How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge feature traditional sash window and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is usually due to moisture which can cause the timber to swell.

Box sash windows were previously operated using chains or cotton cords, as well as weights made of lead. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to eliminate this issue.

1. Aesthetics

In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are constructed to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original sizes. This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while still complying with conservation area regulations. It also offers a window with a far more attractive appearance than upvc repairs near me alternatives.

Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, though this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and allowed light to enter rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of clear glass However, by the 17th Century the sash windows began to become more attractive. They were initially made of colored glazing bars or mullions. They were costly at the beginning but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were a common feature in many homes of the period.

In the 19th century it was possible to manufacture large, sturdy glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame size to increase further, which meant more of a view out of the window. This was a very important improvement.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another significant improvement that came about towards 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 commonly used type of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was also used in more expensive buildings as well as in some earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes, and it is vital that it is maintained to prevent rattles and drafts. It is also crucial that sash pulleys and idler wheels are in good shape as they assist in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets became available. They were glazed with plate glass set within rebated timber frames and secured with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glass gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

Sashes were introduced, which led to increased demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges, and various fasteners used to secure the sashes. These were often decorated in designs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance they can get drafty. Putty and paint can cause draughts too. It is possible to fix this issue by using wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows is based on the assumption that traditional windows are rotten and beyond repair, whereas they can be maintained with a bit of care. Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To avoid this homeowners, many choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one the largest "one-stop shop" installation companies. They can replace and remove all windows in a home in just one day, avoiding the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot replicate the section and proportions of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their appearance. A variety of ironmongery types are available, including sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks. They can be fitted so that the window remains capable of being opened for ventilation or for cleaning. They are generally not noticeable, since they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window replacement cambridge catches. They should be replaced with more robust versions like those that incorporate double glazing seal repairs screws, or sprung levers to decrease the possibility of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames were typically constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more luxurious homes they were made from oak. If the glazing bars remain in good condition and are not damaged, they should be left. If possible, the timber cills should be replaced by wood that is in line with. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on a complete home in one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows 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 so that more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also made. The result was a lighter look and windows that were more elegant.

The introduction of sash windows also required the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their exquisite design.

To keep them in good condition, timber windows require regular maintenance. A lack of attention to them regularly could cause:

sashes that no longer slide easily.

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

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

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows gained popularity due to their strength slim and affordable and were in line with the trend for healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash windows are just as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The industry of replacement windows has done a lot to convince homeowners that their traditional windows are rotten, draughty and beyond economic repair. The reality is that many older timber windows are in good shape and with minor upvc door handle repairs near me can easily be repaired for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this could result in broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash to not close correctly. It is also possible for the sash to be stuck or fixed in the open position, which can let water and draughts enter the property.

Damage to timber windows is usually caused by moisture penetration. This can be avoided by thorough painting, periodic upvc doors repairs and elimination of the source of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy look of the paint that can be removed to reveal rotting, soft timber. The sections that are rotting must be removed with care and the affected area should be scarfed together or pieced together using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric that is left and is among the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber.

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

It is essential that any ironmongery from the past like sash stays and latches are kept and restored instead of replaced. These items can be very difficult to replace without compromising the the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings like sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if possible as they can cause corrosion and deterioration to frames and sashes made from timber.