Double glazing design issues
- Sight lines
- Gaskets
- Neighbours
There are a number of issues worth considering regarding
the design of your replacement windows.
Sight lines
Most modern replacement windows have smaller areas of
glass wherever there are openings (sashes) fitted. Where
the
frames are fixed the glass area will be larger. This
creates an unequal ‘sight line’ which is
quite normal and acceptable to most people. However on a lot of older properties it was more common
to have an equal sight line making it impossible to tell
from the outside which windows opened and which did not.
Fitting ‘dummy sashes’ or ‘dummy openers’ into
the frames created this equal sight line.
PVCu Bay window - Equal sight line style.
Some consumers prefer an unequal sight line to avoid the
overall bulkier appearance that is a feature of an equal
sight line – which, incidentally, adds to the cost.
However, an equal sight line is recommended for properties
with Georgian and leaded light window designs so that rectangles/squares
can be matched in size.
Another option is vertical equal sight lines, in which
fixed windows are always positioned above fixed windows
and opening windows are always above opening windows. Suppliers
can give more information on this.
Gaskets
Most companies have traditionally fitted black gaskets
as, in the past, it was not always possible to get
a matching white nor to offer a colour-fast guarantee.
Advances in technology have changed this situation
and increasing numbers of companies now offer both options. White gaskets can often appear grubby and show up dust
and dirt and this may be an important consideration is
you live close to a major road.
An alternative to white gaskets is the ‘low profile’ black
gasket which is very slim and less obtrusive. However,
it is recommended that you choose white gaskets on white
PVCu panelled doors.
Neighbours
Unless you live in splendid isolation in a rural location
any changes you make to your home will have an effect
on the overall appearance of your street. For example, if two semi-detached houses have replacement
windows both will be enhanced if the same style is used
on each. Conversely, adopting different styles can spoil
the appearance of both – and possibly devalue them,
too.
PVCu French
Doors in a Georgian Style
White
PVCu door sash fitted into a PVCu woodgrain style
frame
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