The Most Significant Issue With Sash Windows Cambridge, And How You Can Solve It

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Box sash windows were traditionally operated using chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights. Modern sash window springs are hidden to avoid this issue.

1. Aesthetics

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

Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally intended for large structures or public buildings. However this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using greater glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The early windows were made of clear glass However, by the 17th Century sash windows started to become more attractive. They began with colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were expensive at the beginning but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were an integral feature in many homes of the period.

By the 19th century it was possible to manufacture large, sturdy glass that did not require support bars. This allowed the frame size to be enlarged further and this in turn meant more of a view from the window. This was a significant advancement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and at the beginning of I930s. The double-hung sliding sash is another significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s.

The most common type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead which separates the sashes. This will help prevent draughts and rattles. It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are in good shape as they help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets became available.  upvc door repairs cambridge  were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to increased demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges and a variety of fasteners used to secure the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and engravings that identified the maker.

Sash windows are energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. If they are not maintained they could become drafty. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of putty and paint. 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 perception that old windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a little attention. However, these repairs can be expensive and involve considerable disruption to the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows using PVC-u from a large "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace all windows in a home in one day, saving time and avoiding the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be fitted with  energy-saving double-glazing to achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than those offered by traditional sash windows. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery, such as sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be installed. These can be installed in such a way that the window can still be open for ventilation and cleaning. These products are usually minimal in appearance, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. These are best replaced with more robust models, such as those with double screws, or sprung levers to decrease the risk of being hammered.

Sash-window frames are typically constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and if it is feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with the same wood. Many PVC-U firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows throughout a home in one day, without involving any other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light into the buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were altered to allow even more light into rooms and larger glass panes began to be produced. The result was a lighter look and windows with more elegance.

The introduction of sash windows also necessitated a new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mix of wood and leaded. There were also various kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery elements should always be retained and cleaned down to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Inattention to maintenance routinely could cause:

Sashes that do not slide smoothly.

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

break down of putty allowing water to penetrate, which could lead to decay of the frame and cill.

In the I920s and I930s steel casement windows gained popularity because they were strong, slim and cheap and were in line with the trend for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows 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 persuade house owners that their old windows are dirty, noisy and beyond repair. The truth is that a lot of old windows made of timber are in good shape and with minor repairs could easily be maintained for years to be.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to keep up with this can result in sash cords breaking, excessive wear on the glazing bars and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to be misaligned and not closing properly. The sash could also get stuck in an open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the building.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be prevented by regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting wood. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out, and the affected area should be scarfed together or glued together using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This repair method increases the amount original fabric and is among the least invasive ways to treat wood-to-timber rot.

A wood condenser that is based on resin is a viable alternative to traditional sanding or staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is particularly useful in the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which can help stop breakage.

It is important to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery, such as the sash latches and stays. It is difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings, such as chain stays and sash lifts is avoided whenever possible since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of frames and sashes made of timber.