VERTICAL SLIDING SASH
For many years the window replacement market has been crying
out for a range of pvc-u windows which would sympathetically
replace the original features of a timber sash and case product.
We
believe the Scotia pvc-u vertical sliding sash fits this
brief perfectly and fits your home perfectly too.
In order that you can fully appreciate the time and effort
dedicated to this tailor made range of windows we have detailed
some of the key features below.
 HOW
TO REPLICATE THE LOOK OF A PERFECTLY BALANCED SASH WINDOW
Many pvc-u sash windows destroy the look
of your home because they do not have a clean vertical
glass line through the upper and lower sashes. Your new
windows from Scotia will normally consist of two sliding
squares each incorporating a double glazed sealed unit
which can be split in various proportions to ensure the
design suits your home. By equalising the upper and lower
glass widths and adjusting the heights it is possible to
have perfectly balanced proportions on georgian or leaded
glass, it’s
vital that this detail is not overlooked ….otherwise
the entire appearance of your home may change..
RECREATING THE AUTHENTIC SASH
WINDOWS
Our vertical sliding sash profile is designed with a
sculptured detail inside and out as these finishing details
are what you would expect to find on virtually every
original sash window. |
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 HORNS
These were originally designed to prevent the top
sash being pulled down too far which could result in the
lead weights loosening inside the box. In our window they
are purely decorative, recreating the traditional appearance
of box sash windows. Only the highest grade A.S.A. compound
should be used on the horns for your windows so that you
can be certain they will not fade or discolour…and
that they are firmly secured to the sash and not attached
with springs that often dislodge and pop out!
 SURFACE MOUNTED GEORGIAN
Many planning officers have objected to the
use of pvc-u vertical sliding sash windows due to the fact
that that single georgian astragals and full georgian bars
tend to be fitted between the two panes of glass and clearly
this did not have the same look. At Scotia we can offer an
alternative with our authentic surface mounted georgian bar.
The surface mounted design will add a third dimension to
your windows creating depth, character and shadow lines.
To ensure complete authenticity our spacer bar follows the
line of your authentic Georgian design as this keeps the
appearance of individual glass units.
We should also point
out that our surface mounted bar is fitted in a unique fashion
as experience tells us that many people push or pull the
sash or even in some cases they lift open the sashes using
the surface mounted georgian.
This causes a big problem because
if the authentic bar is not fixed correctly …the barcan
come off in your hand!
Our bars are firstly taped securely to your
window and then
an ingenious patented design allows them to interlock securely
with each other where they meet.
Finally they are secured permanently in
place with unique Georgi-clips… another
patented design, which means that each bar is continuous, cut
to fit the sash snugly and guaranteed to remain securely in
place at all times. We are so confident with this technology
that we are happy for you to open and close our range using
the georgian bars…..they simply will not come off.
 LOCKING HANDLES
Perhaps one of the weakest components of old sash windows
was the cam catch. Burglars could have easy access to many
homes as they could easily flick open the old latch with
something as simple as a butter knife.
Not any more! With a choice of white, gold or chrome
colours, the superb key locking cam gives you all the strength
and security required to deter unwanted visitors.
LIMIT STOPS/ RESTRICTORS
 Limit
stops are spring loaded devices that prevent a window from
opening beyond 100mm…which is particularly important
for bedroom windows where there are young children.
Some companies
fit nylon limit stops which save money but these cannot be
locked and therefore the window can be fully opened. All
of our windows are fitted with lockable limit stops for your
peace of mind.
In addition our window has two limit stops
as standard. This is because experience has shown that where
only one limit stop is fitted that over time the lower sash
will twist as a result of the sash banging into the upper
sash.
This impact eventually leads to the sash shape becoming trapezoidal
and as a result the glass setting blocks become loose which
leaves the glass loose. By fitting two limit stops as standard
any banging of sashes is equalised which keeps the sash square
and prolongs the life of your window.
 CLEANING
All modern sash windows are designed to tilt inwards to
allow for ease of cleaning. Short spring loaded bolts engage
the sash behind the frame section. Most are just plastic,
not very strong and a bit fiddly to operate. However ours
are specially designed, steel reinforced and the rounded
shape of the knob matches that of the cam catches which enhances
the beauty of your window.
With most sashes weighing over
40lbs (18.2 kg) it is vital that a pair of tilt restrictor
stays are fitted to each sash both top and bottom.
These bars
are known as tilt restrictors and they allow sliding sashes
to be tilted for safe internal cleaning. Many companies will
save on costs by fitting tilt restrictors to the lower sash
only or by fitting just a single tilt restrictor to save
on costs.
This is false economy, as a pair of tilt
restrictors on each sash provides double the safety for you
as without them there is a risk that the sashes could come
crashing into your home.
Particularly large sashes should not be allowed to tilt for
cleaning as the sash is simply too heavy and exceeds the maximum
weight to be tilted safely. It may be a surprise to learn that
many of our competitors fit nothing at all to these larger
sizes. Clearly if lighter sashes can be dangerous then those
exceeding safety limits could pose a serious problem, if accidentally
opened. As a result every window that exceeds the safe size
for the standard easy- clean restrictors will have a short
pair of safety stays fitted. This means that if these oversize
windows are accidentally opened they will remain vertical,
unable to damage anyone or anything.
BALANCES
There are a variety of different balances
used in the market for vertical sliding sash windows. Our
standard specification allows for pretensioned spiral Ultralift
balances. This balance has a smooth operation as the tension
is “factory set” or
pre-tensioned. These sturdy balances are designed for weights
up to over 60lbs (28kg). They have been independently tested
by the B.B.A. to exceed 20000 cycles (that’s over 25
years if opened twice a day).
In cases where the sashes exceed the above
weights double spring and spiral or Torso balances are utilised.
These are manufactured in 1lb (0.5kg) increments and contain
two springs one of which is wound clockwise the other anti
clockwise. This means that as the window is opened one spring
is getting longer whilst the other is compressing and becoming
shorter …..counterbalancing
each other for their entire life.
WEATHERPROOFING
All of our windows use a brush pile with a special central
plastic strip designed to retain its shape far longer than
less costly piles and increase the resistance to draughts
by as much as 30%.
Cill pads are utilised on all our vertical sliding
sash windows. These foam pads which have been specially designed
to the shape of your frame sections will compress when screwed
together and ensures a compact and effective barrier to moisture
ingress.
 HARDWARE OPTIONS
In order that you can choose the finishing details
to suit your home all of our lockable cam catches, limit
stops, pole rings, tilt knobs and scroll handles are available
in gold chrome and white.
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