Do You Know How To Explain Sash Windows Cambridge To Your Boss
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 get stuck and be difficult to open or shut. This is typically due to moisture, which can cause the wood to expand.
Box sash windows were historically operated with chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to address this problem.
1. Aesthetics
In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are constructed according to imperial sizes that are modular the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while still complying with conservation area regulations. It also offers an option that is superior to uPVC alternatives.
Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used for large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became more affordable and artisans could make larger frames using greater glass. By the late 18th century windows made of sash were the predominant wooden design in most British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light in rooms without the need for curtains.
The first windows were made of plain glass but by the 17th century sash windows were becoming more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. These were very expensive at the time but as glass production became more efficient and cost-effective, they became a part of many period houses.
In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, strong glass that didn't require support 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 innovation.
Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously, and allowed for better ventilation to a building.
The most popular type of sash is made from slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was used in the more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. It is important to maintain the parting bead that divides the sashes. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will help prevent draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are vital to the operation of the window.
2. Energy efficiency
Sash windows replaced hinged cases as clearer and larger sheets were made available. They were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and secured with glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This kind of glazing gradually superseded led lights.
The introduction of sashes led to an need for a greater variety of ironmongery, with the most 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 that secured the sashes in the right place. They were often decorated with designs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.
With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can 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 replacement window industry relies on the assumption that old windows are damaged and beyond repair, whereas they are able to be maintained with a little attention. However, these repairs are costly and can cause significant disruption to your home. To avoid this homeowners often opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one of the largest "one-stop shop" installation companies. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving' double glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than traditional windows made of sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.
3. Security
Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. Many types of ironmongery are available including sash chains mortice bolts, and locks for sash. They can be fitted in a manner that the window is able to be open for ventilation and cleaning. These products are usually unobtrusive, as they are designed to match the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash-window catches that must be replaced by more robust models (such ones with double screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the chance of them being opened by hammering.
Sash-window frames were traditionally constructed from slow-growing deal or, in the more prestigious houses made of oak. If the glazing bars are intact, they should be retained. If it is possible, the timber cills should be replaced by timber that is compatible with. Many PVC-U firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows throughout a home in a single day, without involving other tradespeople.
4. Ventilation
When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light into buildings. At the end of the 18th century they were modified to let more light into rooms, and larger glazing panes began to be made. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows with a higher level of elegance than they had before.
Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were made out of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and leaded. There were also various types of shutter hinges and knobs. Ironmongery elements must be retained and cleaned down so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.
To keep them in good shape, timber windows require regular maintenance. Lack of attention to them regularly could lead to:
sashes that no longer slide smoothly.
Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause damage and decay.
Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cause cill.
In the I920s and I930s steel casement windows gained popularity because they were strong slim and inexpensive and also matched the fashion for healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed PVC-u windows and are more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.
The replacement window industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten, drafty and beyond economical repair. However, many old windows made of timber are in good condition and with minor repairs could easily be maintained for years to come.
5. Maintenance
A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this could result in sash cords breaking, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to become misaligned and not closing properly. The sash could also get stuck in its open position, allowing the water and drafts to enter the property.
Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented with thorough painting, regular repairs and elimination of the cause of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy look of the existing paint which can be stripped to reveal rotting, soft timber. The sections that are rotting must be removed with care and the affected part should be snared together or glued together using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This repair method increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is among the most minimally invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber rot.
The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is an alternative to traditional sanding and staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of pulleys and sash cords where it can help to prevent breakage.
It is essential to preserve and not replace any old ironmongery such as sash latches and stays. It can be difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.