How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of how they look. Sash windows can become stuck and be difficult to open and close. This is often due moisture that can cause the timber to expand.

Traditionally, window boxes utilised chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

In contrast to PVC-u windows Cambridge, which are manufactured to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration meet the current energy standards while ensuring compliance with conservation regulations for the area. It also provides a window that is far superior to the upvc window repairs near me options.

Sliding windows with sash were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However this changed as production became cheaper and artisans could make larger frames using more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass but by the 17th century, sash windows started to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at first, but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were a common feature in many period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to produce large, strong glasses that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to increase further, which gave a better view out of the window. This was a significant advancement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened simultaneously and gave improved ventilation to a building.

Oak was used in older and more luxurious buildings. It is important to maintain the parting bead which is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are also crucial to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer sheets of glass became available, sash window began replacing hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass placed within timber frames with rebates and secured with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This kind of glazing gradually superseded leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers, shutter hinges and handles, and a variety of fasteners to secure the sashes. They were often decorated with patterns, inscriptions and engraved patterns to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, without this maintenance they can become draughty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows is based on the belief that older windows are old and beyond economical repair, while they can be easily maintained with a bit of care. However, these repairs can be expensive and involve significant disruption to your home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a large "one-stop shop" company for installation. They can replace and remove all the windows in an entire house in just one day, eliminating the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much faster. They can also be fitted with 'energy saving' double-glazing to achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than are possible with traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot duplicate the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising on their aesthetics. A variety of ironmongery types can be fitted, including sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks. These can be installed in such a way that the window can be open for ventilation and cleaning. These are typically unobtrusive, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches, which are required to be replaced with more robust models (such as those incorporating double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the risk of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames were made from slow-growing deal or, in more luxurious homes made of oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. PVC-u companies typically provide a one-stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows across a home in one day, without the need to engage other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a huge amount of light to enter buildings. By the end of the 18th century they were adapted to allow more light into rooms and larger glazing panes began to be manufactured. The result was a more light appearance and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced, which required a new range ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made from brass or a combination of wood and lead, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be kept and cleaned so that the quality of their design can be appreciated.

To keep them in good shape, timber windows need to be maintained. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:

Sashes that don't slide effortlessly.

holes in the frame allow water, which can cause damage and decay.

The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or cill.

Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s due to their strength and slim, cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash window are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.

The window replacement industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many old timber windows are repairable and can be utilized for a longer period with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your sash window, it could lead to the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty deteriorate. The removal of the sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and unable to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in the open position, which can let water and draughts into the property.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be avoided by regular maintenance as well as thorough painting, and then removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot can be identified due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be removed to reveal soft, rotting timber. The rotten timber sections must be removed with care and the affected part should be scarfed together or glued together with replacements of the exact nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximises the amount of fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods for treating decay of timber to timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is a different option to the traditional method of staining and sanding. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help prevent breakage.

It is essential that any historic ironmongery such as sash stay and latches be kept and rehabilitated instead of being replacing them. They can be extremely difficult to replace without compromising the quality of the original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings like sash lifts and chain stays is avoided whenever feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration to frames and sashes made of timber.