15 Shocking Facts About Sash Windows Cambridge

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows with traditional designs and homeowners are proud of how they appear. Sash windows can become stuck and become difficult to open or shut. This is usually due moisture that can cause the wood to expand.

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 issue.

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are made to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original sizes. This permits the re-installation of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and to comply with conservation area regulations. It also offers windows that are superior to the upvc door repairs options.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, however this changed as production became cheaper and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. By the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant design of wood in the majority of British homes. As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains.

The first windows were made of glass that was plain However, in the 17th century sash windows started to become more ornamental. They started with coloured glazing bars or mullions. These were very expensive at the time, but as glass repair cambridge production improved and less expensive, they became a feature of numerous period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, sturdy glasses that did not require support bars. This allowed the frame size to be increased even further and this in turn gave a better view from the window. This was an important innovation.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that occurred at the end of the I920s and the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s.

Oak was used for older examples and more prestigious buildings. A parting bead separates the two sashes and it is important that this is maintained to prevent rattles and drafts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are also vital to the functioning of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. 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 to ensure watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much greater variety of ironmongery, with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys as well as lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops, shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners to hold the sashes in the right place. These were often decorated in motifs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be very energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. But, if you don't maintain them, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of putty and paint. This issue can be fixed with wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the perception that older windows are beyond upvc door repair cost and cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. These repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" company for installation. They can replace and remove all windows in an entire house within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate different tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. They can also be fitted with 'energy saving' double-glazing, which can achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than those offered by traditional sash windows. 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 style. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be used. They can be positioned in a manner that the window is able to be open for ventilation and cleaning. They are generally not noticeable, since they are designed to match the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash-upvc window renovation catches that should be replaced with more robust versions (such ones with double glazing repairs near me screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the chance of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames are typically made of oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are in good condition, they should be retained. Where possible, the timber cills should be replaced with wood that is in line with. Many PVC-U firms offer a one-stop installation service. They can remove and replace windows throughout a home in one day, without involving any other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were first 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 to allow even more light into rooms, and larger glass panes began to be made. The result was a lighter look and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced, which required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made out of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of leaded and wood. There were also various types of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces must be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their beautiful design.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good order. A lack of attention to them regularly could lead to:

Sashes that do not slide smoothly.

Holes in the frame that allow water to enter and cause damage and decay.

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

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows gained popularity due to their strength slim and inexpensive and were in line with the trend for healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash windows are just as effective as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The replacement window industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten, drafty and beyond economical repair. The reality is that many old windows made of wood are in good condition and, with minor repairs, could easily be maintained for years to come.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows need 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 can also cause the paint and putty to degrade. The removal of sashes may also cause structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to move out of alignment and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash may also become stuck in its open position, which allows the water and drafts to enter the building.

Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by regular maintenance as well as thorough painting, and then removing the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, rotting wood. The sections that are rotting must be removed with care, and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together with replacements of the exact type as the remaining timber. This method of repair increases the amount original fabric and is among the least invasive ways to treat wood-to-timber rot.

A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to the traditional staining or sanding. The product is brushed on to the surface of the timber to help stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulley cords and sash, where it can prevent breakage.

It is important that any historic ironmongery like sash stays and latches be kept and restored rather than replacing them. It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings like chain stays and sash lifts is avoided whenever feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of frames and sashes made of timber.