14 Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask About 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 appear. Sash windows can get stuck and are difficult to open or close. This is often due to moisture that can cause the timber to expand.

Traditionally, window boxes utilised chains, cotton cords or lead weights to operate. Modern sash window springs are hidden to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes, which are modular, are able to be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration to meet modern day energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also gives windows that have a superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, but this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows were the most sought-after wooden style in British homes. Because they were simple to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th Century the sash windows began to become more ornamental. They began with colored glazing bars or mullions. These were very expensive at the time but as glass production improved and less expensive, they became a feature of many period houses.

By the 19th century it was possible to make large, sturdy glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even further and this in turn meant more of a view from the window hinges leeds. This was a significant innovation.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that occurred towards the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened at the same time and allowed for better ventilation to the building.

The most common type of sash is constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more expensive buildings as well as in some earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes, and 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 shape as they help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer glass sheets became available, sash window began to replace hinged casements. They were made of plate glass, placed within timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

The introduction of sashes created a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers, shutter hinges and knobs, and a range of fasteners used to keep the sashes into place. They were often decorated with designs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, if they are not maintained, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. You can fix this problem with wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the notion that old windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However they can be maintained with a bit of attention. Repairs can be costly and cause many disruptions in the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace and remove all the windows in a house in a single day, avoiding 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 get higher energy ratings than traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed windows aren't capable of resembling the proportions and sections of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their appearance. Many types of ironmongery can be installed including sash chains mortice bolts and locks for sash. They can be positioned in a way so that the window hinges leeds is able to be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. They are usually unobtrusive as they are designed to complement sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. They should be replaced with more robust models, such as those with double screws or spring levers in order to reduce the chance of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window doctor frames were made from slow-growing deal or, in the more elegant homes they were made from oak. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by identical wood. Many PVC-U firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows on an entire home in a single day, without the need to involve other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a huge amount of light to enter buildings. In the 18th century, they had been modified so that more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also created. The result was a lighter appearance and windows that had a higher degree of elegance than before.

The introduction of sash windows also required an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces must be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their beautiful design.

To keep them in good shape, timber windows need to be maintained. Lack of regular attention may result in:

Sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

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 the cill.

In the I920s and I930s steel casement windows gained popularity due to their strength, slim and cheap and were in line with the trend for healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows are just as thermally efficient as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The replacement window industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and used for many more years with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this could result in the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars, and degradation of the paint and putty. The removal of the sashes may also cause structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to become misaligned and unable to close correctly. The sash may also become stuck in the open position, allowing the water and drafts to enter the property.

Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to timber windows. This can be prevented by regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting timber. The sections that are rotting must be removed with care and the affected area should be scarfed or glued together using replacements of the same type as the remaining timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric left, and is one of the least invasive ways of treating decay caused by timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is an alternative to traditional staining and sanding. This is brushed onto the surface of the wood to stabilise and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful for treating pulley cords and sash which can stop breakage.

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