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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in cambridge windows and doors have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of how they look. Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open or close. This is typically due to moisture which can cause the wood to expand.

Traditionally, window doctor near Me boxes used chains or cotton cords and weights made of lead to operate. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike 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 comply with conservation area regulations. It also provides windows that have a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash window frames were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However the production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using greater glass repair cambridge. In the late 18th century Sash windows were the most popular wooden style in a majority of British properties. Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of clear glass However, by the 17th Century the sash windows began to be more decorative. They began with colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and less expensive, they were a common feature in many of the period homes.

By the 19th century it was possible to make large, strong glass that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be enlarged, which in turn gave a better view. This was an important innovation.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of the I920s and beginning of I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened simultaneously and allowed for better ventilation to a building.

The most popular type of sash is constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes, and it is vital that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are vital for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. They were made of plate glass, set within rebated timber frames and secured with glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to make them watertight. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

Sashes were introduced, which led to an increase in 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 with motifs, inscriptions or engravings that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. If they are not maintained they can get draughty. Putty and paint can also cause draughts. This can be corrected making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.

The replacement window industry relies heavily on the belief that old windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. To avoid this homeowners often opt for a complete replacement windows cambridge with PVC-u windows from one the large "one stop shop" installation companies. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving' double glazing repairs near me glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than the traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed windows aren't capable of replicating the proportions and sections of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their style. Many types of ironmongery are available, including sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks. These can be installed in a manner that the window is able to be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These are typically unobtrusive, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catch. These are best replaced with more robust models like ones that have double screws or sprung levers, to minimize the possibility of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames were constructed from slow grown deal or, in more elegant homes they were made from oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and if it is feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop installation service. They can take out and replace windows throughout a house in just one day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light to flood into structures. At the end of the 18th century, they had been adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also created. 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 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 elements should always be retained and cleaned down so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. Inattention to maintenance routinely could cause:

Sashes that no longer slide easily.

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

break down of the putty and allow water penetration that can lead to decay in the frame and cill.

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows increased in popularity because they were strong slim and affordable, and complemented the vogue 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 lot to convince homeowners that their old windows are rotten, draughty and beyond repair. However, many old windows made of timber are in good shape and, with minor repairs, could easily be repaired for many years to come.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to keep up with this can lead to broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movements within the frame, causing the sash not to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in the open position and this can let water and draughts into the property.

The damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture entry. This can be avoided by regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully removed, and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximises the amount of fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber decay.

The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is another alternative to traditional sanding and staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys where it can help to prevent the breakage.

It is important 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 also advised that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.