A Step-By-Step Guide To Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows with traditional designs 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 swell.
Traditionally, window boxes utilised chains or cotton cord and lead weights to operate. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to eliminate this issue.
1. Aesthetics
Contrary to PVC-u windows which are constructed to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to meet the current energy requirements and to comply with conservation regulations for areas. broken window cambridge provides an option that is superior to uPVC options.
Sliding sash windows were originally only used in large buildings or public buildings, though the production process became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light into rooms without the use of curtains.
The early windows were made of clear glass However, by the 17th Century sash windows started to be more decorative. They started with coloured glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were costly initially, but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became commonplace in many homes of the period.
In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, sturdy glasses that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be enlarged further, which allowed for a wider view from the window. This was an important innovation.
Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s, and at the beginning of the I930s.
Oak was used for older examples and for more prestigious buildings. A split bead divides the two sashes. It is vital that it is 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 larger and clearer glass sheets became available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. Plate glass was set into rebated timber frames, which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was applied to the frame's two sides to ensure watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.
Sashes were introduced, which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers, shutter hinges and handles, and a variety of fasteners to secure the sashes. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and designs that were engraved to identify the maker.
Sash windows can be very energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. But, if you don't maintain them, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. It is possible to fix this issue by using wood-to-timber products.
The replacement window industry relies heavily on the perception that old windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a bit of attention. Repairs can be costly and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To avoid this homeowners often opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one of the many 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace and remove all windows in a home within a single day, avoiding the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the whole process much more efficient. They can also be supplied with energy-saving double-glazing, which can achieve greater energy efficiency than traditional windows made of 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 more secure without compromising their style. Ironmongery like mortice bolts, sash chain, and sash lock can be used. These can be installed to ensure that the window is still able to be opened to allow ventilation or cleaning. These are typically not noticeable, since they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. These are best replaced with more robust versions like those with double screws, or sprung levers to decrease the possibility of being struck by hammers.
Sash-window frames are typically made of oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are intact and in good condition, they should be kept. If feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced by wood that matches. Many PVC-U firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows throughout a house in just one day, without involving any other tradespeople.
4. Ventilation
When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light into the 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 produced. The result was a lighter appearance, and windows with a higher degree of elegance than before.
Sash windows were introduced and required a new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were constructed out of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and lead. There were also different types of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces must be maintained and cleaned to appreciate their beautiful design.
To keep them in good shape, timber windows require regular maintenance. Inattention to maintenance routinely could lead to:
sashes that no longer slide smoothly.
holes in the frame that admit water causing damage and decay.
The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or the cill.
Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. Research has proven that softwood sash windows are just as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.
The replacement window industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many older timber windows can be fixed and used for many more years with minor repairs.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this can lead to broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and degradation of the paint and putty. The removal of the sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in the open position, which can let water and draughts in the property.
The damage to timber windows is often caused by water entry. This can be prevented by careful painting, regular repairs and the elimination of the source of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy look of the existing paint which can be removed to reveal soft, rotting timber. Any timber that is rotting should be cut off and the affected part carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same type of timber as the ones that remain. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric left, and is among the least invasive ways of treating decay of timber to timber.
A wood condenser made of resin is an alternative to traditional staining or sanding. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys where it can help to prevent breakage.
It is important that any ironmongery from the past like sash stays and latches be kept and rehabilitated instead of being replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided if at all possible since they can cause corrosion and deterioration to frames and sashes made of timber.