Everything You Need to Know About Sash Windows
They say “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” but when looking at a house, the windows and doors make a big first impression. In this blog we will highlight the key elements to look out for to ensure your doors aren’t letting the rest of the house down, as well as some tips for if you’re considering buying new doors.
1. Decay, Damage and Warping
Wooden doors can last for decades if maintained well, but they can be susceptible to rotting and decay. Check the surface of your doors regularly for holes, gaps or cracks, as moisture and insects may be able to get into them and cause damage. Moisture is one of the biggest threats to the lifespan of your doors and is a primary cause of warping. Combined with heat from direct sunlight, wood can also expand and subsequently contract which can exacerbate any existing issues with the doors.
2. Poor Door Movement
Over a long period of time, everyday use and occasions of being slammed shut can impact the movement of your doors. Hinges may become loose and unstable or become stiff and more difficult to move. The easy fix is to replace the hinges with new, high quality hinges and to install the door again. Alternatively, if you’re not a keen DIY’er and if the door itself has seen better days, a new, professionally fitted door with a full set of new fixtures could be the best option.
3. Low Temperature Control
A good quality door should be able to keep draughts and moisture out of the house and should have the ability to regulate the temperature of the room. If you feel even small amounts of draft when you pass by the door, take time to inspect it and see if the wood, frame or draught-excluders are the issue. Full draught excluding can be installed by professionals or yourself and can be an effective way to resolve this issue, keep your house warm and avoid having to replace the door unnecessarily.
4. Absence of Noise Protection
While double glazed doors can serve to address the concern of draughts, they can also control how much noise pollution can pass through. Single glass panes are generally the least resistant to noise. Double glazing can significantly reduce noise that gets through your doors and can be a great addition if you live on a busy road, near train line of in a busy public area for example.
5. Security Risk
Criminals are becoming smarter these days, so you need to be one step ahead in securing your homes. Older doors can often be more easily unlocked or forced open with tools. Strong, well-fitting doors and double glazing can reinforce the security in your home, and when combined with quality locks you’ll have greater peace of mind. Do remember that doors make up only a portion of the whole security of a house and remember there are other entry points for possible break-ins.
If your doors and in need of a new lease of life or a full replacement, get in touch with The Specialists in Traditional Sash Windows at www.sashwindowspecialist.co.uk
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