What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of how they look. However, sash windows may get stuck and be difficult to open or close. This is typically due to moisture which can cause the wood to expand.
Box sash windows were previously operated by chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to address this issue.
1. Aesthetics
Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes, which are modular, can be reconstructed to their original dimensions. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows in order to comply with current energy standards and comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also offers an option that is superior to the uPVC alternatives.
Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings, but the production process became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden design in British homes. Because double glazing repairs cambridge were simple to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains.
The first windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. These were very expensive at the time but as glass production improved and cost-effective, they became a part of many of the period homes.
In the 19th century, it was possible to produce large, sturdy glasses that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even further, which allowed for a wider view from the window. This was an important advancement.
Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and at the beginning of I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened at the same time and allowed for better ventilation to the building.
Oak was used in older and more luxurious buildings. It is essential to keep the parting bead which is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are crucial to the functioning of the window.
2. Energy efficiency
As larger and clearer glass sheets became available, sash window began replacing hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass set within rebated timber frames and then pinned with glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.
The introduction of sashes resulted in the need for a greater variety of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges, knobs and shutters and a variety of fasteners to hold the sashes into place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and designs that were engraved to identify the maker.
With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance they can get draughty. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be fixed by making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.
The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the perception that old windows are beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However they can be maintained with a little attention. However, these repairs can be expensive and involve substantial disruption to the home. To prevent this, many homeowners opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one of the largest 'one stop shop' installation companies. 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 fitted with 'energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than the traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed units are not capable of replicating the proportions and sections of sashes from old timber.
3. Security
Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their style. Ironmongery like mortice bolts, sash chain and sash locks can be put in place. They can be fitted in a way so that the window can be open for ventilation and 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 should be replaced by more robust versions, such as those that incorporate double screws, or sprung levers in order to reduce the chance of being struck by hammers.
Sash-window frames were typically constructed from slow grown deal or, in the more luxurious homes, from oak. If the glazing bars are still intact and are not damaged, they should be left. If it is it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced by wood that is in line with. Many PVC-U firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows on a complete home in one day, without involving other tradespeople.
4. Ventilation
When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a lighter look and windows with more elegance.
The introduction of sash windows also necessitated an entirely new range of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be retained and cleaned down so that the quality of their design can be appreciated.
Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good order. A lack of regular attention could lead to:
Sashes that no longer slide smoothly.
Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause damage and decay.
The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or cause cill.
In the I920s and I930s steel casement windows gained popularity due to their strength, slim and cheap and were in line with the trend for healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows are as efficient thermally as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.
The replacement window industry has done a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows are rotten, draughty and beyond economic repair. However, many older timber windows are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be maintained for years to be.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your window's sash, it could result in the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty become damaged. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movements within the frame, causing the sash to not close correctly. The sash may also become stuck in the open position, allowing water and draughts into the property.
Damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture entry. This can be prevented by regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy look of the existing paint which can be stripped to reveal rotting, soft timber. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out and the affected part should be snared together or pieced together by using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This repair method increases the amount original fabric and is among the most minimally invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber rot.
A wood condenser made of resin is a viable alternative to traditional sanding or staining. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is especially useful for treating pulley cords and sash, where it can prevent breakage.
It is crucial to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery such as the sash latches and stays. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also advised that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, should be avoided since they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.