Windows doors again

[Greg.hart]

We already have LBC consent for both the door and also to replace the pvc DG units installed by the previous owner but since moving in and after a few discussions with various suppliers it turns out that we will not be able to do this due to a lack of reveals (poss a stupid oversight but really didn't even know what a reveal was until a month or so ago!)

So the suggestion is to use spiral balances, which is not ideal, but would maintain the aspect of the windows in relation to the ones above. Is there anything intrinsically bad about this method that would rule them out from a LBC point of view.

I have asked the person who is dealing with the app at the Council but he’s not experienced in conservation and in his words he doesn’t know why he’s handling it!

Also if anyone has seen a door like this anywhere I would be most grateful if you could point me in the right direction otherwise I’m going to have to re-submit this part of the LBC as well for which they now require sectional drawings (I’m sure I just submitted this pic last time).

 

[Penners]

Greg - I don't know about anyone else, but I'm afraid I don't really understand what you're describing and asking.

Can you give us more detail please?

 

[alice]

Thank you, Penners! Now I don't feel like such a total idiot.

What's a spiral?

alice

 

[Penners]

What's a spiral?

Well, this is just a guess, but I wonder if Greg has some thought of using spiral balances (springs to you and me!) instead of counterbalance weights, in his sash windows.

 

[Nemesis]

The lack of reveals shouldn't prevent sash windows being fitted - it just means the boxes will be on view and not tucked away. If that's how they were originally I can't see the problem.

What on earth is wrong with the door? Why are you trying to replace it? It looks very sound and surely can be repaired?

I would contact the Conservation Officer as that's who should be dealing with this.

 

[Penners]

I didn't infer that he's going to replace the door. Good grief - I should hope not!

 

[Nemesis]

Well I'm now confused... read line one and the final paragraph.

 

[biffvernon]

I don't see much wrong with spiral balances, in fact I think they are one of the smarter inventions of the 20th century. They allow a sash window to let more daylight in and have a stronger bit of wood up the side. I've used them regularly and have not come across a planning issue - you can't really see them.

 

[Nemesis]

It may be, as this is a listed building, that the CO will seek a period correct replacement.

 

[biffvernon]

The subtle, but important, difference between conservation and restoration.

 

[Greg.hart]

What's a spiral?

Well, this is just a guess, but I wonder if Greg has some thought of using spiral balances (springs to you and me!) instead of counterbalance weights, in his sash windows.

Sorry I was in a bit of a rush yesterday and so hopefully I can clarify a bit.

Penners your correct re the spiral balances! If we had the boxes on view that would then make the actual window smaller and then they wouldn't be in line to, or the same dimensions to the windows above which I think would look odd.

I think originally the window would have been much smaller and has been enlarged at some point.

Re the door, don't fear I wouldn't dream of getting rid of a lovely door like that, but unfortunately it's not mine and am trying to find someone who can either reproduce it or find a reclaimed one somewhere, really not having much luck!

 

[Nemesis]

Are you sure that the boxes (or at least the space for them) for the sashes aren't hidden in the walls? It was a building regs requirement for fireproofing purposes at one point in time in some areas.

I hoped that was the case with the door - suspect replication won't be cheap but will be a joy forever! Lovely crafstmanship.

Have you tried asking the local authority CO about it all? Kingsley Fulbrook might be your CO and if so I think you'll find a great deal of help, advice and support there, including possibly crasftspeople.

This site might help (Seeking Specialists) or try calling SPAB and asking for recommendations.

The Georgian Group might be able to help too, give them a ring and ask?

 

[Penners]

Re the door, don't fear I wouldn't dream of getting rid of a lovely door like that, but unfortunately it's not mine and am trying to find someone who can either reproduce it or find a reclaimed one somewhere, really not having much luck!

I think your chances of finding an exact replica from a reclamation yard are very remote.

Have you tried talking to Biff Vernon? (click on his email button above). I don't know how busy he is, but making doors and windows is his speciality.

 

[biffvernon]

Door makers like that died out 200 years ago

 

[Penners]

I've seen one or two of them still apparently walking around. Not sure whether that's an indication of life or not.