How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in cambridge replacement windows have sash windows with traditional designs and homeowners are proud of the way they appear. Sash windows can get stuck and are difficult to open and close. This is often due moisture that can cause the timber to swell.

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

1. Aesthetics

In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are made to modular imperial sizes, timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This permits the re-installation of timber sash windows to meet the current energy requirements and to comply with conservation area regulations. It also provides a window that is far superior to the uPVC options.

Sliding windows with sash were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However the production became cheaper and artisans could create larger frames using larger glass. By the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant wooden style in a majority of British properties. Since they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

Early windows were plain glass but by the 17th century sash windows started to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly initially, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they were a common feature in many historic homes.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, strong glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger which, in turn, provided an improved view. This was a significant advancement.

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

The most common type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more expensive buildings as well as in earlier examples. A split bead divides the two sashes. It is essential that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are essential for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash window began to replace hinged casements. Glass plates were set in frames made of timber, which were secured with glazing sprigs and putty was applied to both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness. This kind of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes resulted in an need for a wider range of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges, knobs and shutters as well as a range of fasteners to hold the sashes into place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or designs that were engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy-efficient with regular maintenance. But, if you don't maintain them, they may become drafty and let in cold air. Paint and putty may cause draughts too. 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 maintained with a bit of care. These repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. To prevent this homeowners often choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one the large "one stop shop" installation companies. They can replace and remove all windows in a home within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the entire process much quicker. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving double glazed door seal repairs (hikvisiondb.webcam)-glazing to attain more energy efficient ratings than a traditional sash window. These double-glazed windows aren't capable of resembling the proportions and section of sashes from old timber.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising on their aesthetics. Ironmongery such as sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be put in place. They can be positioned in such a way that the window can still be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. They are usually unobtrusive as they are designed to complement sash windows. They can be used alongside traditional sash window lock repairs catches and must be replaced by more robust models (such ones that have double screws) or spring levers to decrease the chance of them being hammered out.

Sash-window frames are usually made of oak or slow-grown deal. If glazing bars have survived, they should be preserved, and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by identical wood. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on an entire house in a day without the need to engage 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 to flood into the buildings. At the end of the 18th century they were altered to allow even more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be produced. The result was a more light appearance and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, whereas later Victorian ones could be made from brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their exquisite design.

To keep them in good condition, wooden windows must be maintained. Lack of regular attention may result in:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

holes in the frame allow water causing damage and decay.

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

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s because they were strong and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. Research has proven that softwood sash window doctor cambridge are just as effective as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The industry of replacement windows has made a significant effort to convince homeowners that their windows are rotten, draughty and beyond repair. Many old timber windows are repairable and can be used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your window's sash, it could result in the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It could also cause the paint and putty to degrade. The removal of sashes could also cause structural movement in the frame, causing the sash to not close properly. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or fixed in the open position and let water and draughts into the property.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by thorough painting, periodic repairs and the elimination of the source of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be stripped to reveal rotting, soft timber. The rotten timber sections should be carefully removed and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together by using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount original fabric and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot.

A resin-based wood condenser is a viable alternative to traditional sanding or staining. It is brushed on the surface of the timber to help stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is especially useful for treating pulley cords and sash, which can help prevent breakage.

It is important to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery such as stay latches and sash latches. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.