How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge feature traditional sash window and homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can become stuck and become difficult to open or shut. This is often due to moisture that can cause the timber to swell.

Traditionally, box sash windows used chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to solve this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes that are modular, can be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while still complying with conservation regulations for the area. It also provides an option that is superior to the emergency upvc door repairs options.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, though this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden style in British homes. Because they were simple to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

Early windows were plain glass but by the 17th century, sash windows began to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at the beginning but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became a common feature in many period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, sturdy glass that did not require support bars. This allowed the frame's size to be enlarged further and this in turn meant more of a view out of the window. This was a very important improvement.

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

The most popular type of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was used in the more prestigious buildings and in some earlier examples. A parting bead separates the two sashes, and it is essential that it is maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are essential for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger glass sheets were made available, sash windows began to replace hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass set in timber frames with rebates and then pinned with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

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

With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. But, if you don't maintain them, they may become drafty and let in cold air. Paint and putty may cause draughts too. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber solutions.

The market for replacement windows rests on the belief that old windows are damaged and beyond economical repair, while they are able to be maintained with just a little care. However, these repairs can be costly and cause significant disruption to your home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a ”one-stop shop” company for installation. They can replace and remove all windows in an entire house within a single day, eliminating the need to coordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much more efficient. They are also available with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to achieve greater energy efficiency than are possible with traditional windows with sash. Double-glazed windows aren't able to replicate the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their aesthetics. A variety of ironmongery types can be fitted including sash chains mortice bolts, and sash locks. These can be installed to ensure that the upvc window and door repairs is still open for ventilation or for cleaning. They are generally unobtrusive, as they are designed to fit the sash window supplier cambridge. They can be used with traditional sash plastic window repair catches. They should be replaced by more robust models like those that incorporate double screws or sprung levers to decrease the chance of being hammered.

Sash-window frames were constructed from slow grown deal or, in more elegant homes, from oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and if it is it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by matching wood. Many PVC-u firms offer a one-stop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on a complete home in a single day, without involving any other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light to flood into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they had been modified to allow more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also created. The result was a more light appearance and windows that were more elegant.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were constructed from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and leaded. There were also different types of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces should be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their exquisite design.

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

Sashes that no longer slide easily.

holes in the frame that allow water causing damage and decay.

break down of putty allowing water penetration that could lead to decay of the frame and cill.

Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s & I930s because they were strong and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. Research has proven that softwood sash window are just as effective as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The industry of replacement windows was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair. Many old windows made of timber are repairable and can be used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this can lead to the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of the sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to be misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash may also become stuck in an open position, allowing the water and drafts to enter the property.

The damage to timber windows is often caused by water entry. This can be avoided with regular repairs to upvc Doors by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be removed to reveal rotting, soft timber. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut off and the affected area carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same type of wood as the ones remaining. This repair method increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is among the least invasive ways to treat wood-to-timber rot.

A wood condenser that is based on resin is a viable alternative to traditional staining or sanding. The product is brushed on to the surface of the wood to stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is particularly useful to treat pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage.

(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Window-Repairs.-150x150.jpg)It is crucial that any ironmongery from the past such as sash stay and latches be kept and restored rather than replacing them. They can be extremely difficult to replace without harming the quality of 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 timber frames and sashes.