How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Box sash windows were traditionally operated with chains or cotton cords, as well as weights made of lead. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes and are modular, are able to be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while complying with conservation area regulations. It also provides an option that is superior to uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, but this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. By the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most sought-after wooden sliding doors cambridge style in British homes. Because they were simple to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass but by the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and cheaper they became a part of numerous period houses.

In the 19th century, it became possible to produce large, strong glasses that didn't need supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be enlarged, which in turn gave a better view. This was a significant advancement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window seal repairs near me (Highly recommended Web-site) at the end of I920s and the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened simultaneously, and gave improved ventilation to buildings.

The most popular type of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. It is essential to keep the parting bead which separates the sashes. This will prevent rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are crucial to the functioning of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. They were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and then pinned with glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to make them watertight. This form of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.

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

With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become noisy. Paint and putty can cause draughts too. This can be corrected using proprietary wood-to-timber repair 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 little attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a large "one-stop shop" company for installation. They can replace all windows in a house in one day, thereby saving time and avoiding the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving' double glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than the traditional windows made of sash. However these double-glazed units are unable to reproduce the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their style. Many types of ironmongery can be fitted, including sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks. They can be positioned in a way so that the window repair is able to be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These products are often discrete since they are made to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be used alongside traditional sash window repairs cambridge catches, which should be replaced with more robust versions (such ones that have double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the risk of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames are usually made of oak or slow-grown deal. If glazing bars have survived, they should be preserved, and if it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with the same wood. Many PVC-U firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows throughout a home in one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a large amount of light into buildings. In the 18th century, they had been modified so that more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also created. The result was a lighter appearance and windows that were more elegant.

Sash windows were introduced, which required a new type of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, later Victorian ones could be made from brass or a combination of lead and wood and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be kept and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. Inattention to maintenance can result in:

Sashes that don't slide smoothly.

holes in the frame that admit water causing damage and decay.

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

Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend of healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash windows are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.

The replacement window industry has made a significant effort to persuade house owners that their windows are rotten, draughty and beyond economic repair. Many old windows made of timber can be fixed and used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to keep up with this can result in broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of sashes may also cause structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to move out of alignment and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash could also get stuck in its open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the property.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be prevented by regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected part carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made from the same kind of timber as the ones that remain. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive ways of treating decay of timber to timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is an alternative to traditional sanding and staining. The product is brushed on to the surface of the timber to stabilise and protect it from further damage. It is particularly useful in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help stop breakage.

It is essential that any ironmongery from the past like sash stays and latches are retained and restored rather than replacing them. These items are difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is also advised that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, are avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.