The Largest Issue That Comes With Sash Windows Cambridge, And How You Can Repair It

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of their appearance. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is typically due to moisture, which can cause the wood to expand.

Box sash windows were traditionally operated using chains or cotton cords as well as weights made of lead. Modern sash window springs are hidden to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes and are modular, can be reconstructed to their original dimensions. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to comply with current energy standards and conform to conservation regulations for areas. It also provides a window that is far superior to uPVC alternatives.

Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used in large buildings or public buildings. However, upvc window renovation repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk changed when production became more affordable and artisans could make larger frames using greater glass. At the close 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.

Early windows were plain glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows started to become more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive initially, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they were commonplace in many homes of the period.

In the 19th century, it became possible to create large, sturdy glasses that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame size to increase further, which meant more of a view out of the window. This was a significant innovation.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and the beginning of I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened at the same time and gave improved ventilation to a building.

The most popular type of sash is constructed of slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes and it is vital that it is maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. It is also crucial that sash pulleys and idler wheels are kept in good condition as these help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets became available. They were coated with plate glass that was placed within timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in an increase in demand for ironmongery. The basic fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges, and a variety of fasteners to fix the sashes. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engravings that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be very energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become draughty. Paint and putty can cause draughts too. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber solutions.

The industry of replacement windows is based on the belief that older windows are old and beyond repair, while they can be maintained with a little attention. However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause substantial disruption to the home. To avoid this, many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the many "one-stop shop" installation companies. They can replace all windows in a home in one day, saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be fitted with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than those offered by traditional sash windows. However, these double-glazed units cannot duplicate the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. There are many types of ironmongery that can be fitted with sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks. These can be put in place to ensure that the window is still capable of being opened for ventilation or cleaning. These are typically unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catchers that are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the risk of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames are traditionally made from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and where possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. PVC-U companies usually provide a one-stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on a complete house in a day without the need to involve other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a large amount of light to be absorbed into buildings. By the end of the 18th century, they were adapted to allow even more light into rooms, and bigger glazing panes started to be made. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows with a higher quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded a new range of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, whereas later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a mixture of wood and lead, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be maintained and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

To keep them in good condition, timber windows must be maintained. A lack of regular attention can lead to:

Sashes that do not move easily.

Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause damage and decay.

Water can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or cill.

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows are just as thermally efficient as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

The industry of replacement windows did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten, drafty and beyond economical repair. The reality is that many older windows made of timber are in good condition and with minor repairs could easily be serviceable for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your window's sash, it could cause the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It could also cause the paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash not to close properly. The sash can also be stuck in the open position, allowing the water and drafts to enter the property.

Damage to timber windows is often caused by water entry. 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 timber sections must be removed and the affected part carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made of the same kind of timber as those remaining. This method of repair increases the amount original fabric and is one of least invasive ways to treat wood-to-timber rot.

A wood condenser that is based on resin is an alternative to 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 useful for the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help prevent breakage.

It is crucial that any old ironmongery such as sash stay and latches are kept and restored rather than replaced. It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also advised that modern fittings made of aluminium like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.