How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in cambridge windows and doors have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of how they appear. Sash windows can become stuck and be difficult to open and close. This is usually due moisture which can cause the wood to swell.

Traditionally, window boxes used chains, cotton cords or weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to address this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes and are modular, can be restored to original dimensions. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and comply with conservation area regulations. It also gives windows that have a superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could make larger frames using larger glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without curtains.

Early windows were plain glass but by the 17th century, sash windows started to become more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at first, but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were commonplace in many homes of the period.

In the 19th century, it was possible to manufacture large, sturdy glass that didn't require support bars. This allowed for the frame to be made larger, which in turn gave the viewer a better view. This was a significant innovation.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and the beginning of I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s.

The most commonly used type of sash is made of slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was used in the more prestigious buildings and in earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the separation bead that separates the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are essential to the operation of the window repairs cambridge.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. They were made of plate glass, set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This type of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

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

With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. However, without this maintenance they may become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of putty and paint. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows rests on the perception that old windows are damaged and beyond repair, whereas they can be easily maintained with a little attention. However, these repairs are costly and can cause substantial disruption to the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" company for installation. They can replace and remove all cheap double glazed windows cambridge windows cambridge; Ongoing, in a house in a single day, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the entire process much quicker. They can also be supplied with energy-saving double-glazing to achieve greater energy efficiency than traditional windows made of sash. However these double-glazed units are unable to replicate the section and proportions of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their appearance. Many types of ironmongery can be installed with sash chains, mortice bolts and locks for sash. They can be fitted in a way that the window is able to be opened for ventilation or for cleaning. They are generally unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window fitters cambridge. They can be used with traditional sash window catch. They should be replaced by more robust models, such as those with double screws or spring levers to decrease the chance of being hit with hammers.

Sash-window frames are usually constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and if it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with the same wood. Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop installation service. They can take down and replace windows on an entire house in just one day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light into the buildings. In the 18th century, they had been modified so that more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows with a higher level of elegance than they had before.

The introduction of sash windows also required a new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made from brass or a combination of wood and lead, and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their fine design.

To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows need to be maintained. Lack of attention to them regularly can lead to:

sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

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

break down of putty allowing water penetration, which could lead to decay of the frame and cill.

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend towards healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The industry of replacement windows has done a lot to convince homeowners that their windows are old, dirty, and beyond repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to keep up with this can result in sash cords breaking, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of sashes could also result in structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to become misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. It is also possible for the sash to be stuck or slammed into an open position and let water and draughts in the structure.

Damage to timber windows is usually caused by moisture entry. This can be avoided by regular maintenance, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, rotting wood. The rotten timber sections must be removed with care and the affected part should be snared together or pieced together using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric retained and is one of the least invasive methods for treating decay of timber to timber.

The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is another alternative to the traditional method of sanding and staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulley cords and sash where it can prevent breakage.

It is essential that any old ironmongery such as sash stay and Cheap Windows Cambridge latches are retained and restored instead of replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without compromising the the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided whenever possible as they can cause corrosion and deterioration to frames and sashes made of timber.