How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows with traditional designs and homeowners are proud of the way they appear. Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open and close. This is usually due to moisture, which can cause the wood to expand.

Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilised chains or cotton cord and lead weights to operate. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes, which are modular, can be reconstructed to their original size. This allows the restoration to meet the current energy standards while still complying with conservation area regulations. It also gives a window installation cambridge with a far superior appearance than the upvc locksmith cambridge alternatives.

Sliding sash window frames were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However this changed as production became cheaper and artisans could produce larger frames with greater glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden design in British homes. Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.

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

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, strong glasses that did not require support bars. This allowed the frame to be made larger and, in turn, gave an improved view. This was a significant advancement.

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

Oak was used for older examples and more prestigious buildings. A split bead divides the two sashes. It is important that this is well maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are essential to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash windows started replacing hinged casements. They were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This type of glass gradually replaced led lights.

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

With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. However, if they are not maintained, they may become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber products.

The replacement upvc window lock repair industry relies on the perception that older windows are old and beyond repair, while they can be maintained with a little attention. These repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. To avoid this, many homeowners prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one of the many "one stop shop" installation companies. These can remove and replace all the windows in a home within a single day, eliminating the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much faster. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving' double glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than the traditional sash window. These double-glazed units are not able to replicate the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their style. Many types of ironmongery can be fitted, including sash window repair cambridge chains, mortice bolts, and sash locks. They can be fitted in such a way that the window can be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These windows are typically not noticeable since they are designed to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. They are best replaced with more robust versions like those with double screws or sprung levers in order to reduce the possibility of being hit with hammers.

Sash-window frames are usually constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. If glazing bars have survived, they should be kept and where feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. Many PVC-u firms offer a one-stop installation service. They can take down and replace windows on an entire home in a single day, without involving any other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a large amount of light to enter buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were modified so that more light could be let into rooms. Larger glazing panes were also produced. The result was a more light appearance and windows that were more elegant.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded a new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of lead and wood, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be retained and cleaned down to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.

To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows need to be maintained. A lack of attention to them regularly could lead to:

Sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

holes in the frame allow water causing damage and decay.

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

Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s because they were strong and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The window replacement industry has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were rotten drafty, noisy and beyond repair. Many old windows made of timber are repairable and can be used for many more years with minor upvc repairs near me.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash upvc window renovation, it could result in the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within 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 into the property.

Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by water infiltration. This can be avoided by thorough painting, regular repairs, and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy appearance of the paint that can be stripped to reveal rotting, soft timber. The rotten timber sections must be removed with care and the affected area should be scarfed or glued together using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This repair method increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber rot.

A wood condenser that is based on resin is a viable alternative to traditional sanding or staining. This is brushed onto the surface of the wood to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful for the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help prevent breakage.

It is important that any historic ironmongery like sash stays and latches are retained and restored rather than replacing them. It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided whenever feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration to timber frames and sashes.