How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Traditionally, window boxes utilised chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to solve this problem.

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 size. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows in order to meet the current energy requirements and to comply with conservation area regulations. It also provides an option that is superior to upvc window repairs near me options.

Sliding sash windows were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, though this changed as production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to make larger frames with more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and allowed light to enter rooms without the use of curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th century, sash windows started to become more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at first, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they became commonplace in many homes of the period.

In the 19th century, it became possible to create large, strong glasses that didn’t need support bars. This allowed for the frame to be enlarged, which in turn gave a better view. This was an important improvement.

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

Oak was used in older and more luxurious buildings. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes and it is vital that it is well maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are also essential to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. Plate glass was placed in frames made of timber, which were which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was sprayed on the frame’s two sides for watertightness. This form of glass gradually replaced led lights.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes, shutter hinges and handles as well as a variety of fasteners to secure the sashes. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engraved patterns that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become noisy. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. This can be remedied by making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the perception that older windows are beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause substantial disruption to the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows using PVC-u from a huge ‘one-stop shop’ installation company. They can replace all windows in a house in one 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 higher energy efficiency ratings than traditional sash windows. However, these double-glazed units cannot replicate the section and proportions of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their style. Ironmongery, such as sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be put in place. They can be positioned in such a way that the window can still be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These products are usually minimal in appearance, as they are designed to match the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catchers that are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such as those incorporating double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the risk of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames are usually made of oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are still intact, they should be retained. If it is it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced with wood that matches. PVC-u companies often offer a one stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows on an entire home in one day, without the need to engage other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a huge amount of light into buildings. In the 18th century, they were modified so that more light could be let into rooms. Larger glass panes were also created. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with a higher quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also required an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and lead, and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. Ironmongery elements must be kept and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good shape. Lack of regular attention may cause:

Sashes that do not slide smoothly.

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

Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cause cill.

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend towards healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows are as efficient thermally as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and are more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

The replacement window industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten drafty, noisy and beyond repair. The truth is that a lot of old timber windows are in good condition and, with minor repairs, could easily be maintained for years to be.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your window and door repair near me‘s sash, it could lead to the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes could also cause structural movement in the frame, causing the sash not to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or fixed in the open position, which can let water and draughts enter the structure.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided with regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy look of the existing paint which can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting wood. The sections that are rotting should be carefully cut out and the affected area should be scarfed together or pieced together with replacements of the exact type as the remaining timber. This repair method increases the amount of fabric used in the first place and is one of least invasive ways to treat timber-to-timber rot.

A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to the traditional sanding or staining. It is brushed onto the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which can help prevent breakage.

It is crucial to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery, like stay latches and sash window repair cambridge latches. It is difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, be avoided as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.