Why You Should Focus On Improving Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge feature traditional sash window and homeowners are proud of their appearance. 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 sash windows feature hidden springs to solve this problem.
1. Aesthetics
Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured to modular imperial sizes Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to meet the current energy requirements and conform to conservation regulations for areas. It also gives windows that have a more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives.
Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings, though this changed when production became cheaper and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. At Repair My Windows And Doors of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Because they were simple to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.
Early windows were plain glass, but by the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at the beginning but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they were an integral feature in many historic homes.
In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, sturdy glass that didn't require supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be enlarged more, which in turn gave a better view from the window. This was a very important innovation.
Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s.
The most popular kind of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was used in the more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes, and it is important that this is maintained in order to avoid rattles and draughts. It is also important that the idler and sash pulley wheels are in good working order as they assist in operating the window.
2. Energy efficiency
As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash window began replacing hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass placed within timber frames with rebates and secured with glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.
The introduction of sashes resulted in an need for a wider range of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges and knobs, and a range of fasteners to hold the sashes to their place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.
Sash windows can be very energy-efficient with regular maintenance. If they are not maintained they can get draughty. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of putty and paint. It is possible to fix this issue by using wood-to-timber solutions.
The replacement window industry relies heavily on the perception that older windows are beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However they can be maintained with a little attention. These repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace all windows in a home in a single day, saving time and eliminating the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be supplied with 'energy saving' double-glazing, which can achieve greater energy efficiency than are possible with traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.
3. Security
It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their style. Ironmongery, such as sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be put in place. These can be installed so that the window is open for ventilation or cleaning. These windows are typically not noticeable since they are designed to work with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. They should be replaced with more robust versions like ones that have double screws or sprung levers, to minimize the possibility of being hammered.
Sash-window frames were traditionally constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more luxurious homes they were made from oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be kept and, if feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. PVC-u companies typically provide a one-stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows across a house in a day without the need to engage other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from different suppliers.
4. Ventilation
Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a large amount of light to enter buildings. By the end of the 18th century, they were adapted to allow more light into rooms, and bigger glazing panes started to be manufactured. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater quality of design than before.
Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while later Victorian ones were made from brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be retained and cleaned down to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.
Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good shape. Inattention to maintenance can lead to:
Sashes that no longer slide easily.
Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause decay and damage.
Water can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or the cill.
Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s because they were strong and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed PVC-u windows and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.
The industry of replacement windows has made a significant effort to convince homeowners that their traditional windows are dirty, noisy and beyond repair. The reality is that many older timber windows are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be repaired for many years to come.
5. Maintenance
Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your window's sash, it could lead to the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of the sashes may also cause structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to move out of alignment and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash could also get stuck in its open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the property.
The damage to timber windows is often caused by water penetration. This can be avoided by thorough painting, regular repairs and elimination of the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, decaying wood. The sections that are rotting should be carefully removed and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together with replacements of the exact nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive ways of treating decay caused by timber.
The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is another alternative to traditional staining and sanding. It is brushed onto the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is especially beneficial for treating sash and pulley cords, which can help prevent breakage.
It is important to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery such as sash latches and stays. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also advised that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.