11 Creative Ways To Write About Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of the way they look. However, sash windows can get stuck and be difficult to open or close. This is typically due to moisture which can cause the wood to expand.
Traditionally, box sash windows utilised chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors are hidden to solve this problem.
1. Aesthetics
Contrary to PVC-u windows which are constructed to modular imperial sizes Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration to meet the current energy standards while ensuring compliance with conservation regulations for the area. It also gives windows that have a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives.
Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, however this changed when production became cheaper and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains.
The first windows were made of clear glass However, in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more ornamental. They began with colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were expensive at first, but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were an integral feature in many homes of the period.
In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, strong glass that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame size to increase more, which in turn allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was a significant innovation.
The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that was made in the I920s and at 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 at the beginning of the I930s.
The most commonly used kind of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was used in the more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. A split bead divides the two sashes. It is vital that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and drafts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are also crucial for the proper operation of the window.
2. Energy efficiency
Sash windows replaced hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. They were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and secured with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to make them watertight. This kind of glazing gradually superseded the leaded light bulbs.
The introduction of sashes resulted in the need for a wider range of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, knobs and shutters and a variety of fasteners to hold the sashes into the right place. These were often decorated in motifs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.
Sash windows are energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, if they are not maintained, they can become draughty and let in cold air. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of putty and paint. This can be fixed by using proprietary wood-to-timber repair products.
The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the notion that older windows are beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a bit of attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be fitted with energy-saving double-glazing, which can achieve greater energy efficiency than are possible with traditional sash windows. However these double-glazed units are unable to replicate the section and proportions of traditional timber sashes.
3. Security
It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery such as mortice bolts, sash chain and sash locks can be put in place. These can be installed in a manner that the window can still be open for ventilation and cleaning. They are usually unobtrusive as they are designed to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash window catches, which must be replaced by more robust versions (such as those incorporating double screws) or spring levers to decrease the risk of them being hammered out.
Sash-window frames are typically made from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept and, if possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on a complete house in a day without the need to involve other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers.
4. Ventilation
When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light to flood into the buildings. By the end 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows that had a higher quality of design than before.
The introduction of sash windows also demanded an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mix of wood and lead. There were also different kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be kept and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.
To keep them in good condition, wooden windows must be maintained. Inattention to maintenance can result in:
Sashes that do not slide effortlessly.
Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause decay and damage.
break down of the putty and allow water to penetrate, which could cause decay in the frame and cill.
Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s because they were strong and slim, cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. Research has proven that softwood sash window are just as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.
The industry of replacement windows was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many old timber windows can be repaired and utilized for a longer period with minor repairs.
5. Maintenance
Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your window's sash, it could result in the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty degrade. 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 to be snagged or fixed in an open position and this can let water and draughts in the property.
The damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture penetration. This can be avoided with regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified by the wavy look of the existing paint which can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting timber. Any rotten timber sections should be cut off and the affected area carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same type of timber as those remaining. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is one of most non-invasive methods to treat timber-to-timber rot.
A wood condenser that is based on resin is a viable alternative to traditional process of sanding or staining. This is brushed onto the surface of the timber to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which help prevent breakage.
It is essential that any ironmongery from the past such as sash stays and latches are kept and restored rather than replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without harming the the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings like sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of frames and sashes made of timber.