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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of the way they look. Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open or shut. This is usually due moisture, which can cause the wood to expand. Traditionally, box sash windows utilised chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to address this issue. 1. Aesthetics Unlike PVC-u windows that are made to modular imperial sizes Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This permits the re-installation of timber sash windows in order to comply with current energy standards and conform to conservation area regulations. It also offers a window with a far superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives. Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used for large buildings or public buildings. However this changed as production became cheaper and artisans could create larger frames using greater glass. In the 18th century, sash windows were the dominant wooden design in most British homes. As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains. wooden casement windows in cambridge were plain glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time but as glass production improved and less expensive, they became a part of many period houses. By the 19th century it was possible to manufacture large, strong glass that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame size to increase further and this in turn meant more of a view out of the window. This was an important innovation. The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is 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 at the beginning of the I930s. Oak was used for older and more luxurious buildings. It is essential to keep the parting bead that separates the sashes. This will help prevent draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are also essential to the functioning of the window. 2. Energy efficiency Sash windows replaced hinged cases as larger and clearer sheets became available. Plate glass was set into frames of timber that were rebated, then secured with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on both sides of the frame for watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs. The introduction of sashes led to a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys as well as lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges and knobs as well as a range of fasteners used to keep the sashes to their place. They were often decorated with designs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker. With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become drafty. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. You can fix this problem with wood-to-timber products. The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that old windows are damaged beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However they can be maintained with a bit of attention. Repairs can be costly and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To prevent this homeowners, many prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the large “one stop shop” installation companies. They can replace all windows in a house in one day, thereby saving time and eliminating the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be supplied with energy-saving double-glazing to achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than traditional windows made of sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes. 3. Security It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts and sash locks can be used. They can be fitted in such a way that the window can be open for ventilation and cleaning. These products are usually minimal in appearance, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash-window catchers, which should be replaced with more robust models (such as those incorporating double screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the possibility of them being opened by hammering. Sash-window frames are traditionally constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and, if it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. Many PVC-u firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows throughout a house in just one day, without involving other tradespeople. 4. Ventilation Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a large amount of light into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let more light into rooms, and bigger glazing panes started to be manufactured. The result was a lighter appearance, and windows that had a higher degree of elegance than before. The introduction of sash windows also necessitated the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were constructed from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and lead. There were also a variety of kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery elements should always be maintained and cleaned so that the quality of their design can be appreciated. Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good shape. A lack of attention to them regularly could lead to: Sashes that do not slide smoothly. holes in the frame that admit water, which can cause damage and decay. Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or the cill. Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s because they were strong and slim, cost-effective and complemented the trend for healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash window are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive. The industry of replacement windows has done a lot to persuade house owners that their traditional windows are dirty, noisy and beyond repair. Many older timber windows can be fixed and used for a long time with minor repairs. 5. Maintenance The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to maintain it properly can result in the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movements within the frame, which can cause the sash to not close properly. The sash may also become stuck in the open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the building. Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented 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. Any rotten timber sections should be cut off and the affected area carefully cut or pieced with replacements made from the same type of wood as those remaining. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric used in the first place and is among the most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot. A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to traditional staining or sanding. This is brushed onto the surface of the timber to help stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys where it can help to prevent breakage. It is crucial that any ironmongery from the past such as sash stay and latches are kept and rehabilitated instead of being replacing them. These items are difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is also advised that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, be avoided as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.