11 Strategies To Completely Redesign Your Sash Windows Cambridge How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

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

1. Aesthetics


In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are made to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original size. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows in order to meet the current energy requirements and comply with conservation area regulations. It also gives a window with a far more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash window frames were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However the production became cheaper and artisans could produce larger frames with greater glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most sought-after wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass however, by the 17th Century sash windows started to be more decorative. They began with colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were costly at the beginning but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became an integral feature in many period houses.

By the 19th century it was possible to create large, strong glass that didn't require supporting bars. This allowed for the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave a better view. This was an important advancement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and the beginning of I930s. The double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s, and at the beginning of the I930s.

Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings. A parting bead separates the two sashes and it is vital that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are vital to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer sheets of glass became available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. Plate glass was set into frames of timber that were rebated, then pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was then sprayed onto the frame's two sides for watertightness. This kind of glass gradually replaced led lights.

The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much greater variety of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners that secured the sashes to their place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engravings that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. If they are not maintained, they can become noisy. Putty and paint can cause draughts. 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, but they are able to be maintained with a little attention. timber casement windows cost cambridge can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows using PVC-u from a huge 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace all windows in a house in one day, saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than the traditional sash window. These double-glazed units are not able to replicate the proportions and sections of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their style. There are many types of ironmongery that can be fitted with sash chains, mortice bolts, and sash locks. These can be installed to ensure that the window remains able to be opened to allow ventilation or for cleaning. These are typically unobtrusive, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. They should be replaced with more robust versions, such as those that incorporate double screws or sprung levers to decrease the risk of being hammered.

Sash-window frames are typically made from oak or slow-grown deal. Where glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and where feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows across a house in a day without the need to engage other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light into structures. At the end of the 18th century, they had been modified to allow more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a lighter appearance, and windows with a greater degree of elegance than before.

Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of lead and wood, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their beautiful design.

To ensure they remain in good shape, timber windows need to be maintained. A lack of regular attention could lead to:

Sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

holes in the frame that allow water that can cause decay and damage.

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

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s because they were strong and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed PVC-u windows and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The window replacement industry has made a significant effort to persuade house owners that their traditional windows are old, dirty, and beyond repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and utilized for a longer period with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this can result in the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars and degradation of the paint and putty. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movements within the frame, which can cause the sash not to close properly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in an open position, which can let water and draughts into the structure.

Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to timber windows. This can be prevented by regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness. Wet rot can be identified due to the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be removed to reveal soft, rotting wood. The sections that are rotting must be removed with care and the affected part should be scarfed or glued together using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair increases the amount original fabric and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot.

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

It is essential to preserve and not replace any historic ironmongery such as stay latches and sash latches. These items can be very difficult to replace without compromising the quality of the original design. It is also recommended that modern fittings made of aluminium like sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.