Timber
Timber is the number one green choice for building in the 21st century, a wholly natural, organic and renewable product that is waste-efficient, bio-degradable and non-toxic, as well as a character & charm unrivalled by man-made alternatives. Sustainability is at the heart of Altus’s purchasing ethos, all timber is either plantation-grown or from managed forests. Supplies are obtained from suppliers who carry FSC, PEFC, or MTCC certification, so you can be sure the timber is not logged from illegal sources.
A range of manufactured hardwoods is available in solid timber or engineered timber: Meranti; Red Grandis; Sapele or European Oak. Engineered softwood in the form of European Redwood, is also available. All of these timbers are obtained from managed forests.
Altus are based in rural Oxfordshire and have a team of dedicated craftsmen and technicians who possess many years of skill and experience in timber manufacturing. Windows and doors are constructed using traditional methods allied with modern technology, and this winning combination delivers a product that is beautiful in appearance, skilfully crafted and very practical.
The process begins when each timber component is carefully selected by a technician, who checks it for colour, quality, and integrity, and ensures it has been tested for the correct moisture content before committing it to the manufacturing system. Once the frames are assembled they are carefully hand-sanded and inspected before being transferred to the finishing process.
Windows are available in three types; Storm-proof Casement, Flush Casement and Sliding Sash.
Top quality storm-proof windows are based on a standard timber model that was introduced in the 1950s. The sash of the window is lipped, or rebated, over the frame, which affords a better weatherproofing than the flush casement window.
Careful planning and design has brought this basic design right up to date to accommodate modern shoot bolt handles and multipoint shoot bolt locking mechanism for high security. Stainless steel friction hinges facilitate ease of opening and easy cleaning.
The storm-proof window has been specifically designed to incorporate double weather-stripping: one weather-strip to the sash, and one weather-strip to the frame. This provides maximum draught sealing, and gives you the flexibility of deciding whether or not you wish to ventilate.
The high-performance 28mm sealed units give the optimum ‘U’ value performance for building regulations approval. The ‘U’ values can be further enhanced by using a higher specification glass.
Traditional flush windows are so-called as they are based on a traditional tried and tested pre-1950s design. The similarity between these and our modern window is the sashes are flush with the frame on the outside. However, that’s where the similarity ends, for the design has now been brought right up to date, combining the best of both worlds: traditional appearance with modern multipoint shootbolt locking, shootbolt handles and stainless steel friction hinges.
It is possible to retain the traditional style of window design by incorporating butt hinges and shootbolt handles; a traditional peg and stay at the bottom of the sashes is also available, if required.
A host of other options are available with, for example, the standard flush window, some of which are listed on the cross-section opposite, but other choices are available such as floating mullions or, subject to style, dummy sashes joined together without mullions.
Flush sash windows can also be made with a deeper frame, so that visually the outer frame, mullions and transoms protrude beyond the sashes, with the sashes being set back into the frame.
Sliding sash windows can be split into three distinct designs or operating systems: Spiral balances, tilt-and-slide, and weights and pulleys. The difference between the three designs is mainly the mode of operation, although they basically all slide up and down, and their appearance is very similar when fitted, depending on the method of installation.
Spiral balances: Vertical sliding sashes are made using spiral balances, and are based on traditional weights and pulley sliding sashes. They have a traditional appearance and are used extensively for replacements for old weights and pulley windows due to the similarities. They are also the main choice for new-build vertical sliding sash windows, due to the favourable costs. The window furniture comprises traditional fitch fasteners, sash lifts and sash pulls, but the vertical sliding action is achieved by a spring or spiral balance that is weighted to the sash it is connected to, ensuring a smooth operation.
Tilt-and-slide systems: Tilt-and-slide vertical sliding sashes are based on the spiral balance window design. However, they have the additional function of being able to tilt inwards for easier cleaning. There is a clever mechanism fitted into the frame with a catch either side to facilitate the tilting mechanism. This feature means the design and appearance slightly differs on the inside from the traditional window, but they can incorporate all of the ironmongery available on the spiral balances. The vertical sliding operation uses spiral balances weighted to the sash it is lifting to give a smooth operation.
Weights and pulleys systems: Vertical sliding sashes made with weights and pulleys are the traditional method for making sliding sash windows. The use of weights and pulleys is thought to date back to the 17th century, and it is believed they were invented in the UK. Prior to the invention of the sliding sash, windows were similar to traditional flush windows. The operation of the sliding sash is via a pre-determined weight, located in a box section in the outer frame. The weights are connected to the sash with a cord, which nowadays is a pre-stretched nylon sash cord, over a wheeled pulley. This weights and pulleys method of operating gives the smoothest working windows of the three types of sliding sashes.
So why not contact us to get a free, no-obligation quotation from a member of our friendly team.