15 Things To Give The Sash Windows Cambridge Lover In Your Life

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 get stuck and become difficult to open or close. This is often due moisture, which can cause the timber to expand.

Box sash windows were historically operated by chains, cotton cords and weights made of lead. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to overcome this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes that are modular, are able to be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration to meet the current energy standards while complying with conservation areas regulations. It also provides windows with a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings. However this changed as production became more affordable and artisans could produce larger frames with greater glass. By the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant wooden style in a majority of British properties. As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

Early windows were simple glass, but by the 17th century sash windows began to become more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time but as glass production became more efficient and cost-effective, they became a part of many period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, strong glasses that did not require supporting bars. This allowed for the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave a better view. This was an important improvement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened at the same time and allowed for better ventilation to the building.

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

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. They were coated with plate glass that was placed within timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This type of glass gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in an increase in demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges and a variety of fasteners used to fix the sashes. These were often decorated in designs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. If they are not maintained they could become draughty. Putty and paint can cause draughts. You can fix this problem with wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows rests on the assumption that older windows are old and beyond repair, whereas they are able to be maintained with just a little care. Repairs can be costly and cause a lot of disruption in the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace all windows in a home in one day, saving time and avoiding the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be fitted with  energy-saving double-glazing to get higher energy efficiency ratings than traditional windows with sash. However these double-glazed units are unable to duplicate the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their aesthetics. There are many types of ironmongery that are available with sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks. These can be installed in a way that the window is still open to allow ventilation or for cleaning. They are generally unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catches and should be replaced with more robust models (such ones with double screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the chance of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames were constructed from slow grown deal or, in more luxurious homes, from oak. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. Many PVC-u firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows on a complete house in just one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a significant amount of light to enter buildings. At the end of the 18th century they were modified to let more light into rooms, and larger glass panes began to be produced. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows that had a higher level of elegance than they had before.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be maintained and cleaned to appreciate their beautiful design.

To keep them in good condition, timber windows require regular maintenance. Inattention to maintenance could lead to:

Sashes that no longer slide easily.

Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause decay and damage.

timber windows cambridge  can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or cill.

In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows gained popularity because they were strong slim and inexpensive and were in line with the trend for healthy living. However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

The window replacement industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many older timber windows are repairable and can be used for many more years with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your sash window, it could cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash to not close properly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in the open position and let water and draughts enter the property.

Damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture penetration. This can be avoided with regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected area should be carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made of the same kind of timber as the ones remaining. This repair method increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is one of least invasive ways to treat the rot that occurs between timber and timber.

The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is a different option to the traditional method of sanding and staining. It is brushed on the surface of the timber to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which can help stop breakage.

It is essential that any old ironmongery such as sash stay and latches are retained and restored rather than replaced. It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also advised that modern fittings made of aluminium, such as sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.