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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of the way they look. Sash windows can get stuck and be difficult to open and close. This is often due to moisture which can cause the timber to expand.

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

1. Aesthetics

Unlike PVC-u windows that are manufactured to modular imperial sizes, timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while complying with conservation areas regulations. It also offers windows with a more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used for large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using larger glass. By the late 18th century windows made of sash were the predominant Wooden Windows Cambridge design in most British properties. Sash windows were simple to operate and allowed light to enter rooms without the use of curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th Century, sash windows began to become more ornamental. They started with coloured glazing bars or mullions. They were expensive at first, but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were a common feature in many period houses.

By the 19th century it was possible to create large, strong glass that didn't require supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even further and this in turn allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was a significant advancement.

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

The most commonly used type of sash is constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more expensive buildings as well as in earlier examples. It is essential to keep the parting bead which is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. It is also essential that sash pulleys and idler wheels are kept in good condition as these assist in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. Plate glass was set into frames made of timber, which were which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was then sprayed onto the frame's two sides for watertightness. This form of glazing gradually superseded leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to an increase in demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges and a variety of fasteners used to fix the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and engraved patterns that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be very energy efficient. But, if you don't maintain them, they can become draughty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of paint and putty. It is possible to fix this issue by using wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the notion that older windows are beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u from a 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace all windows in a home in one day, thereby saving time and avoiding the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving double glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than a traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot duplicate the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising on their aesthetics. Many types of ironmongery are available with sash chains, mortice bolts, and locks for sash. They can be fitted to ensure that the window remains open for ventilation or cleaning. These are typically minimal in appearance, as they are designed to fit the sash window repair cambridge. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catchers that must be replaced by more robust models (such ones with double screws) or spring levers to decrease the possibility of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames are typically made from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are still intact and are not damaged, they should be left. Where possible, the timber cills should be replaced with timber that is compatible with. PVC-U companies usually provide a one-stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows across a home in a single day without the need to involve other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light into buildings. In the 18th century, they had been adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also made. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made from brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces must be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their fine design.

To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows require regular maintenance. A lack of attention to them regularly could cause:

Sashes that don't slide smoothly.

Holes in the frame that allow water to enter and cause damage and decay.

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

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows increased in popularity due to their strength slim and inexpensive and were in line with the trend for healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash window are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.

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

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your sash window, it can cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash to not close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in an open position and let water and draughts enter the property.

Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by regular maintenance as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. Wet rot can be identified due to the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be removed to reveal rotting, soft timber. The sections of timber that are rotten must be removed with care, and the affected area should be snared together or glued together with replacements of the exact kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair maximises the amount of original fabric retained and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay caused by timber.

A wood condenser made of resin is a viable alternative to traditional staining or sanding. It is brushed on the surface of the timber to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help stop breakage.

It is important that any historic ironmongery such as sash stay and latches are retained and restored instead of replaced. These items are difficult to replace without harming the the original design. It is also recommended that modern fittings made of aluminium like sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.