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 get stuck and are difficult to open and close. This is often due moisture, which can cause the timber to swell.
Box sash windows were traditionally operated using chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to solve this problem.
1. Aesthetics
Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes, which are modular, can be restored to original dimensions. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while complying with conservation regulations for the area. It also offers windows with a superior appearance than the
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Sliding windows with sash were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However the production became more affordable and artisans could make larger frames using more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light into rooms without the need for curtains.
Early windows were simple glass, but by the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly initially, but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became an integral feature in many period houses.
In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, strong glasses that didn't need supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be enlarged further, which gave a better view from the
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The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another significant improvement that came about in the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s.
Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings. It is important to maintain the parting bead which divides the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are also crucial to the operation of the
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2. Energy efficiency
Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. They were glazed with plate glass set within rebated timber frames and secured with glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This type of glass gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.
The introduction of sashes created a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys as well as lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, knobs and shutters and a variety of fasteners used to keep the sashes to their the right place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns that identified the maker.
Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. But, if you don't maintain them, 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 on the perception that traditional windows are rotten and beyond economical repair, while they are able to be maintained with just a little care. These repairs can be expensive and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows using PVC-u from a "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace all windows in a house in one day, saving time and eliminating the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double-glazing to attain higher energy ratings than the traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed units are not capable of replicating the proportions or section of the sashes made of timber from the past.
3. Security
Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their style. A variety of ironmongery types are available, including sash chains, mortice bolts, and sash locks. They can be fitted in such a way that the window can be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These windows are typically discrete since they are made to complement sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash-
Window Maintenance catchers, which must be replaced by more robust versions (such ones that have double screws) or spring levers to decrease the possibility of them being opened by hammering.
Sash-window frames are usually made from oak or slow-grown deal. If glazing bars have survived, they should be preserved, and if it is it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by 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 any other tradespeople.
4. Ventilation
Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a significant amount of light to be absorbed into buildings. In the 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with a higher level of elegance than they had before.
The introduction of sash windows also required a new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mix of wood and leaded. There were also a variety of types of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces must be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their beautiful design.
To ensure they remain in good shape, timber windows require regular maintenance. Inattention to maintenance could 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 penetration, which could cause decay in the frame and cill.
Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s due to their strength and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows are just as thermally efficient as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.
The industry of replacement windows has made a significant effort to convince homeowners that their windows are dirty, noisy and beyond repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and used for many more years with minor repairs.
5. Maintenance
A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this could result in broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of sashes could also cause structural movement in the frame, which can cause the sash not to close correctly. The sash could also get stuck in its open position, which allows water and draughts into the property.
The damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture entry. This can be avoided by regular maintenance as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric used in the first place and is among the most non-invasive methods to treat timber-to-timber rot.
A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to the traditional sanding or staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which can help stop breakage.
It is crucial to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery, like stay latches and sash latches. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, are avoided since they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.