How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of how they look. Sash windows can get stuck and become difficult to open or shut. This is usually due to moisture, which can cause the wood to swell.

Box sash windows were traditionally operated using chains or cotton cords as well as weights made of lead. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to overcome this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are constructed to modular imperial sizes Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration meet the current energy standards while still complying with conservation area regulations. It also provides a window with a far superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally intended for large structures or public buildings. However, this changed when production became cheaper and artisans could produce larger frames with greater glass. By the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most sought-after wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the use of curtains.

The early windows were made of plain glass However, by the 17th Century the sash windows began to be more decorative. They began with colored glazing bars or mullions. These windows were quite 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 make large, sturdy glass that didn't require supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to increase further, which allowed for a wider view from the window. This was a significant advancement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window installation Cambridge at the end of I920s and at the beginning of I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s, and at the beginning of the I930s.

Oak was used in older examples and more prestigious buildings. A parting bead separates the two sashes, and it is essential that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and drafts. It is also essential that sash pulleys and idler wheels are in good working order as they help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer glass sheets became available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. They were made of plate glass, set in timber frames with rebates and secured with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glass gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

The introduction of sashes led to a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops, shutter hinges and knobs as well as a range of fasteners to hold the sashes in the right place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or designs that were engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows are energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. If they are not maintained they could become noisy. Paint and putty may cause draughts. This can be corrected making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that old windows are damaged beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a bit of attention. Repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace and remove all the windows in an entire house within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much more efficient. They can also be supplied with 'energy saving' double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed units are not capable of replicating the proportions and sections of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their style. Many types of ironmongery are available including sash chains mortice bolts, and sash locks. These can be put in place in a way that the window is 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 hinges leeds catchers and are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such as those incorporating double screws) or spring levers to decrease the chance of them being hammered out.

Sash-window frames were constructed from slow-growing deal or, in the more prestigious houses they were made from oak. If the glazing bars are still in good condition, they should be retained. Where 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 installation service. They can remove 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 large amount of light to flood into the buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were modified to allow more light could be let into rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows with a greater degree of elegance than before.

The introduction of sash windows also required an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and leaded. There were also a variety of kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces must be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their exquisite design.

To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows need to be maintained. Lack of regular attention may cause:

Sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

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

break down of putty, allowing water penetration that can lead to decay in the frame and cill.

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows increased in popularity due to their strength slim and inexpensive and were in line with the trend for 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 are more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The replacement window industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten drafty, noisy and beyond repair. The reality is that many older timber windows are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be serviceable for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your sash window, it could cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause paint and putty become damaged. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movements within the frame, which can cause the sash not to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in the open position and this can let water and draughts enter the structure.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by thorough painting, periodic repairs, and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified by the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be stripped to reveal soft, rotting timber. The sections that are rotting should be carefully removed and the affected area should be scarfed together or glued together with replacements of the exact nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount original fabric and is among the least invasive ways to treat the rot that occurs between timber and timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is another alternative to the traditional method of staining and sanding. The product is brushed on to the surface of the wood to stabilise and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage.

It is crucial to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery, such as stay latches and sash latches. These items can be very difficult to replace without damaging the quality of the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if possible since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of frames and sashes made of timber.