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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 how they appear. Sash windows can become stuck and be difficult to open and close. This is usually due to moisture that can cause the wood to swell. Traditionally, windows made of box sash used chains, cotton cords or lead weights to operate. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to overcome this issue. 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 size. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to comply with current energy standards and to comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also offers an option that is superior to uPVC options. Sliding sash windows were originally only used in large buildings or public buildings, but this changed when production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to create larger frames using more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains. The first windows were made of glass that was plain, but in the 17th century the sash windows began to be more decorative. They began with colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were expensive at the time but as glass production became more efficient and cheaper they were a common feature in many of the period homes. By the 19th century it was possible to create large, strong glass that did not need supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be made larger, which in turn gave the viewer a better view. This was a significant advancement. The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that occurred at the end of the I920s and beginning of the 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 from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was used in the more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the separation bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will prevent draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are also crucial to the operation of the window. 2. Energy efficiency Sash windows replaced hinged cases 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, and then putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This type of glass gradually replaced the use of leaded lights. The introduction of sashes led to the need for a greater variety of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and knobs, and a range of fasteners that secured the sashes to their the right place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engravings that identified the maker. Sash windows can be very energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, without this maintenance they may become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be corrected making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary. The replacement window industry relies on the perception that older windows are old and beyond economical repair, while they can be maintained with just a little care. However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause considerable disruption to the home. To avoid this homeowners, many opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows made by one of the large 'one stop shop' installation companies. These can remove and replace all the windows in a home within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the entire process much faster. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving double glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than a traditional sash window. However, these double-glazed units cannot duplicate the proportions and section of historic timber sashes. 3. Security Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their aesthetics. Many types of ironmongery can be fitted including sash chains mortice bolts and sash locks. These can be installed in such a way that the window is able to be open for ventilation and cleaning. These products are often unobtrusive as they are designed to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches that should be replaced with more robust versions (such ones that have double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the possibility of them being hammered out. Sash-window frames were traditionally made from slow-growing deal or, in more prestigious houses made of oak. If glazing bars have survived, they should be kept and where possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with the same wood. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on an entire house in a day without the need to engage other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers. 4. Ventilation When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a large amount of light to flood into structures. At the end of the 18th century, they had been modified so that more light could be let into rooms. Larger glass panes were also produced. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater degree of elegance than before. The introduction of sash windows also demanded the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while later Victorian ones were made from brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces must be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their beautiful design. Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good shape. A lack of regular attention can result in: Sashes that do not slide smoothly. holes in the frame that allow water that can cause decay and damage. Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or the cill. In wooden sliding doors cambridge and the I930s steel casement windows grew in popularity due to their durability, slim and cheap and were in line with the trend for healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of modern casement windows. The window replacement industry has made a significant effort to convince homeowners that their traditional windows are rotten, draughty and beyond repair. Many old timber windows can be repaired and used for a long time with minor repairs. 5. Maintenance A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your sash window, it could cause the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to be misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash can also be stuck in its open position, allowing water and draughts into the building. Damage to timber windows is usually caused by moisture entry. This can be avoided by regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable due to the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be stripped away to reveal rotting, soft timber. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully removed, and the affected area should be snared together or glued together using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay caused by timber. A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to traditional sanding or staining. It is brushed on the surface of the wood to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful for the treatment of sash and pulley cords, which can stop breakage. It is crucial that any ironmongery from the past such as sash stay and latches are retained and restored instead of replacing them. It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings like sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if possible since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.