11 Methods To Refresh Your Sash Windows Cambridge

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Box sash windows were historically operated by chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights. Modern sash window springs are hidden to eliminate 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 allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to meet the current energy requirements and comply with conservation area regulations. It also provides an option that is superior to the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash windows were originally only used in large structures or public buildings, though the production process became cheaper and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains.

Early windows were simple glass but by the 17th century, sash windows started to become more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at the beginning but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they became commonplace in many homes of the period.

By the 19th century it was possible to make large, strong glass that did not require support bars. This allowed for the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave an improved view. This was an important improvement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened at the same time and allowed for better ventilation to a building.

Oak was used for older examples and more prestigious buildings. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes. It is important that this is maintained in order to avoid rattles and drafts. It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good condition as these help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets became available. They were made of plate glass, placed within timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glass gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much greater variety of ironmongery, with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops, shutter hinges and knobs, and a range of fasteners to hold the sashes into place. They were often decorated with patterns, inscriptions and engraved patterns to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become noisy. Paint and putty may cause draughts. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that old windows are damaged beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. However, repairs to these windows can be costly and cause considerable disruption to the home. To prevent this homeowners often prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one the many 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace and remove all the windows in a home within a single day, eliminating the need to coordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much more efficient. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double-glazing to attain higher energy ratings than traditional sash window. However, these double-glazed units cannot replicate the section and proportions of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their appearance. There are many types of ironmongery that can be installed with sash chains, mortice bolts, and sash locks. They can be positioned in such a way that the window can be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These are typically not noticeable, since they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches and should be replaced with more robust models (such as those incorporating double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the possibility of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames were traditionally made from slow-growing deal or, in the more prestigious houses made of oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and, if feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with the same wood. PVC-U companies usually offer a one stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows on a complete house in a day without the need to engage other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a large amount of light into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they had been modified so that more light could be let into rooms. Larger glazing panes were also created. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows with a higher quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also required the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of leaded and wood. There were also a variety of kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces should be maintained and cleaned to appreciate their exquisite design.

To keep them in good condition, timber windows must be maintained. A lack of regular attention could lead to:

sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

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

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

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows gained popularity due to their strength slim and inexpensive and also matched the fashion for healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows are as efficient thermally as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and are more attractive than the modern sleek design of casement windows.

The window replacement industry has made a significant effort to persuade house owners that their traditional windows are dirty, noisy and beyond economic repair. The truth is that a lot of old windows made of timber are in good condition and with minor repairs can easily be repaired for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to maintain it properly can result in sash cords breaking, excessive wear on the glazing bars and deterioration of paint and putty.  cambridge window repair  of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to become misaligned and unable to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash to be stuck or fixed in an open position, which can let water and draughts in the property.

Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented by careful painting, regular repairs and elimination of the cause of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be removed to reveal soft, rotting timber. Any rotten timber sections must be removed and the affected area carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same type of wood as those remaining. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is one of least invasive ways to treat wood-to-timber rot.

A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to the traditional staining or sanding. It is brushed onto the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is especially beneficial to treat pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage.

It is crucial that any historic ironmongery such as sash stay and latches are retained and restored instead of replacing them. They can be extremely difficult to replace without damaging the quality of the original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.