How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in cambridge replacement windows

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of how they look. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is usually due moisture that can cause the wood to expand.

Traditionally, window boxes used chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern upvc window renovation springs for sash windows are concealed to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes, which are modular, are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to comply with current energy standards and conform to conservation regulations for areas. It also offers a window with a far more attractive appearance than upvc Door repair cost alternatives.

Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used for large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became more affordable and artisans could create larger frames using greater glass. In the 18th century, windows made of sash were the predominant design of wood in the majority of British properties. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light in rooms without the need for curtains.

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

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, strong glass that didn’t require supporting bars. This allowed the frame’s size to be increased even more, which in turn gave a better view out of the window. This was a significant improvement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was a significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s, and at the beginning of the I930s.

The most common type of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples. A parting bead separates the two sashes and it is important that this is well maintained to prevent rattles and drafts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are essential to the functioning of the window replacement cambridge.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. Plate glass was set into rebated timber frames, pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on the frame’s two sides to ensure watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to a greater demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges and handles as well as various fasteners used to fix the sashes. These were often decorated in designs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. If they are not maintained they could become draughty. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of putty and paint. It is possible to fix this issue with wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the perception that old windows are damaged beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However they can be maintained with a little attention. However, repairs to these windows can be expensive and involve significant disruption to your home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a large “one-stop shop” installation company. They can replace and remove all the windows in an entire house in just one day, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. They can also be fitted with energy-saving double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than traditional sash windows. These double-glazed units are not able to replicate the proportions and section of sashes from old timber.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their aesthetics. Ironmongery such as sash chain, mortice bolts and sash locks can be used. These can be installed so that the window repair near me remains open to allow ventilation or cleaning. These products are often discrete since they are made to complement sash windows. They can be used with traditional sash window doctor cambridge catches. These should be replaced by more robust models, such as those that incorporate double screws or spring levers to decrease the risk of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames are typically constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. When 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 often offer a one stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows on a complete house in a day without the need to engage 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 significant amount of light to be absorbed into buildings. By the end of the 18th century they were altered to allow even more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be manufactured. The result was a lighter look and windows that were more elegant.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, whereas later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. Ironmongery elements must be kept and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

To keep them in good shape, timber windows require regular maintenance. A lack of attention to them regularly could cause:

sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

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

break down of putty allowing water to penetrate, which could lead to decay of the frame and cill.

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. However, research has proven 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 contemporary casement windows.

The industry of replacement windows has done a lot to persuade house owners that their old windows are rotten, draughty and beyond repair. The reality is that many old windows made of wood are in good condition and with minor repairs could easily be repaired for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you don’t maintain your sash window, it can result in the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes may also cause structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to become misaligned and not closing properly. The sash can also be stuck in its open position, allowing water and draughts to enter the building.

Damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture infiltration. This can be avoided by regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, rotting wood. Any rotten timber sections must be removed and the affected area carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same kind of timber as those remaining. This method of repair maximises the amount of fabric that is left and is among the least invasive methods for treating decay of timber to timber.

A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to the traditional sanding or staining. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is particularly useful to treat pulley cords and sash, where it can prevent breakage.

It is crucial to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery, such as stay latches and sash latches. It can be difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided if at all possible since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.