20 Things You Need To Be Educated 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. aluminium french doors cambridge can get stuck and become difficult to open and close. This is usually due to moisture, which can cause the timber to swell.
Traditionally, box sash windows utilized chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to solve this issue.
1. Aesthetics
Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured to modular imperial sizes, timber sash windows can be restored to their original sizes. This allows the restoration to be in line with modern energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also gives windows with a superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives.
Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings, though the production process became cheaper and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. At the close 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 need for curtains.
Early windows were simple glass, but in the 17th century sash windows began to become more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive at the time but as glass production improved and less expensive, they were a common feature in many of the period homes.
In the 19th century, it became possible to create large, strong glasses that didn't need supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even further and this in turn allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was a significant advancement.
The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s, and at the beginning of the I930s.
The most commonly used type of sash is constructed of slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. 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 crucial to the operation of the window.
2. Energy efficiency
Sash windows replaced hinged cases as larger and clearer sheets were made available. Glass plates were set in rebated timber frames, which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was applied to the frame's sides to ensure watertightness. This form of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.
The introduction of sashes led to an need for a larger variety of ironmongery with the basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops, shutter hinges and knobs as well as a range of fasteners used to keep the sashes to their place. These were usually decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.
With regular maintenance, sash windows can be very energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become noisy. Putty and paint can also cause draughts. It is possible to fix this issue by using wood-to-timber solutions.
The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the perception that old windows are beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However they can be maintained with a little attention. These repairs can be costly and cause many disruptions in the home. To avoid this homeowners, many opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one the many "one-stop shop" installation companies. 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 supplied with 'energy saving' double-glazing, which can achieve more energy efficient ratings than those offered by traditional windows with sash. However these double-glazed units are unable to reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.
3. Security
Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery such as sash chain, mortice bolts and sash locks can be used. These can be put in place so that the window remains able to be opened for ventilation or for cleaning. These products are often discrete since they are made to complement sash windows. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catches and must be replaced by more robust models (such ones with double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the chance of them being hammered out.
Sash-window frames were traditionally constructed from slow grown deal or, in more prestigious houses they were made from oak. If glazing bars have survived, they should be preserved, and if it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by identical wood. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows on an entire home in one day, without the need to engage other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from a number of different suppliers.
4. Ventilation
When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light to flood into structures. At the end of the 18th century, they had been adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a more light appearance and windows with more elegance.
Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new range ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of lead and wood and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. Ironmongery elements must be kept and cleaned so that the quality of their design can be appreciated.
To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows must be maintained. A lack of attention to them regularly could cause:
Sashes that do not slide easily.
holes in the frame that admit water that can cause decay and damage.
Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cause cill.
Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s because they were strong and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash window are as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.
The industry of replacement windows did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. However, many old windows made of timber are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be repaired for many years to be.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your window's sash, it could cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause paint and putty deteriorate. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash not to close properly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in an open position and this can let water and draughts into the property.
Damage to timber windows is often caused by water penetration. This can be avoided by thorough painting, regular repairs, and removing the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, rotting wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut off and the affected area carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made from the same type of wood as the ones that remain. This method of repair maximises the amount of original fabric retained and is among the least invasive ways of treating decay caused by 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 stabilise and shield it from further damage. It is especially useful for treating pulley cords and sash which can help prevent breakage.
It is crucial to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery, like stay latches and sash latches. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings such as chain stays and sash lifts is avoided whenever feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of frames and sashes made of timber.