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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 However sash windows can get stuck and be difficult to open or close This is often due to moisture that can cause the timber to swell Box sash windows were historically operated with chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights Modern sash window springs are hidden to avoid this issue 1 Aesthetics Unlike PVCu windows that are constructed to modular imperial sizes timber sash windows can be restored to their original dimensions This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while complying with conservation areas regulations It also comes with a window that is far superior to the uPVC options Sliding sash window frames were initially intended for large structures or public buildings However this changed when production became cheaper and artisans could create larger frames using larger glass In the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant wooden design in most British properties Since they were easy to open sash windows let light into rooms without curtains The first windows were made of plain glass but by the 17th century sash windows started to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions They were costly initially but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient they became an integral feature in many period houses In the 19th century it was possible to create large sturdy glasses that didnt need support bars This allowed the frame to be made larger and in turn gave a better view This was an important improvement Another significant improvement was the introduction of the doublehung sliding windows at the end of I920s and the beginning of I930s The doublehung sliding sash was another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s Oak was used for older examples and for more prestigious buildings It is important to maintain the parting bead that is used to separate the sashes This will stop draughts and rattles The idler wheels sash pulleys and sash rollers also are essential to the operation of the window 2 Energy efficiency Sash windows replaced hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets became available They were made of plate glass set within rebated timber frames and pinned in place using glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight This kind of glass gradually replaced leaded lights The introduction of sashes created a need for a much greater variety of ironmongery including the most basic fittings brass pulleys lead and later cast iron weights sash stoppers shutter hinges and knobs as well as a range of fasteners used to keep the sashes in place These were often decorated in patterns inscriptions and engraved patterns to identify the maker Sash windows can be extremely energyefficient with regular maintenance Without this maintenance they could become drafty Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of paint and putty It is possible to fix this issue with woodtotimber products The market for replacement windows rests on the perception that old windows are damaged and beyond economical repair but they are able to be maintained with a bit of care However repairs to these windows are costly and can cause considerable disruption to the home To avoid this homeowners often choose to replace their windows with PVCu windows made by one of the many one stop shop installation companies They can replace all windows in a house in a single day saving time and eliminating the need for various tradesmen to coordinate Repair My Windows And Doors are also available with energysaving doubleglazing which can achieve more energy efficient ratings than traditional sash windows Doubleglazed windows arent capable of resembling the proportions or section of the sashes made of timber from the past 3 Security It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising on their aesthetics Ironmongery such as mortice bolts sash chain and sash lock could be installed These can be installed to ensure that the window is still able to be opened to allow ventilation or cleaning These products are usually minimal in appearance as they are designed to fit the sash window They can be used with traditional sash window catch They should be replaced with more robust versions such as those that incorporate double screws or sprung levers to minimize the chance of being struck by hammers Sashwindow frames were made from slowgrowing deal or in the more luxurious homes made of oak If the glazing bars are intact and in good condition they should be kept Where feasible the cills made of timber should be replaced by wood that is in line with Many PVCU companies offer a onestop shop installation service They can take down and replace windows on an entire home in one day without the need to involve other tradespeople 4 Ventilation When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a significant amount of light to flood into buildings In the 18th century they had been adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms Larger glazing panes were also created The result was a much lighter appearance and windows that had a higher degree of elegance than before The introduction of sash windows also demanded an entirely new range of ironmongery The first pulleys were made of wood while later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of lead and wood and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs These ironmongery pieces should be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their fine design To ensure they remain in good condition timber windows require regular maintenance Lack of regular attention may result in Sashes that do not move easily Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause damage and decay The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or the cill Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s I930s because they were sturdy and slim and also because they were cheap and complemented the trend for healthy living However research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows are just as thermally efficient as doubleglazed windows made of PVCu and are more attractive than the modern sleek design of casement windows The industry of replacement windows was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty noisy and beyond repair The reality is that many older timber windows are in good shape and with minor repairs could easily be serviceable for many years to be 5 Maintenance The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection If you fail to maintain your sash window it can cause the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively It can also cause the paint and putty to degrade The removal of the sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and unable to close correctly The sash can also be stuck in the open position allowing water and draughts into the property Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to timber windows This can be avoided with regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness Wet rot can be identified by the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be stripped to reveal soft rotting wood Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected area carefully cut or pieced with replacements made from the same kind of timber as the ones remaining This method of repair maximises the amount of fabric left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay caused by timber A wood condenser made of resin is an alternative to the traditional sanding or staining It is brushed on the surface of the wood to help stabilize it and shield it from further damage It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys where it can help to prevent the breakage It is important that any old ironmongery such as sash stay and latches be kept and rehabilitated instead of being replaced 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 are avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes
