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 appear. However, sash windows may get stuck and be difficult to open or close. This is usually due to moisture, which can cause the wood to expand.

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

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are constructed according to imperial sizes that are modular Timber sash windows can be restored to their original sizes. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also provides windows that have a more attractive appearance than Upvc Repairs Near Me alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However, this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could produce larger frames with greater glass. In the late 18th century windows made of sash were the predominant wooden style in a majority of British properties. Sash windows were simple to operate and allowed light to enter rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass, but in the 17th century sash windows started to be more decorative. They began with colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and cheaper they were a common feature in numerous period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, sturdy glasses that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame's size to be enlarged further, which meant more of a view out of the window. This was a very important improvement.

The introduction of the double glazed door repairs-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that occurred towards the end of the I920s and the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s.

The most commonly used type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more prestigious buildings and in earlier examples. It is important to maintain the parting bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent draughts and rattles. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash window repair cambridge rollers are also essential for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged cases as larger and clearer sheets were made available. Plate glass was set into rebated timber frames, pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was then sprayed onto both sides of the frame for watertightness. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

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

Sash windows are energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. If they are not maintained they could become noisy. Putty and paint can cause draughts too. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber products.

The replacement window industry relies heavily on the notion that old windows are damaged beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a little attention. upvc door repairs can be costly and cause many disruptions in the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a large "one-stop shop" company for installation. They can take down and replace all the windows in a home in a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the entire process much more efficient. They can also be supplied with 'energy saving' double-glazing to achieve greater energy efficiency than traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed windows aren't capable of replicating the proportions or section of sashes from old timber.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their aesthetics. Ironmongery, such as sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be installed. They can be fitted in a way that the window remains able to be opened for ventilation or cleaning. These are typically unobtrusive, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash window catches that must be replaced by more robust models (such as those incorporating double screws) or spring levers to decrease the chance of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames are typically made of oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept and, if possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by identical wood. PVC-u companies often provide a one-stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows on a complete home in a single day without the need to involve other tradespeople or coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers.

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 let more light into rooms and larger glazing panes began to be produced. The result was a lighter look and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced, which required a new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and leaded. There were also various types of knobs and shutter hinges. The ironmongery components should be maintained and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good shape. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:

Sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

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

The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or cill.

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, and also because they were cheap and complemented the trend for healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash window are just as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The window replacement industry has made a significant effort to persuade house owners that their old windows are dirty, noisy and beyond repair. The reality is that many old windows made of wood 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. Failure to do this can result in broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of the sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to become misaligned and not closing properly. The sash can also be stuck in the open position, allowing the water and drafts to enter the property.

Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to timber windows. This can be prevented by regular upvc door repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, rotting wood. Any timber that is rotting must be removed and the affected area carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made of the same type of wood as the ones that remain. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric used in the first place and is among the least invasive ways to treat timber-to-timber rot.

A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to the traditional sanding or staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which help prevent breakage.

It is important to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery, like sash latches and stays. These items can be very difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided whenever possible as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of frames and sashes made from timber.