How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Traditionally, window boxes used chains, cotton cords or lead weights to operate. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured according to imperial sizes that are modular Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration to meet modern day energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation area regulations. It also gives windows with a superior appearance than the upvc repairs Window renovation (serials.monster) alternatives.

Sliding frames for windows made of sash window repair cambridge were originally intended for large structures or public buildings. However, this changed when production became more affordable and artisans could create larger frames using larger glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden style in British homes. Because they were simple to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The early windows were made of glass that was plain However, by the 17th Century sash windows started to be more decorative. They started with coloured glazing bars or mullions. They were costly at first, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they became commonplace in many period houses.

In the 19th century it was possible to manufacture large, strong glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even more, which in turn gave a better view from the window. This was a very important advancement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and the 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 in older examples and more prestigious buildings. It is essential to keep the separation bead that divides the sashes. This will prevent draughts and rattles. It is also essential that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good working order as they aid in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer glass sheets were made available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. 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 create a watertight seal. This type of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

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

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. However, if they are not maintained, they may become drafty and let in cold air. Putty and paint can cause draughts too. This issue can be fixed with wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows rests on the perception that traditional windows are rotten and beyond repair, but they can be easily maintained with a bit of care. However, these repairs are costly and can cause significant disruption to your home. To prevent this homeowners often prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one the largest "one-stop shop" installation companies. They can replace all windows in a home in one day, thereby saving time and avoiding the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than a traditional sash window. However, these double-glazed units cannot reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their aesthetics. Ironmongery such as sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be used. They can be fitted in such a way that the window can be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These products are often unobtrusive as they are designed to work with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. These are best replaced with more robust versions, such as ones that have double screws, or sprung levers to decrease the risk of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames were constructed from slow-growing deal or, in the more elegant homes made of oak. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and where possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by matching wood. PVC-U companies usually provide a one-stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on an entire house in a day without the need to involve other tradespeople or coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a significant 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 made. The result was a lighter look and windows that were more elegant.

The introduction of sash windows also required the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were constructed from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of leaded and wood. There were also a variety of types of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be maintained and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

To keep them in good condition, timber windows must be maintained. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:

Sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

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

The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or the cill.

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s due to their strength and slim, cost-effective and complemented the trend for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are just as effective as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.

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

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your sash window, 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 can also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash to not close correctly. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or slammed into an open position and let water and draughts into the property.

Damage to windows made of timber is usually caused by moisture infiltration. This can be prevented by regular maintenance, thorough painting and removing the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any timber that is rotting must be removed and the affected area should be carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same type of wood as the ones that remain. This repair method increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is among the most minimally invasive methods of treating the rot that occurs between timber and timber.

A wood condenser that is based on resin is an alternative to traditional process of sanding or staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is especially useful for the treatment of sash and pulley cords, which can help prevent breakage.

It is important that any historic ironmongery such as sash stays and latches are retained and restored rather than replaced. They can be extremely difficult to replace without compromising the the original design. It is also advised that modern aluminium fittings, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.