of lead counterweights and chords.
Standard Specification
- High quality operating system of weights, cords and pulleys.
- Timber: Softwood (European Redwood) with a hardwood sill as standard.
- Other hardwood options available: European Oak or Red Meranti from Malesia.
- Only engineered (laminated) wood used to advance the quality, durability & performance.
- Timber harvested only in sustainable and certified forests.
- Fully factory finished with 3 microporous coatings applied on an anti-rotting & anti-fungi primer.
- Spray-painted with Remmers typically to RAL 9003 or to client’s specification.
- Any colour from the RAL Palette is available with us.
- Alternative options available on request, such as: acoustic upgrade, solar-reflective & solar-control glass.
- Double glazing: standard, safety or double-safety glass depending on the requirements to meet Part L.
- Sample glass spec – Safety: 4mm/16Argon/4mm Toughened (ESG4) Low E with Warm Edge Spacer Bar. U-Value 1.1W/m²K
- Achieving excellent U-Value for the whole window, much lower than the standard of 1.6W/m²K required by law.
- Optional for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas: single or slim-line glazing finished with putty.
- Internally glazed in order to provide a secure anti-burglar solution & easier maintenance.
- Timber parting beads.
- Elegant glazing/Georgian bars.
- Possibility of leaded lights in different configurations.
- Optional: sets of architraves & window boards.
- Secured by Design lockable heritage Fitch sash fastener.
- Ironmongery sash fasteners & sash lifts available in 3 basic colours: Polished Chrome, Satin & Brass.
- Optional restrictors: Angel Ventlock, traditional secure stop bolts and more.
- Fully weather-stripped – 3 different types of seals.
- Optional, but required by law for new build: trickle vents.
- Excellent thermal and acoustic performance.
- CE marked.
Services
- Installation (FENSA & new build)
- Surveys – Krzysztof – expert advice
- Advice & business talks – Dariusz