What Will Sash Windows Cambridge Be Like In 100 Years

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of how they look. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is usually due moisture which can cause the wood to expand.

Traditionally, box sash windows used chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to eliminate this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes and are modular, can be reconstructed to their original size. This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while still complying with conservation area regulations. It also offers a window seal repairs with a far superior appearance than upvc repairs door repair (you can try these out) alternatives.

Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally intended for large structures or public buildings. However, this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using greater glass. By the late 18th century Sash windows were the most popular wooden design in most British properties. As they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass, but in the 17th century sash windows were becoming more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cost-effective, they were a common feature in many of the period homes.

In the 19th century, it became possible to make large, sturdy glasses that didn't need support bars. This allowed the frame size to be enlarged further, which meant more of a view from the window. This was an important improvement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double glazing repairs near me-hung sliding windows at the end of the I920s and beginning of I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened at the same time and allowed for better ventilation to the building.

The most popular type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was used in the more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead which separates the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers also are vital for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets were made available. They were made of plate glass, placed within timber frames with rebates and then pinned with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to increased demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges and a variety of fasteners used to secure the sashes. They were often decorated with designs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be very energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, without this maintenance they may become drafty and let in cold air. Putty and paint can also cause draughts. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the notion that old windows are beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows with PVC-u from a 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace all windows in a home in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be supplied with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than are possible with traditional windows with sash. However, these double-glazed units cannot replicate the section and proportions of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their style. There are many types of ironmongery that can be installed including sash chains mortice bolts, and locks for sash. They can be fitted in a way so that the window can still be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These products are often discrete since they are made to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash window catches that must be replaced by more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the chance of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames are typically made of oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars remain intact and in good condition, they should be kept. If it is possible, the timber cills should be replaced by wood that matches. Many PVC-u firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows throughout a home in one day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a large amount of light to enter buildings. By the end 18th century, they had been modified to allow more light could be let into rooms. Larger glazing panes were also made. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also required the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, whereas later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of lead and wood, and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. Ironmongery elements must be maintained and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good shape. Inattention to maintenance can result in:

sashes that no longer slide easily.

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

break down of the putty and allow water penetration that can lead to decay in the frame and cill.

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows increased in popularity due to their strength slim and affordable, and complemented the vogue for healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed PVC-u windows and are more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

The industry of replacement windows did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair. Many older timber windows can be fixed and used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to keep up with 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 could also cause structural movement in the frame, which can cause the sash to not close properly. It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in the open position, which can let water and draughts enter the structure.

The damage to timber windows is often caused by water penetration. This can be prevented by regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected area should be carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made of the same kind of timber as the ones remaining. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric retained and is among the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber.

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

It is essential that any ironmongery from the past like sash stays and latches be kept and restored rather than replaced. It is difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration to frames and sashes made of timber.