The Most Underrated Companies To Monitor In The Sash Windows Cambridge Industry How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

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


1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes that are modular, can be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration meet the current energy standards while complying with conservation area regulations. It also provides windows that have a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings, but the production process became cheaper and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden style in British homes. Since they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The early windows were made of plain glass however, in the 17th century, sash windows began to be more decorative. They started with coloured glazing bars or mullions. They were costly at first, but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were commonplace in many period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, sturdy glasses that didn't need supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even further and this in turn meant more of a view out of the window. This was a significant advancement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and the beginning of I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously, and also improved the ventilation of buildings.

The most commonly used kind of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was used in the more expensive buildings as well as in earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes. It is important that this is maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers also are vital to the functioning of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger glass sheets were made available, sash windows began to replace hinged casements. Glass plates were set in frames of timber that were rebated, then secured with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on the frame's two sides for watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery. The basic fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes shutter hinges and handles as well as a variety of fasteners to secure the sashes. 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, if they are not maintained, they may become drafty and let in cold air. Paint and putty can cause draughts. This can be fixed by using wood-to-timber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the perception that old windows are beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However they can be maintained with a bit of attention. These repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and eliminating the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be supplied with energy-saving double-glazing to achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than those offered by traditional windows with sash. However, these double-glazed units cannot reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their aesthetics. There are many types of ironmongery that are available with sash chains, mortice bolts, and locks for sash. They can be positioned in a way so that the window can still be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These are typically not noticeable, since they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash-window catches that must be replaced by more robust versions (such ones that have double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the possibility of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames are usually made from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept and, if possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. Many PVC-u firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows throughout a house in just one day, without involving 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. At the end of the 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into rooms. Larger glazing panes were also created. The result was a lighter appearance, and windows with a higher level of elegance than they had before.

The introduction of sash windows also necessitated an entirely new range of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, whereas 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. The ironmongery pieces need to be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their exquisite design.

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

Sashes that don't slide smoothly.

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

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

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. Research has proven that softwood sash window are just as effective as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The window replacement industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed, drafty and beyond economical repair. cambridge windows are repairable and can be used for many more years with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your window's sash, it could lead to the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause the paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes may 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 and this can let water and draughts into the property.

Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by water infiltration. This can be avoided with regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be removed to reveal rotting, soft timber. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully removed and the affected area should be snared together or pieced together by using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is among the least invasive ways to treat wood-to-timber rot.

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

It is important to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery, like sash latches and stays. It can be difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as chain stays and sash lifts is avoided if at all feasible as they could cause corrosion and damage to timber frames and sashes.