5 Killer Quora Answers To Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge feature traditional sash window and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can get stuck and become difficult to open or close. This is often due moisture which can cause the timber to swell.
Box sash windows were previously operated using chains, cotton cords and weights made of lead. Modern sash window springs are hidden to avoid this issue.
1. Aesthetics
Unlike PVC-u windows that are made according to imperial sizes that are modular Timber sash windows can be restored to their original dimensions. This allows the restoration to be in line with modern energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also comes with a window that is far superior to uPVC alternatives.
Sliding windows with sash were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using larger glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.
The first windows were made of glass that was plain however, by the 17th Century the sash windows began to become more ornamental. They were initially made of colored glazing bars or mullions. They were costly at first, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they were an integral feature in many historic homes.
In the 19th century, it became possible to create large, sturdy glasses that didn't need supporting bars. This allowed for the frame to be made larger, which in turn gave an improved view. This was an important innovation.
Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of the I920s and beginning of I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously, and allowed for better ventilation to the building.
The most commonly used kind of sash is made from slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was also used in more prestigious buildings and in some earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead that divides the sashes. repairmywindowsanddoors will stop rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers also are vital to the operation of the window.
2. Energy efficiency
As larger and clearer glass sheets were made available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. They were made of plate glass, set within rebated timber frames and secured with glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to make them watertight. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.
The introduction of sashes created a need for a much greater variety of ironmongery, with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners used to keep the sashes in place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and designs that were engraved to identify the maker.
With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. If they are not maintained they could become noisy. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber solutions.
The market for replacement windows rests on the assumption that traditional windows are rotten and beyond economical repair, while they are able to be maintained with just a little care. Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To avoid this homeowners, many prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the largest 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace all windows in a home in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving double-glazing to attain higher energy ratings than the traditional windows with sash. However these double-glazed units are unable to reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.
3. Security
It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. There are many types of ironmongery that can be installed, including sash chains, mortice bolts, and locks for sash. These can be put in place to ensure that the window is able to be opened for ventilation or cleaning. They are generally not noticeable, since they are designed to match the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash window catches, which should be replaced with more robust versions (such as those incorporating double screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the chance of them being hammered open.
Sash-window frames were constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more prestigious houses they were made from oak. If glazing bars have survived, they should be kept, and if it is it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop installation service. They can take down and replace windows throughout a house in just one day, without involving other tradespeople.
4. Ventilation
When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light into buildings. At the end of the 18th century they were modified to let even more light into rooms, and larger glazing panes began to be produced. The result was a lighter appearance, and windows with a greater quality of design than before.
The introduction of sash windows also demanded an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their exquisite design.
To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows require regular maintenance. Inattention to maintenance routinely could cause:
Sashes that do not move effortlessly.
Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause damage and decay.
break down of putty allowing water penetration that can lead to decay in the frame and cill.
Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s and I930s because they were strong and slim, cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient thermally as double-glazed PVC-u windows and may be more appealing than the modern sleek design of casement windows.
The window replacement industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many older timber windows can be repaired and used for many more years with minor repairs.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window, it can lead to the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and unable to close correctly. The sash may also become stuck in the open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the property.
Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by moisture infiltration. This can be avoided with regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying 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 kind of timber as those remaining. This method of repair maximises the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber.
A wood condenser that is based on resin is an alternative to the traditional sanding or staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is especially beneficial for the treatment of sash and pulley cords, which can stop breakage.
It is essential to preserve and not replace any old ironmongery, such as sash latches and stays. These items can be very difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, are avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.