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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open or shut. This is usually due moisture that can cause the wood to swell.

Box sash windows were traditionally operated with chains or cotton cords as well as weights made of lead. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to avoid this issue.

1. Aesthetics

In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are constructed according to the modular imperial size the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This allows the restoration to be in line with modern energy requirements while still complying with conservation areas regulations. It also provides windows that are superior to the upvc window renovation options.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, but the production process became cheaper and craftsmen could create larger frames using more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden sliding doors cambridge style in British homes. Because they were simple to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass however, in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more attractive. They were initially made of colored glazing bars or mullions. They were expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cheaper they became a part of many of the period homes.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, strong glasses that didn't need support bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave an improved view. This was a very important improvement.

The introduction of 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 double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s, and at the beginning of the I930s.

The most commonly used kind of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was used in the more prestigious buildings and in earlier examples. It is essential to keep the parting bead which is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent draughts and rattles. It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good shape as they help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

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

The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops, shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners to hold the sashes in place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and engravings that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. But, if you don't maintain them, they may become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. This can be fixed by using wood-to-timber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose.

The replacement window industry relies on the assumption that old windows are damaged and beyond repair, whereas they can be easily maintained with a little attention. These 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' installation company. They can replace all windows in a home in one day, saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They are also available with 'energy saving' double-glazing to achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than traditional windows made of sash. These double-glazed units are not capable of resembling the proportions or section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. Many types of ironmongery can be fitted including sash chains mortice bolts, and locks for sash. These can be put in place so that the window is still able to be opened for ventilation or for cleaning. These are typically unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catch. They should be replaced by more robust versions like ones that have double screws or sprung levers, to minimize the possibility of being hammered.

Sash-window frames were constructed from slow-growing deal or, in the more luxurious homes, from oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by the same wood. PVC-u companies typically provide a one-stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows on an entire house in a day without the need to involve other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a significant amount of light to flood into structures. By the end 18th century, they had been modified so that more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also made. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were constructed from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and lead. There were also various kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces must be maintained and cleaned to appreciate their exquisite design.

To ensure they remain in good condition, wooden windows need to be maintained. Lack of attention to them regularly can result in:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

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

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

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows gained popularity because they were strong slim and affordable and were in line with the trend for healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash windows are just as efficient 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, drafty and beyond economical repair. The reality is that many older timber windows are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be serviceable for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your sash window, it can cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of the sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to be misaligned and unable to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in the open position and this can let water and draughts into the structure.

The damage to timber windows is usually caused by moisture entry. This can be prevented with thorough painting, periodic repairs, and removing the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, rotting wood. Any rotten timber sections must be removed and the affected part carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made of the same type of wood as those remaining. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber decay.

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

It is crucial to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery such as stay latches and sash latches. These items can be very difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as chain stays and sash lifts is avoided whenever possible as they can cause corrosion and deterioration to frames and sashes made from timber.