Why You Should Focus On Improving Sash Windows Cambridge

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of the way they look. Sash windows can get stuck and are difficult to open and close. This is usually due moisture that can cause the wood to swell.

Box sash windows were historically operated with chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to solve this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes and are modular, are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while still complying with conservation area regulations. It also comes with windows that are superior to the uPVC options.

Sliding sash window frames were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings. However this changed as production became more affordable and artisans could make larger frames using more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of clear glass, but by the 17th Century the sash windows began 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 less expensive, they became a feature of many period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, sturdy glasses that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave a better view. This was an important advancement.

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

The most common type of sash is made from slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was used in the more prestigious buildings and in earlier examples. It is important to maintain the parting bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will prevent draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are crucial for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged cases 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 form of glass gradually replaced led lights.

The introduction of sashes created a need for a much larger variety of ironmongery with the basic fittings being brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, knobs and shutters as well as a range of fasteners used to keep the sashes to their place. These were usually decorated with designs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be very energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, if they are not maintained, they may become drafty and let in cold air. Paint and putty can also cause draughts. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows rests on the belief that older windows are old and beyond repair, but they can be easily maintained with just a little care. These repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows using PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace all windows in a house in one day, thereby saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They are also available with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than those offered by traditional windows with sash. However, these double-glazed units cannot duplicate the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. Ironmongery such as mortice bolts, sash chain and sash locks can be put in place. These can be put in place in a way that the window is still able to be opened for ventilation or cleaning. They are usually not noticeable since they are designed to work with sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catches, which must be replaced by more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or spring levers to decrease the risk of them being hammered out.

Sash-window frames were typically constructed from slow grown deal or, in more prestigious houses made of oak. If glazing bars have survived, they should be kept and where feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced by the same wood. PVC-U companies usually provide a one-stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows on an entire home in a single day without the need to involve other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light into the buildings. By the end of the 18th century they were adapted to allow even more light into rooms and larger glass panes began to be produced. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows with a higher quality of design than before.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new range ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made from brass or a combination of lead and wood and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their exquisite design.

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. Inattention to maintenance can lead to:

Sashes that don't slide effortlessly.

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

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

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient thermally as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

The window replacement industry has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many older timber windows can be fixed and used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection.  double glazing cambridge  to do this can result in the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars, and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and not closing properly. It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in the open position and this can let water and draughts in the structure.

Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented by careful painting, regular repairs, and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be stripped away to reveal rotting, soft timber. Any rotten timber sections must be removed and the affected part carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same type of wood as those remaining. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric retained and is among the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is another alternative to traditional staining and sanding. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is especially beneficial for the treatment of pulley cords and sash which can stop breakage.

It is crucial to restore and not replace any old ironmongery, such as stay latches and sash latches. It is difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings such as chain stays and sash lifts is avoided if at all possible since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.