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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilised chains or cotton cord and lead weights to operate.  window companies cambridge  come with hidden springs to solve this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes and are modular, are able to be restored to original dimensions. This permits the re-installation of timber sash windows to comply with current energy standards and comply with conservation area regulations. It also offers windows with a more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However this changed as production became cheaper and artisans could create larger frames using larger glass. At the end 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 use of curtains.

The early windows were made of glass that was plain however, in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more ornamental. They started with coloured glazing bars or mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and less expensive, they became a feature of many of the period homes.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, sturdy glass that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even further, which allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was an important innovation.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that occurred towards the end of the I920s and the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened simultaneously, and allowed for better ventilation to buildings.

Oak was used for older examples and more prestigious buildings. A split bead divides the two sashes. It is vital that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and drafts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are crucial to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged cases as clearer and larger sheets became available. Plate glass was set into rebated timber frames, secured with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on the frame's two sides to ensure watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to an increase in demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges as well as a variety of fasteners used to fix the sashes. These were often decorated in designs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. Without this maintenance they could become draughty. Paint and putty may cause draughts. This can be fixed by using wood-to-timber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose.

The replacement window industry relies heavily on the belief that older windows are beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be costly and cause a lot of disruption in the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" company for installation. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be fitted with 'energy-saving' double-glazing, which can achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than those offered by traditional windows made of sash. However, these double-glazed units cannot reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. A variety of ironmongery types can be fitted, including sash chains, mortice bolts and locks for sash. They can be positioned in a manner that the window is able to be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. They are usually unobtrusive as they are designed to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash-window catchers that are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the chance of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames were typically constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more prestigious houses they were made from oak. When 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 often provide a one-stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows across a home in one 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 substantial 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 created. The result was a lighter appearance and windows that were more elegant.

The introduction of sash windows also necessitated an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, while later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and lead, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be kept and cleaned so that the quality of their design can be appreciated.

To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows need to be maintained. A lack of attention to them regularly could lead to:

Sashes that do not 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 cause cill.

Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s due to their strength and slim, cheap and complemented the trend for healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are just as thermally efficient as double-glazed PVC-u windows and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

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

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your sash window, it could cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash could also get stuck in its open position, which allows the water and drafts to enter the property.

Damage to timber windows is usually caused by moisture entry. This can be avoided by regular maintenance, thorough painting and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable due to the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting timber. The rotten timber sections must be removed with care and the affected part should be snared together or glued together with replacements of the exact type as the remaining timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric used in the first place and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is another alternative to the traditional method of staining and sanding. This is brushed onto the surface of the timber to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is especially beneficial for the treatment of pulley cords and sash where it can prevent breakage.

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