How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can become stuck and be difficult to open or shut. This is usually due moisture that can cause the wood to expand.
Box sash windows were previously operated by chains or cotton cords, as well as lead weights. Modern sash window springs are hidden to solve this problem.
1. Aesthetics
Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes, which are modular, are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to meet the current energy requirements and comply with conservation area regulations. It also gives a window with a far more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives.
Sliding sash window frames were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However the production became cheaper and artisans could create larger frames using more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.
The first windows were made of plain glass but by the 17th century sash windows began to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cheaper they became a feature of many of the period homes.
In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, sturdy glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame's size to be enlarged further and this in turn meant more of a view from the window. This was an important innovation.
The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that was made in the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened simultaneously, and allowed for better ventilation to the building.
Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings. It is essential to keep the parting bead which separates the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are crucial for the proper operation of the window.
2. Energy efficiency
As larger and clearer glass sheets were made available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass placed within timber frames with rebates and secured with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This type of glass gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.
Sashes were introduced, which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes, shutter hinges and handles and a variety of fasteners used to fix the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and designs that were engraved to identify the maker.
Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. If they are not maintained they can get drafty. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber products.
The industry of replacement windows is based on the belief that older windows are old and beyond repair, while they are able to be maintained with a little attention. However, these repairs are costly and can cause substantial disruption to the home. To prevent this homeowners often choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one of the largest 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can take down and replace all windows in a house in a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the whole process much quicker. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double glazing to get more energy efficient ratings than a traditional sash window. Double-glazed windows aren't capable of resembling the proportions and section of sashes from old timber.
3. Security
It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising on their aesthetics. Ironmongery, such as sash chain, mortice bolts and sash locks can be used. These can be put in place in a way that the window is able to be opened for ventilation or cleaning. cambridge double glazing They are usually discrete since they are made to work with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches. They should be replaced by more robust models, such as ones that have double screws, or sprung levers, to minimize the chance of being struck by hammers.
Sash-window frames are traditionally made from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are in good condition 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. Many PVC-u firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows on an entire home in one day, without involving other tradespeople.
4. Ventilation
Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a large amount of light to be absorbed into buildings. In the 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also made. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows that had a higher degree of elegance than before.
Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, whereas later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of lead and wood, and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their fine design.
Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good shape. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:
Sashes that do not slide easily.
holes in the frame allow water that can cause decay and damage.
Water can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or cause cill.
Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash window are just as effective as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.
The industry of replacement windows was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. However, many older windows made of wood are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be repaired for many years to be.
5. Maintenance
A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your sash window, it could result in the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It could also cause the paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes may also cause structural movement in the frame, causing the sash to not close properly. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or fixed in an open position and let water and draughts into the structure.
Damage to timber windows is often caused by water entry. This can be avoided by regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected part carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same type of timber as the ones that remain. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive ways of treating decay caused by timber.
The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is a different option to the traditional method of sanding and staining. It is brushed on the surface of the wood to stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which help prevent the breakage.
It is important that any historic ironmongery like sash stays and latches are kept and restored instead of replacing them. They can be extremely difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is also advised that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, are avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.