How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. However, sash windows may get stuck and be difficult to open or close. This is often due to moisture which can cause the timber to swell.

Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilised chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to address this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Unlike PVC-u windows that are made according to the modular imperial size, timber sash windows can be restored to their original sizes. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows in order to meet current energy requirements and to comply with conservation area regulations. It also offers a window installation cambridge (https://telearchaeology.org/TAWiki/index.php/Aluminium_Windows_And_Doors_Cambridge_Explained_In_Fewer_Than_140_Characters) that is far superior to the upvc window renovation alternatives.

Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used in large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Because they were simple to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The early windows were made of plain glass However, by the 17th Century, sash windows began to become more ornamental. They were initially made of colored glazing bars or mullions. They were expensive at the beginning but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they became an integral feature in many period houses.

In the 19th century, it became possible to make large, sturdy glasses that didn't need supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be made larger, which in turn gave a better view. This was an important advancement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s.

Oak was used for older and more luxurious buildings. A split bead divides the two sashes. It is essential that it is well maintained to prevent rattles and drafts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are vital to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash window started replacing hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass set in timber frames with rebates and then pinned with glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to make them watertight. This form of glazing gradually replaced led lights.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in a greater demand for ironmongery. The basic fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes shutter hinges and handles and various fasteners used to fix the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engravings that identified the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy-efficient with regular maintenance. However, if they are not maintained, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of paint and putty. This issue can be fixed with wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the belief that old windows are beyond upvc door repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. However, these repairs can be expensive and involve considerable disruption to the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a large "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace and remove all windows in a house in a single day, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the entire process much quicker. They can also be fitted with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than are possible with traditional windows made of 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 secure without compromising their appearance. There are many types of ironmongery that can be installed, including sash chains, mortice bolts, and sash locks. These can be put in place to ensure that the window is able to be opened to allow ventilation or for cleaning. These products are usually unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window doctor catches. These are best replaced with more robust models like those with double glazing repairs near me screws or sprung levers in order to reduce the risk of being hammered.

Sash-window frames are usually made from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars remain in good condition and in good condition, they should be kept. If it is feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced with timber that is compatible with. PVC-u companies typically provide a one-stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows on a complete home in a single day without the need to involve other tradespeople or coordinate visits from different suppliers.

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 altered to allow even more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be manufactured. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows with a greater degree of elegance than before.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded a new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of leaded and wood. There were also various kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be maintained and cleaned to appreciate their exquisite design.

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good shape. A lack of attention to them regularly could cause:

Sashes that no longer slide easily.

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

Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cause cill.

Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cheap and complemented the trend for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.

The window replacement industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair. The truth is that a lot of older timber windows are in good condition and with minor upvc doors repairs can easily be repaired for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your window's sash, it could cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It could also cause paint and putty deteriorate. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash not to close properly. The sash could also get stuck in the open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the property.

The damage to timber windows is usually caused by moisture infiltration. This can be prevented by thorough painting, periodic repairs and the elimination of the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, decaying wood. The sections that are rotting should be carefully removed and the affected area should be snared together or glued together with replacements of the exact type as the remaining timber. This method of repair increases the amount original fabric and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber rot.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is another alternative to the traditional method of sanding and staining. It is brushed on the surface of the wood to stabilise and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful for the treatment of sash cords and pulleys where it can help to stop breakage.

It is essential to preserve and not replace any historical ironmongery, like the sash latches and stays. These items are difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is also recommended that modern fittings made of aluminium like sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.