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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows with traditional designs and homeowners are proud of the way they look. However, sash windows can get stuck and be difficult to open or close. This is usually due moisture, which can cause the wood to swell. Box sash windows were traditionally operated with chains or cotton cords, as well as weights made of lead. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to overcome this problem. 1. Aesthetics In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are manufactured according to the modular imperial size the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This allows the restoration to be in line with modern energy requirements while still complying with conservation areas regulations. It also comes with windows that are superior to the uPVC options. Sliding windows with sash were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could make larger frames using larger glass. In the 18th century, windows made of sash were the predominant wooden design in most British homes. As they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains. The first windows were made of plain glass however, by the 17th Century sash windows started to become more ornamental. They were initially made of colored glazing bars or mullions. They were costly at the beginning but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became a common feature in many period houses. In the 19th century, it was possible to manufacture large, strong glass that did not need supporting bars. This allowed for the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave the viewer a better view. This was an important 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 simultaneously, and also improved the ventilation of buildings. The most common kind of sash is made from slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was used in the more expensive buildings as well as in earlier examples. It is important to maintain the parting bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. wooden casement windows in cambridge , idler wheels and sash rollers also are essential to the operation of the window. 2. Energy efficiency Sash windows replaced hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. They were coated with plate glass that was placed within timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs. The introduction of sashes led to the need for a wider range 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 range of fasteners to hold the sashes in place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and designs that were engraved to identify the maker. Sash windows are energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. If they are not maintained they could become draughty. Putty and paint can cause draughts. This can be corrected using wood-to-timber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose. The replacement window industry relies on the perception that traditional windows are rotten and beyond economical repair, whereas they can be easily maintained with just a little care. These repairs can be costly and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To avoid this, many homeowners opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one the large “one stop shop” installation companies. These can remove and replace all the windows in a home within a single day, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the entire process much quicker. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double-glazing to attain more energy efficient ratings than a traditional sash window. However double-glazed windows cannot duplicate the proportions and 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 locks can be put in place. They can be positioned in a manner that the window can be open for ventilation and cleaning. These are typically not noticeable, since they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catchers and must be replaced by more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or spring levers to decrease the possibility of them being opened by hammering. Sash-window frames were traditionally constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more elegant homes, from oak. If glazing bars have survived, they should be kept, and if it is it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. PVC-U companies usually offer a one stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows across a home in one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers. 4. Ventilation When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light to flood into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let even more light into rooms, and bigger glazing panes started to be produced. The result was a lighter appearance and windows that were more elegant. Sash windows were introduced, which required a new range ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made out of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and lead. There were also different types of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces must be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their beautiful design. To keep them in good shape, timber windows must be maintained. Lack of attention to them regularly can lead to: Sashes that do not slide smoothly. holes in the frame that admit water causing damage and decay. break down of putty, allowing water to penetrate, which could cause decay in 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 shown that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient in thermal efficiency as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows. The replacement window industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed, drafty and beyond economical repair. However, many older windows made of wood are in good condition and with minor repairs can easily be maintained for years to be. 5. Maintenance Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window, it can result in the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause paint and putty deteriorate. The removal of sashes could also cause structural movement in the frame, causing the sash not to close properly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or slammed into an open position, which can let water and draughts into the structure. The damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture entry. This can be avoided with regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. The sections that are rotting should be carefully cut out and the affected part should be scarfed together or pieced together by using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This repair method increases the amount original fabric and is one of most non-invasive methods to treat timber-to-timber rot. The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is another alternative to traditional staining and sanding. It is brushed onto the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it. It is especially beneficial for the treatment of pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage. It is crucial to restore and not replace any historical ironmongery, like sash latches and stays. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that modern aluminium fittings, such as sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.