How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilised chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to eliminate this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes, which are modular, can be restored to original dimensions. This lets the restoration meet the current energy standards while ensuring compliance with conservation area regulations. It also gives windows that have a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash window frames were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings. However the production became more affordable and artisans could create larger frames using larger glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The early windows were made of clear glass However, by the 17th Century the sash windows began to become more attractive. They began with colored glazing bars or mullions. They were expensive initially, but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became commonplace in many historic homes.

In the 19th century, it became possible to create large, sturdy glasses that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame size to be enlarged more, which in turn meant more of a view out of the window. This was an important improvement.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was a significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s and the 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 grown deal (pine) however oak was also used in more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the separation bead that separates the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. It is also essential that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good shape as they assist in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged cases as clearer and larger sheets were made available. They were made of plate glass, set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This type of glazing gradually superseded leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in a greater demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and handles and various fasteners used to secure the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and engravings that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be very energy efficient. Without this maintenance they can get noisy. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. You can fix this problem with wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the belief that old windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. Repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows with PVC-u from a large 'one-stop shop' installation company. These can remove and replace all windows in a house in a single day, eliminating the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much faster. They can also be fitted with energy-saving double-glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than are possible with traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed units are not able to replicate the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their appearance. A variety of ironmongery types can be installed with sash chains, mortice bolts and locks for sash. These can be put in place to ensure that the window is open for ventilation or cleaning. They are generally minimal in appearance, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catches that are required to be replaced with more robust models (such ones that have double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the possibility of them being hammered out.

Sash-window frames are traditionally constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are intact and are not damaged, they should be left. If it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced with wood that is in line with. Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop installation service. They can take down and replace windows on an entire house in just one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light to flood into structures. At the end of the 18th century, they had been modified to allow more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also created. The result was a more light appearance and windows with more elegance.

The introduction of sash windows also necessitated the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, whereas later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of lead and wood and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their beautiful design.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good order. Inattention to maintenance routinely could result in:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

holes in the frame allow water, which can cause damage and decay.

break down of putty, allowing water penetration, which could lead to decay of the frame and cill.

In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows grew in popularity due to their durability slim and affordable and also matched the fashion for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are just as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.

The window replacement industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair. However, many old windows made of wood are in good condition and with minor repairs can easily be serviceable for many years to come.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash metal window repair requires regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to maintain it properly could result in broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movements within the frame, causing the sash not to close correctly. The sash can also be stuck in an open position, which allows the water and drafts to enter the building.

Damage to windows made of timber is usually caused by moisture infiltration. This can be avoided by careful painting, regular repairs, and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be removed to reveal soft, rotting timber. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected area should be carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made from the same kind of timber as those remaining. This method of repair increases the amount original fabric and is among the most non-invasive methods to treat the rot that occurs between timber and timber.

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

It is important that any old ironmongery like sash stays and latches be kept and restored instead of replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without compromising the quality of the original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.