What Will Sash Windows Cambridge Be Like In 100 Years

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Box sash windows were previously operated using chains, cotton cords and lead weights. Modern sash window springs are hidden to eliminate this issue.

1. Aesthetics

In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are constructed according to the modular imperial size, timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also offers windows with a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash window supplier cambridge (link home) frames were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However the production became less expensive and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and allowed light to enter rooms without the use of curtains.

Early windows were simple glass, but by 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.

In the 19th century it was possible to make large, strong glass that did not need support bars. This allowed for the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave the viewer a better view. This was a very important improvement.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened simultaneously, and also improved the ventilation of a building.

Oak was used in older and more luxurious buildings. It is important to maintain the parting bead that divides the sashes. This will stop draughts and rattles. It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good condition as these help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets became available. Plate glass was set into rebated timber frames, which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was then sprayed onto both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to increased demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges as well as various fasteners used to secure the sashes. These were often decorated in motifs, 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 can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of putty and paint. This can be corrected making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.

The industry of replacement windows is based on the assumption that old windows are damaged and beyond repair, while they are able to be maintained with a little attention. These repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows with PVC-u from a 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can take down and replace all the windows in a house within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. They can also be supplied with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than those offered by traditional sash windows. These double-glazed units are not capable of resembling the proportions or section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery, such as sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be put in place. These can be put in place so that the window is capable of being opened to allow ventilation or for cleaning. These products are usually minimal in appearance, as they are designed to match the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. They should be replaced with more robust models like those that incorporate double screws or sprung levers in order to reduce the possibility of being hit with hammers.

Sash-window frames are usually made from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are in good condition and in good condition, they should be kept. If feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced with wood that matches. Many PVC-u firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows throughout a home in a single 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. In the 18th century, they were modified so that more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also created. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with a higher degree of elegance 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 many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. Ironmongery elements must be maintained and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. Lack of attention to them regularly could lead to:

Sashes that no longer slide easily.

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

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

Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s because they were sturdy 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 PVC-u windows and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The replacement window industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many old timber windows can be repaired and used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window repair cambridge, it can cause the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause paint and putty deteriorate. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash not to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in an open position, which can let water and draughts enter the property.

Moisture penetration is a 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 expose the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut off and the affected part carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same type of wood as those remaining. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric retained and is one of the least invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber decay.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is another alternative to traditional sanding and staining. It is brushed on the surface of the timber to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is especially beneficial for treating pulley cords and sash which can stop breakage.

It is important that any historic ironmongery like sash stays and latches be kept and rehabilitated instead of being 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 if at all possible as they can cause corrosion and damage to frames and sashes made of timber.