How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of how they appear. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is usually due to moisture that can cause the timber to expand.

Traditionally, window boxes utilized chains, cotton cords or weights made of lead to operate. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes, which are modular, are able to be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration to meet modern day energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation regulations for the area. It also provides windows with a superior appearance than upvc door Handle repairs near me alternatives.

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

The first windows were made of glass that was plain however, by the 17th Century the sash windows began to become more ornamental. They were initially made of colored glazing bars or mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cost-effective, they were a common feature in numerous period houses.

In the 19th century, it became possible to make large, sturdy glasses that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame's size to increase further, which gave a better view from the window. This was an important improvement.

The introduction of the double glazing near me-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that occurred at the end of the I920s and at 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.

The most popular type of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was also used in more expensive buildings as well as in earlier examples. It is important to maintain the parting bead which divides the sashes. This will stop draughts and rattles. It is also essential that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good shape as they aid in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger glass sheets were made available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. They were coated with plate glass that was set within rebated timber frames and secured with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glazing gradually superseded leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes led to a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners used to keep the sashes into place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or designs that were engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be very energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. If they are not maintained they could become noisy. Paint and putty can cause draughts. This can be fixed by using wood-to-timber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose.

The market for replacement windows rests on the perception that traditional windows are rotten and beyond economical repair, whereas they can be maintained with just a little care. These repairs can be costly and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To prevent this, many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the many 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can take down and replace all the windows in a home in a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much more efficient. They can also be supplied with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to achieve greater energy efficiency than are possible with traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be used. They can be fitted to ensure that the upvc window repairs near me remains open for ventilation or for cleaning. These products are usually not noticeable, since they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catchers that are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such ones that have double screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the chance of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames were constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more elegant homes, from oak. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept and where possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows across a home in a single day without the need to engage other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light into buildings. By the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let more light into rooms and larger glass panes began to be made. The result was a much lighter appearance and windows with a greater quality of design than before.

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

Timber windows require regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:

Sashes that do not move easily.

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

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

Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s and I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cost-effective and complemented 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 did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair. Many old windows made of timber can be fixed 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 window's sash, it could cause the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes may also cause structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to move out of alignment and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash window repair cambridge can also be stuck in its open position, allowing water and draughts to enter the building.

Damage to timber windows is often caused by water entry. This can be avoided by regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, rotting wood. Any rotten timber sections should be cut out and the affected part carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same kind of timber as the ones remaining. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is among the most non-invasive methods to treat 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. It is brushed on the surface of the wood to stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is especially useful for treating pulley cords and sash which can stop breakage.

It is important that any historic ironmongery like sash stays and latches are retained and restored rather than replacing them. It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also advised that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.