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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 their appearance. Sash windows can get stuck and are difficult to open and close. This is usually due to moisture, which can cause the timber to swell. Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilised chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to address this problem. 1. Aesthetics Contrary to PVC-u windows which are made according to imperial sizes that are modular Timber sash windows can be restored to their original dimensions. This permits the re-installation of timber sash windows in order to comply with current energy standards and conform to conservation regulations for areas. It also gives windows that have a superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives. Sliding sash windows were originally only used in large structures or public buildings, however this changed as production became cheaper and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. In the 18th century, windows made of sash were the predominant wooden style in a majority of British properties. Because they were simple to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without curtains. The early windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th Century sash windows started to become more ornamental. They were initially made of colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were costly at the beginning but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were a common feature in many homes of the period. In the 19th century, it became possible to create large, strong glasses that did not require support bars. This allowed the frame to be made larger, which in turn gave a better view. This was an important advancement. The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that was made in the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened at the same time and allowed for better ventilation to a building. Oak was used in older and more luxurious buildings. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead which divides the sashes. This will stop draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are vital for the proper operation of the window. 2. Energy efficiency Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. Plate glass was set into rebated timber frames, which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was applied to both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights. The introduction of sashes led to a need for a much greater variety of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges and knobs as well as a range of fasteners to hold the sashes into the right place. These were often decorated in designs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns to identify the maker. Sash windows can be extremely energy-efficient with regular maintenance. If they are not maintained they can get noisy. Paint and putty can also cause draughts. This issue can be fixed with wood-to-timber products. The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that old windows are damaged beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a little attention. These repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows using PVC-u from a large “one-stop shop” company for installation. They can replace all windows in a home in one day, thereby saving time and eliminating the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be supplied with energy-saving double-glazing to get higher energy efficiency ratings than are possible with traditional sash windows. However these double-glazed units are unable to duplicate the proportions and section of historic timber sashes. 3. Security It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery, such as mortice bolts, sash chain and sash lock could be installed. They can be fitted in a manner that the window can be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. They are generally unobtrusive, as they are designed to match the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catches and must be replaced by more robust models (such ones that have double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the risk of them being hammered out. Sash-window frames are usually made of 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 installation service. They can take out and replace windows on a complete home in one day, without involving any other tradespeople. 4. Ventilation Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a significant amount of light into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they had been adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also created. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows that had a higher quality of design than before. Sash windows were introduced, which required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while 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. These ironmongery elements should always be maintained and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated. To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows need to be maintained. Inattention to maintenance can lead to: Sashes that do not slide smoothly. Holes in the frame that allow water to enter and cause damage and decay. Water can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or cill. In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows grew in popularity due to their durability, slim and cheap and also matched the fashion for healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient thermally as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and are more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows. The window replacement industry has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were rotten, drafty and beyond economical repair. The truth is that a lot of older timber windows are in good shape and, with minor repairs, could easily be maintained for years to be. 5. Maintenance Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If aluminium casement windows cambridge fail to maintain your window's sash, it could lead to the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes can also result in 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. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or fixed in the open position, which can let water and draughts enter the structure. 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. Wet rot is easily identified due to the wavy appearance of the paint that can be stripped to reveal soft, rotting timber. Any rotten timber sections should be cut off and the affected part carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same type of wood as the ones that remain. This method of repair increases the amount original fabric and is among the most non-invasive methods to treat timber-to-timber rot. The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is another alternative to the traditional method of staining and sanding. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it. It is particularly useful in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which can help prevent breakage. It is crucial to restore and not replace any old ironmongery, such as sash latches and stays. They can be extremely difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as chain stays and sash lifts should be avoided if possible as they can cause corrosion and damage to timber frames and sashes.