An Sash Windows Cambridge Success Story You ll Never Remember

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. However, sash windows may become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is typically due to moisture that can cause the wood to expand.

Traditionally, box sash windows used chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to address this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are made to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows in order to meet current energy requirements and to comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also offers a window that is far superior to upvc door repair alternatives.

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

Early windows were simple glass but by the 17th century, sash windows started to become more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time but as glass production improved and cheaper they were a common feature in many period houses.

In the 19th century, it became possible to create large, sturdy glasses that did not require support bars. This allowed the frame size to be enlarged further and this in turn gave a better view from the window. This was a very important advancement.

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

The most commonly used type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and 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 draughts. It is also important that the idler and sash pulley wheels are in good working order as they aid in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. They were glazed with plate glass set within rebated timber frames and then pinned with glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. 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 as well as a variety of fasteners used to secure the sashes. These were often decorated in motifs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be very energy efficient. Without this maintenance they can get noisy. Paint and putty can also cause draughts. This can be fixed by using proprietary wood-to-timber repair products.

The replacement window industry relies heavily on the perception that old windows are damaged beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a little attention. However, repairs to these windows can be costly and cause significant disruption to your home. To prevent this homeowners often prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the largest "one-stop shop" installation companies. These can remove and replace all windows in an entire house within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving' double glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than the traditional windows made of sash. These double-glazed units are not 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 style. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be used. These can be installed in a way that the window is still capable of being opened for ventilation or for cleaning. They are generally minimal in appearance, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window balance repair catches. These should be replaced with more robust models, such as those that incorporate double screws or spring levers to decrease the possibility of being hammered.

Sash-window replacement cambridge frames are typically constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are intact and are not damaged, they should be left. Where feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced with wood that matches. PVC-U companies usually provide a one-stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on an entire home in one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a substantial amount of light to flood 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 produced. The result was a lighter look and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be kept and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

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

Sashes that don't slide easily.

Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause damage and decay.

break down of putty, allowing water to penetrate, which can lead to decay in the frame and cill.

In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows grew in popularity because they were strong slim and affordable and were in line with the trend for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The replacement window industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and utilized for a longer period with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash plastic window repair requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to 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 deteriorate. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash not to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash to be stuck or slammed into an open position, which can let water and draughts into the structure.

Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented with thorough painting, periodic upvc door repairs and the elimination of the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, rotting wood. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully removed, and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric that is left and is among the least invasive methods for treating timber-to-timber decay.

The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is an alternative to the traditional method of sanding and staining. The product is brushed on to the surface of the timber to help stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help prevent the breakage.

It is essential that any old ironmongery like sash stays and latches are retained and restored rather than replacing them. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.