How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of how they look. Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open or shut. This is often due to moisture which can cause the timber to swell.
Box sash windows were traditionally operated using chains, cotton cords and weights made of lead. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to overcome this problem.
1. Aesthetics
In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are constructed to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original size. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows in order to comply with current energy standards and comply with conservation area regulations. It also offers an option that is superior to uPVC options.
Sliding sash windows were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, though this changed as production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to produce larger frames with more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden style in British homes. As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains.
Early windows were simple glass but by the 17th century sash windows began to become more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at first, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they were an integral feature in many homes of the period.
In the 19th century, it became possible to make large, sturdy glasses that didn't require supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger which, in turn, provided the viewer a better view. This was a significant advancement.
Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window 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 the building.
Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead that divides the sashes. This will stop draughts and rattles. It is also essential that sash pulleys and idler wheels are kept in good shape as they aid in operating the window.
2. Energy efficiency
As larger and clearer glass sheets became available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. Glass plates were set in rebated timber frames, secured with glazing sprigs and putty was then sprayed onto the frame's two sides to ensure watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.
Sashes were introduced, which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were 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 fix the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.
Sash windows can be very energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. Without this maintenance they can get drafty. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of putty and paint. It is possible to fix this issue by using wood-to-timber products.
The industry of replacement windows is based on the perception that traditional windows are rotten and beyond repair, while they are able to be maintained with a bit of care. However, these repairs are costly and can cause significant disruption to your home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a large 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace all windows in a house in one day, saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They are also available with energy-saving double-glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than traditional windows with sash. Double-glazed windows aren't capable of resembling the proportions or section of sashes from old timber.
3. Security
It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. A variety of ironmongery types can be installed including sash chains mortice bolts, and locks for sash. These can be put in place so that the window remains able to be opened for ventilation or for cleaning. These products are often not noticeable since they are designed to complement sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash window catches, which should be replaced with more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the chance of them being hammered out.
Sash-window frames are usually made from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are still intact, they should be retained. If it is it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced with timber that is compatible with. Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can remove and replace windows throughout a home in one day, without the need to involve 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 adapted to allow even more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be manufactured. The result was a lighter appearance and windows that had a higher level of elegance than they had before.
Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, while later Victorian ones were made from brass or a combination of wood and lead, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. Ironmongery elements must be kept and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.
Timber windows require regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. Lack of attention to them regularly could lead to:
Sashes that do not slide easily.
holes in the frame allow water causing damage and decay.
Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cause cill.
Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s due to their strength and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend towards healthy living. Research has proven that softwood sash windows are just as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.
The replacement window industry has done a lot to persuade house owners that their commercial windows cambridge old windows are rotten, draughty and beyond economic repair. The reality is that many older windows made of wood are in good condition and with minor repairs can easily be maintained for years to be.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to keep up with this could result in broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars and degradation of the paint and putty. The removal of sashes may also cause structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and unable to close correctly. 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 moisture infiltration. This can be prevented by thorough painting, regular repairs and elimination of the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy look of the existing paint which can be stripped away to reveal rotting, soft timber. Any timber that is rotting must be removed and the affected area carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made from the same kind of timber as the ones that remain. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric used in the first place and is among the most non-invasive methods to treat the rot that occurs between timber and timber.
A resin-based wood condenser is a viable alternative to traditional staining or sanding. The product is brushed on to the surface of the timber to help stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help prevent the breakage.
It is crucial that any ironmongery from the past like sash stays and latches are kept and rehabilitated instead of being replaced. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings such as chain stays and sash lifts is avoided if at all possible since they can cause corrosion and damage to timber frames and sashes.