What Will Sash Windows Cambridge Be Like In 100 Years?

How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of the way they appear. Sash windows can get stuck and be difficult to open or shut. This is usually due moisture which can cause the wood to expand.

Traditionally, box sash windows utilised chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to solve this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes that are modular, are able to be restored to original dimensions. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to comply with current energy standards and to comply with conservation area regulations. It also offers a window that is far superior to the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash window frames were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could produce larger frames with greater glass. By the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most sought-after wooden style in 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, but in 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 less expensive, they became a feature of numerous period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, sturdy glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame size to be increased even further and this in turn allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was a very important innovation.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s.

The most common kind of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead which is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent draughts and rattles. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are also vital to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger glass sheets became available, sash windows began to replace hinged casements. Glass plates were set in frames made of timber, which were pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was then sprayed onto the frame's two sides to ensure watertightness. This type of glass gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much larger variety of ironmongery with the basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges and knobs as well as a range of fasteners to hold the sashes to their place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and engraved patterns that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become drafty. Putty and paint can cause draughts too. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber products.

The replacement window industry relies on the assumption that older windows are old and beyond economical repair, while they can be maintained with a bit of care. However, repairs to these windows can be expensive and involve considerable disruption to the home. To prevent this homeowners often choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one the many "one-stop shop" installation companies. They can take down and replace all the windows in a house in a single day, eliminating the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the whole process much faster. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery, such as sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be put in place.  timber double glazed windows cambridge  can be fitted in a way that the window is able to be opened for ventilation or for cleaning. These products are usually unobtrusive, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. They are best replaced with more robust models like those with double screws or spring levers in order to reduce the possibility of being hammered.

Sash-window frames were typically constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more prestigious houses they were made from oak. If the glazing bars are intact and in good condition, they should be kept. Where possible, the timber cills should be replaced with wood that is in line with. Many PVC-U companies provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows throughout a home in a single day, without involving any other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a significant amount of light to enter buildings. In the 18th century, they had been modified so that more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also made. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows that had a higher quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also necessitated the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, later Victorian ones could be made from brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to 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 regular attention can result in:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause damage and decay.

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, cost-effective and complemented the trend for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash window are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.

The replacement window industry has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. The reality is that many older windows made of timber are in good shape and with minor repairs could easily be repaired for many years to come.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window, it can lead to the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to degrade. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to move out of alignment and unable to close correctly. The sash could also get stuck in the open position, allowing water and draughts into the building.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be avoided with regular maintenance as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified by the wavy look of the paint that can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting wood. The sections of timber that are rotten must be removed with care and the affected part should be scarfed together or pieced together with replacements of the exact nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that is left and is among the least invasive ways of treating decay caused by timber.

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

It is essential that any ironmongery from the past like sash stays and latches are kept and restored instead of replaced. They can be extremely difficult to replace without compromising the the original design. It is also advised that modern fittings made of aluminium like sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.