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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Traditionally, box sash windows used chains or cotton cords and weights made of lead to operate. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to avoid this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Unlike PVC-u windows that are made to modular imperial sizes Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while complying with conservation regulations for the area. It also offers windows with a superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became cheaper and artisans could make larger frames using larger glass. By the late 18th century Sash windows were the most popular wooden design in most British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains.

Early windows were plain glass, but by the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and cost-effective, they became a feature of many period houses.

In the 19th century, it became possible to produce large, strong glasses that did not require support bars. This allowed the frame size to increase further and this in turn meant more of a view from the window. This was an important innovation.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was a significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s.

The most common type of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was also used in more prestigious buildings and in some earlier examples. It is essential to keep the parting bead which is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are vital to the functioning of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. They were glazed with plate glass placed within timber frames with rebates and secured with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced led lights.

The introduction of sashes created an need for a greater variety of ironmongery, with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, knobs and shutters and a variety of fasteners to hold the sashes in place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or designs that were engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy-efficient with regular maintenance. But, if you don't maintain them, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of paint and putty. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber solutions.

The market for replacement windows rests on the belief that traditional windows are rotten and beyond economical repair, whereas they are able to be maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace all windows in a home in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be supplied with 'energy saving' double-glazing to get higher energy efficiency ratings than those offered by traditional windows made of sash. Double-glazed windows aren't capable of resembling the proportions and sections of sashes from old timber.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery like mortice bolts, sash chain and sash locks can be put in place. These can be put in place to ensure that the window remains open for ventilation or for 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 catches and should be replaced with more robust versions (such ones that have double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the chance of them being hammered out.

Sash-window frames are usually made from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are in good condition and are not damaged, they should be left. If it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced with wood that is in line with. Many PVC-u firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on a complete home in a single day, without the need to involve other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light into the buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they had been adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also made. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with more elegance.





cambridge windows RepairMyWindowsAndDoors were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of lead and wood and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces must be maintained and cleaned to appreciate their beautiful design.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good shape. Inattention to maintenance routinely could result in:

Sashes that do not slide smoothly.

holes in the frame allow water that can cause decay and damage.

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

In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows increased in popularity because they were strong, slim and cheap and were in line with the trend for healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are as efficient in thermal efficiency as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

The industry of replacement windows has made a significant effort to convince homeowners that their windows are old, dirty, and beyond economic repair. The truth is that a lot of old windows made of wood are in good condition and, with minor repairs, could easily be maintained for years to be.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to maintain it properly can lead to the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars and degradation of the paint and putty. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash not to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or slammed into an open position and let water and draughts in the property.

The damage to timber windows is often caused by water entry. This can be prevented by regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy appearance of the paint that can be stripped to reveal soft, rotting timber. The rotten timber sections should be carefully removed and the affected part should be snared together or glued together by using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that is left and is among the least invasive methods for treating timber-to-timber decay.

The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is an alternative to traditional sanding and staining. It is brushed onto the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly useful to treat pulley cords and sash which can stop breakage.

It is crucial to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery, like stay latches and sash latches. It is difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also advised that modern fittings made of aluminium, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.