How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows with traditional designs and homeowners are proud of the way they look. Sash windows can become stuck and be difficult to open or close. This is usually due moisture which can cause the wood to swell. Box sash windows were historically operated with chains or cotton cords, as well as weights made of lead. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to overcome this issue. 1. Aesthetics Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes and are modular, are able to be restored to original dimensions. This permits the re-installation of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and comply with conservation area regulations. It also comes with windows that are superior to uPVC alternatives. Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally intended for large structures or public buildings. However the production became more affordable and artisans could make larger frames using larger glass. In the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant wooden style in a majority of British properties. As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains. The early windows were made of glass that was plain However, in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more ornamental. They were initially made of colored glazing bars or mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time but as glass production improved and cheaper they became a feature of numerous period houses. In the 19th century it was possible to create large, strong glass that didn't require supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be made larger, which in turn gave an improved view. This was an important innovation. Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of the I920s and beginning of I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened at the same time and gave improved ventilation to buildings. The most popular kind of sash is made from slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was also used in more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes. It is vital that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and draughts. It is also essential that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good working order as they aid in operating the window. 2. Energy efficiency As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. Glass plates were set in frames made of timber, which were pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on the frame's two sides to ensure watertightness. This type of glazing gradually superseded the leaded light bulbs. The introduction of sashes created the need for a larger 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 range of fasteners that secured the sashes into place. These were usually decorated with designs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns to identify the maker. With regular maintenance, sash windows can be very energy efficient. However, without this maintenance they can become draughty and let in cold air. Putty and paint can cause draughts. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber solutions. The replacement window industry relies 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. These repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" company for installation. These can remove and replace all windows in a home within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double-glazing to attain more energy efficient ratings than a traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot duplicate the proportions and section of historic timber sashes. 3. Security Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their appearance. A variety of ironmongery types can be fitted including sash chains mortice bolts, and locks for sash. They can be positioned in such a way that the window is able to be opened for ventilation and cleaning. They are usually unobtrusive as they are designed to work with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. These should be replaced by more robust models like ones that have double screws or spring levers in order to reduce the risk of being struck by hammers. Sash-window frames were constructed from slow grown deal or, in more luxurious homes, from oak. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cambridge-windowrepair/ glazing bars are still in good condition and are not damaged, they should be left. If feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced with wood that is in line with. PVC-U companies usually offer 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 coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers. 4. Ventilation Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a huge amount of light to enter buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also created. The result was a lighter look and windows with more elegance. Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, while later Victorian ones could be made from brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be kept and cleaned so that the quality of their design can be appreciated. To ensure they remain in good condition, wooden windows require regular maintenance. Lack of attention to them regularly can lead to: Sashes that no longer slide easily. holes in the frame allow water causing damage and decay. The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or the cill. Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s because they were strong and slim, cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows. The industry of replacement windows has made a significant effort to persuade house owners that their windows are old, dirty, and beyond economic repair. The truth is that a lot of older timber windows are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be repaired for many years to come. 5. Maintenance The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your window's sash, it could lead to the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes could also result in structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to be misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash could also get stuck in the open position, allowing water and draughts to enter the property. Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided with regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified due to the wavy appearance of the paint that can be removed to reveal soft, rotting timber. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut off and the affected area carefully cut or pieced with replacements made from the same kind of timber as those remaining. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber. The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is another alternative to traditional sanding and staining. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is especially beneficial for treating sash and pulley cords, which can stop breakage. It is important to restore and not replace any old ironmongery, such as the sash latches and stays. They can be extremely difficult to replace without harming the the original design. It is also advised that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.