How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilized chains, cotton cords or lead weights to operate. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes and are modular, can be reconstructed to their original size. This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation area regulations. It also offers windows that have a more attractive appearance than upvc door repair window renovation (click through the following web page) alternatives.

Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, but this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. In the 18th century, Sash windows were the most popular wooden style in a majority of British properties. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the use of curtains.

Early windows were plain glass but by the 17th century sash windows started to become more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. These were very expensive at the time but as glass production improved and cost-effective, they became a part of numerous period houses.

In the 19th century it was possible to manufacture large, sturdy glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even further and this in turn gave a better view from the window repair near me. This was a significant innovation.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and at the beginning of I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened at the same time and also improved the ventilation of a building.

The most commonly used type of sash is made of slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the separation bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are essential to the operation of the window seal repairs near me.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer glass sheets were made available, sash windows started replacing hinged casements. They were made of plate glass, set within rebated timber frames and then pinned with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

The introduction of sashes created the need for a greater variety of ironmongery, with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners that secured the sashes into the right place. They were often decorated with designs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be very energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, without this maintenance they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. This can be corrected using wood-to-timber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose.

The market for replacement windows rests on the assumption that traditional windows are rotten and beyond repair, while they can be easily maintained with a little attention. upvc door repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and eliminating the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be supplied with 'energy saving' double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than those offered by traditional windows made of sash. However double-glazed windows cannot duplicate the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising on their aesthetics. Many types of ironmongery can be installed with sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks. They can be positioned in such a way that the upvc window and door repairs can still be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These products are usually not noticeable, since they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catch. These should be replaced with more robust models, such as those with double screws or spring levers in order to reduce the possibility of being hammered.

Sash-window frames are traditionally made from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars remain in good condition and in good condition, they should be kept. Where feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced with wood that is in line with. Many PVC-U firms offer a one-stop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on a complete 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 huge amount of light to be absorbed into buildings. By the end of the 18th century, they were adapted to allow even more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be made. The result was a much lighter appearance and windows with a greater level of elegance than they had before.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a mixture of wood and lead, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be maintained and cleaned so that the quality of their design can be appreciated.

To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows require regular maintenance. A lack of regular attention can lead to:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

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

break down of putty, allowing water to penetrate, which could cause decay in the frame and cill.

In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows gained popularity due to their durability, slim and cheap, and complemented the vogue for healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as thermally efficient as double-glazed PVC-u windows and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The replacement window industry has done a lot to persuade house owners that their old windows are dirty, noisy and beyond economic repair. Many older timber windows are repairable and can be utilized for a longer period with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to maintain it properly can lead to broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of the sashes can also result in structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to move out of alignment and unable to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or slammed into an open position and this can let water and draughts enter the property.

The damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture infiltration. This can be avoided by regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be removed to reveal rotting, soft timber. Any timber that is rotting must be removed and the affected area carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same type of wood as the ones remaining. This method of repair maximises the amount of fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is another alternative to traditional staining and sanding. This is brushed onto the surface of the timber to help stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is especially useful for the treatment of pulley cords and sash where it can prevent breakage.

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