5 Killer Quora Answers On Sash Windows Cambridge

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

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

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes that are modular, can be reconstructed to their original size. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and conform to conservation area regulations. It also offers an option that is superior to the uPVC options.

Sliding sash windows were originally only found in large buildings or public buildings, however this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. By the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant design of wood in the majority of British properties. As they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass repair cambridge, but by the 17th century, sash windows began to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and less expensive, they became a part of many of the period homes.

In the 19th century, it became possible to produce large, strong glasses that didn’t need support bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger, which in turn gave the viewer a better view. This was a significant innovation.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously, and gave improved ventilation to the building.

Oak was used for older examples and for more prestigious buildings. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes. It is essential that it is maintained to prevent rattles and drafts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are also vital for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger glass sheets became available, sash window began to replace hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass placed within timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to make them watertight. This kind of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers, shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners used to keep the sashes to their place. These were usually decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. If they are not maintained they can get noisy. Putty and paint can cause draughts. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber products.

The replacement window industry relies on the belief that old windows are damaged and beyond repair, whereas they can be easily maintained with just a little care. However, Repairs To Upvc Doors to these windows can be costly and cause considerable disruption to the home. To prevent this homeowners, many opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one the largest “one-stop shop” installation companies. They can replace all windows in a home in a single day, saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be fitted with ‘energy-saving’ double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than traditional windows with sash. However, these double glazing repairs-glazed units cannot reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery like mortice bolts, sash chain and sash locks can be installed. These can be put in place in a way that the window seal repairs is still open to allow ventilation or for cleaning. They are usually not noticeable since they are designed to work with sash windows. They can be used alongside traditional sash window catches and must be replaced by more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or spring levers to decrease the possibility of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames were traditionally constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more luxurious homes they were made from oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and where feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced by the same wood. Many PVC-u firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows on an entire house in just one day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a large amount of light into buildings. By the end 18th century, they were modified to allow more light could be let into rooms. Larger glazing panes were also made. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, 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 maintained and cleaned to appreciate their fine design.

To keep them in good condition, wooden windows need to be maintained. A lack of regular attention can result in:

Sashes that don’t slide easily.

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

break down of putty allowing water penetration that could cause decay in the frame and cill.

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash windows are just as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The industry of replacement windows has done a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows are dirty, noisy and beyond economic repair. Many older timber windows can be fixed and used for a long time with minor repairs to upvc doors.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this can lead to the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of sashes may also cause structural movement in the frame, which can cause the sash to not close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in an open position and this can let water and draughts enter the property.

Damage to timber windows is often caused by water penetration. This can be avoided with regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, decaying wood. The sections that are rotting should be carefully cut out and the affected part should be scarfed together or glued together using replacements of the same type as the remaining timber. This method of repair maximises the amount of fabric retained and is one of the least invasive ways of treating decay of timber to timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is a different option to traditional staining and sanding. This is brushed onto the surface of the wood to stabilise and shield it from further damage. It is especially useful for treating pulley cords and sash, which can help prevent breakage.

It is crucial to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery, like the sash latches and stays. These items are difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is also recommended that modern fittings made of aluminium, such as sashlifts and chainstays, are avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.