How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in cambridge windows

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can get stuck and become difficult to open or shut. This is typically due to moisture that can cause the wood to expand.

Box sash windows were previously operated by chains, cotton cords and weights made of lead. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to overcome this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are made according to imperial sizes that are modular the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation area regulations. It also provides a window that is far superior to the upvc door repair alternatives.

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

The early windows were made of glass that was plain However, by the 17th Century, sash windows began to become more attractive. They began with colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and cost-effective, they were a common feature in numerous period houses.

In the 19th century it was possible to create large, strong glass that did not need supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to increase further, which meant more of a view from the window. This was a very important advancement.

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

The most commonly used kind of sash is made of slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more prestigious buildings and in earlier examples. A split bead divides the two sashes. It is vital that it is well maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are in good working order as they help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. They were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to a greater demand for ironmongery. The basic fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights, sash stoppers, shutter hinges and handles and a variety of fasteners to fix the sashes. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and designs that were engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be very energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, if they are not maintained, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of putty and paint. This can be fixed by making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.

The replacement window industry relies heavily on the notion that old windows are damaged beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To avoid this homeowners, many choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one of the many 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. They are also available with 'energy-saving' double-glazing, which can achieve more energy efficient ratings than those offered by traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their appearance. A variety of ironmongery types can be fitted including sash chains mortice bolts, and locks for sash. These can be installed in a way that the window is open for ventilation or for cleaning. These products are often discrete since they are made to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catchers and must be replaced by more robust versions (such ones with double glazing near me (http://bobofng.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=59973) screws) or spring levers to decrease the chance of them being hammered open.

Sash-window frames are typically constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are still intact and are not damaged, they should be left. If it is it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced with wood that matches. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows across a home in a single day without the need to involve other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a huge amount of light into buildings. In the 18th century, they were modified to allow more light could be let into rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows that had a higher quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded a new range of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and lead, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their beautiful design.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good order. A lack of attention to them regularly could lead to:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

holes in the frame that allow water causing damage and decay.

break down of the putty and allow water penetration that can lead to decay in the frame and cill.

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

The replacement window industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed, drafty and beyond economical repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and used for many more years with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window, it can result in the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash not to close properly. It is also possible for the sash to be stuck or fixed in the open position and let water and draughts enter the structure.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be prevented by regular maintenance, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any timber that is rotting should be cut off and the affected area should be carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made from the same type of timber as those remaining. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric that was originally used and is among the most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot.

A wood condenser made of resin is an alternative to traditional process of sanding or staining. The product is brushed on to the surface of the wood to stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is especially useful to treat pulley cords and sash where it can prevent breakage.

It is important that any old ironmongery such as sash stay and latches are kept and restored instead of replacing them. These items are difficult to replace without compromising the the original design. It is also advised that modern fittings made of aluminium like sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.