3 Reasons Three Reasons Your Sash Windows Cambridge Is Broken (And How To Fix It)
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows with traditional designs and homeowners are proud of how they appear. Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open or close. This is usually due moisture that can cause the wood to swell.
Box sash windows were traditionally operated by chains, cotton cords and weights made of lead. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to solve this problem.
1. Aesthetics
Unlike PVC-u windows that are constructed according to imperial sizes that are modular the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and to comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also comes with a window that is far superior to the uPVC alternatives.
Sliding sash windows were originally only used in large buildings or public buildings, however this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using more glass. By the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant wooden design in most British properties. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the use of curtains.
The early windows were made of clear glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more attractive. They started with coloured glazing bars or mullions. These were very expensive at the time but as glass production became more efficient and less expensive, they became a part of numerous period houses.
In the 19th century it was possible to make large, strong glass that didn't require support bars. This allowed for the frame to be made larger and, in turn, gave an improved view. This was a significant advancement.
The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that was made in the I920s and the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously, and also improved the ventilation of a building.
The most popular type of sash is constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was used in the more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples. A parting bead separates the two sashes and it is important that this is maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. It is also essential that the idler and sash pulley wheels are in good working order as they help to operate the window.
2. Energy efficiency
Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. Plate glass was set into frames of timber that were rebated, then which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was sprayed on both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness. This kind of glazing gradually superseded leaded lights.
Sashes were introduced, which led to a greater demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges, and a variety of fasteners to fix the sashes. These were usually decorated with designs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.
Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. But, if you don't maintain them, they can become draughty and let in cold air. Putty and paint can cause draughts too. It is possible to fix this issue by using wood-to-timber solutions.
The replacement window industry relies on the perception that old windows are damaged and beyond economical repair, but they can be maintained with a little attention. However, these repairs can be costly and cause substantial disruption to the home. To avoid this, many homeowners opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one the large 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace all windows in a house in one day, saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving' double glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than traditional sash window. However, these double-glazed units cannot replicate the section and proportions of historic timber sashes.
3. Security
Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their style. cambridge window repair like sash chain, mortice bolts and sash locks can be used. They can be positioned in a way so that the window can be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These products are often unobtrusive as they are designed to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be used with traditional sash window catch. These should be replaced with more robust models, such as those that incorporate double screws, or sprung levers, to minimize the chance of being hammered.
Sash-window frames are traditionally constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. If glazing bars have survived, they should be preserved, and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with the same wood. PVC-U companies usually provide a one-stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on an entire home in one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers.
4. Ventilation
When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light into structures. At the end of the 18th century they were modified to let more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be produced. The result was a much lighter appearance and windows that had a higher degree of elegance than before.
The introduction of sash windows also necessitated a new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and leaded. There were also different types of knobs and shutter hinges. Ironmongery elements must be maintained and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.
Timber windows require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Lack of attention to them regularly can lead to:
Sashes that do not slide smoothly.
holes in the frame that allow water causing damage and decay.
break down of the putty and allow water penetration, which could lead to decay of the frame and cill.
Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s because they were strong and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend towards healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed PVC-u windows and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.
The industry of replacement windows has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair. The truth is that a lot of old windows made of wood are in good condition and with minor repairs could easily be repaired for many years to come.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to 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 to deteriorate. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movements within the frame, causing the sash to not close properly. The sash could also get stuck in its open position, which allows water and draughts into the building.
The damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture entry. This can be prevented with thorough painting, regular repairs and the elimination of the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy look of the paint, which can be stripped to reveal soft, rotting timber. The sections that are rotting must be removed with care and the affected area should be snared together or pieced together using replacements of the same 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 timber-to-timber decay.
A wood condenser that is based on resin is an alternative to the traditional process of sanding or staining. The product 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 where it can help to stop breakage.
It is crucial that any ironmongery from the past like sash stays and latches be kept and restored rather than replacing them. It is difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings like sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if possible as they can cause corrosion and damage to frames and sashes made of timber.