Does Technology Make Sash Windows Cambridge Better Or Worse?
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 appear. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is often due moisture, which can cause the timber to expand.
Traditionally, window boxes utilized chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to avoid this issue.
1. Aesthetics
Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes, which are modular, are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also gives windows that have a more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives.
Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, however this changed as production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to produce larger frames with more glass. By the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains.
The first windows were made of glass that was plain, but by the 17th Century the sash windows began to be more decorative. They began with colored glazing bars or mullions. These were very expensive at the time but as glass production improved and cheaper they became a part of numerous period houses.
By the 19th century it was possible to make large, sturdy glass that did not need support bars. This allowed for the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave a better view. This was an important innovation.
Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and at 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.
Oak was used in older examples and more prestigious buildings. A split bead divides the two sashes and it is vital that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and drafts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers 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 glazed with plate glass set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This kind of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.
The introduction of sashes led to a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges, knobs and shutters, and a range 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 can be very energy efficient. Without this maintenance they could become noisy. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be corrected using proprietary wood-to-timber repair products.
The replacement window industry relies on the assumption that traditional windows are rotten and beyond repair, while they are able to be maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" installation company. These can remove and replace all windows in a home within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the entire process much quicker. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than a traditional sash window. Double-glazed windows aren't capable of replicating the proportions or section of historic timber sashes.
3. Security
Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be put in place. These can be installed to ensure that the window remains able to be opened for ventilation or cleaning. These windows are typically discrete since they are made to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches that are required to be replaced with more robust models (such ones with double screws) or spring levers to decrease the chance of them being opened by hammering.
Sash-window frames were typically constructed from slow grown deal or, in more elegant homes made of oak. If the glazing bars remain intact and in good condition, they should be kept. Where feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced with timber that is compatible with. Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop installation service. They can take out and replace windows on a complete home in a single day, without involving any other tradespeople.
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 altered to allow more light into rooms and larger glazing panes began to be manufactured. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater level of elegance than they had before.
The introduction of sash windows also required the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and leaded. There were also various kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. Ironmongery elements must be kept and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.
To ensure they remain in good shape, timber windows need to be maintained. Lack of regular attention may result in:
Sashes that don't slide easily.
Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause decay and damage.
Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cill.
In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows increased in popularity due to their strength, slim and cheap and were in line with the trend for healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash window are just as effective as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.
The industry of replacement windows has made a significant effort to convince homeowners that their traditional windows are dirty, noisy and beyond repair. However, many old windows made of wood are in good shape and, with minor repairs, could easily be repaired for many years to be.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your sash window, it could lead to the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash to not close properly. The sash may also become stuck in an open position, which allows the water and drafts to enter the building.
The damage to timber windows is often caused by water penetration. replacement windows cambridge can be prevented by regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, rotting wood. Any timber that is rotting should be cut out and the affected area should be carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made of the same type of timber as those remaining. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive ways of treating timber-to-timber decay.
A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to the traditional process of sanding or staining. It is brushed onto the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is particularly useful for the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which can help stop breakage.
It is essential to preserve and not replace any historical ironmongery, like the sash latches and stays. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings like chain stays and sash lifts should be avoided if feasible as they could cause corrosion and damage to frames and sashes made from timber.