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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open and close. This is usually due to moisture, which can cause the timber to swell.

Traditionally, box sash windows utilized chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to eliminate this issue.

1. Aesthetics

In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are constructed according to the modular imperial size the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original sizes. This allows the restoration to meet the current energy standards while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also provides an option that is superior to uPVC options.

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

Early windows were plain glass, but by the 17th century sash windows began to become more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive initially, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they became a common feature in many homes of the period.

In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, strong glasses that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger, 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 at the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened at the same time and gave improved ventilation to buildings.

The most common kind of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was used in the more prestigious buildings and in earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes, and it is important that this is well maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are crucial to the functioning of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer sheets of glass were made available, sash windows started replacing hinged casements. 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 glass gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

The introduction of sashes led to a need for a much larger variety of ironmongery with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers, shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners that secured the sashes in the right place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and engravings that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. If they are not maintained, they can become drafty. Paint and putty can cause draughts too. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that older windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a bit of attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. To avoid this homeowners often prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the large 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace and remove all windows in a house within a single day, avoiding the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. They can also be fitted with energy-saving double-glazing, which can achieve greater energy efficiency than those offered by traditional sash windows. These double-glazed units are not able to replicate the proportions or section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their aesthetics. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be used. They can be fitted in a manner that the window is able to be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. They are generally unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window doctor cambridge. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catches and are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the possibility of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames are usually made of 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 shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows on an entire house in just one day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a huge amount of light into buildings. By the end of the 18th century they were adapted to allow more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be produced. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with more elegance.

The introduction of sash windows also necessitated an entirely 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 a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be kept and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

To ensure they remain in good condition, wooden windows need to be maintained. Inattention to maintenance routinely could result in:

Sashes that do not move smoothly.

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

break down of putty, allowing water penetration that could cause decay in the frame and cill.

In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows gained popularity because they were strong slim and affordable, and complemented the vogue for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are just as effective as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.

The window replacement industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. However, many older windows made of timber are in good shape and with minor repairs could easily be maintained for years to come.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window, it could result in the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes can also result in structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to move out of alignment and unable to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in the open position and let water and draughts in the property.

Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by regular maintenance, thorough painting and removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy look of the existing paint which can be removed to reveal rotting, soft timber. Any rotten sections of timber must be removed and the affected area should be carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same type of timber as the ones remaining. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods for treating decay caused by timber.

The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is a different option to traditional staining and sanding. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is especially beneficial for treating pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage.

It is essential to preserve and not replace any old ironmongery such as sash latches and stays. They can be extremely difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is also advised that modern aluminium casement windows Cambridge fittings like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, be avoided as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.