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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and homeowners are proud of their appearance However sash windows may get stuck and be difficult to open or close This is often due to moisture that can cause the timber to swell Traditionally window boxes utilized chains cotton cords or lead weights to operate Modern sash windows have hidden springs to overcome this issue 1 Aesthetics Timber sash windows unlike PVCu windows that are made in imperial sizes and are modular can be restored to original dimensions This allows the restoration to be in line with modern energy requirements while complying with conservation areas regulations It also offers a window that is far superior to the uPVC options Sliding sash window frames were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings However this changed as production became cheaper and artisans could make larger frames using more glass In the 18th century Sash windows were the most popular design of wood in the majority of British properties Because they were simple 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 began to become more attractive They started with coloured glazing bars also known as mullions upvc door repairs were very expensive at the time but as glass production became more efficient and less expensive they became a feature of many of the period homes In the 19th century it was possible to make large strong glasses that didnt need supporting bars This allowed the frames size to increase further and this in turn meant more of a view from the window This was an important improvement Another significant improvement was the introduction of the doublehung sliding windows at the end of I920s and the beginning of I930s The doublehung sliding sash was a important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings A parting bead separates the two sashes It is essential that it is well maintained to prevent rattles and drafts It is also essential that sash pulleys and idler wheels are kept in good working order as they help to operate the window 2 Energy efficiency As clearer and larger glass sheets were made available sash windows began to replace hinged casements Plate glass was set into frames of timber that were rebated then which were pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was then sprayed onto both sides of the frame for watertightness This kind of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs Sashes were introduced which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery The basic fittings included brass pulleys and later castiron weights sash stoppers shutter hinges and handles and various fasteners used to fix the sashes These were often decorated with motifs inscriptions and engravings that identified the maker With regular maintenance sash windows can be very energy efficient However without this maintenance they can become drafty and let in cold air Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of putty and paint You can fix this problem by using woodtotimber products The industry of replacement windows is based on the assumption that old windows are damaged and beyond economical repair whereas they are able to be maintained with just a little care These repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home Many homeowners choose to replace their windows using PVCu from a huge onestop shop installation company They can replace all windows in a home in a single day saving time and eliminating the need for various tradesmen to coordinate They can also be fitted with energy saving doubleglazing which can achieve greater energy efficiency than traditional windows with sash These doubleglazed windows arent able to replicate the proportions and section of sashes from old timber 3 Security It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising on their aesthetics There are many types of ironmongery that can be fitted including sash chains mortice bolts and locks for sash These can be installed to ensure that the window is capable of being opened for ventilation or for cleaning These windows are typically unobtrusive as they are designed to complement sash windows They can be used with traditional sash window catch They should be replaced by more robust models such as those with double screws or sprung levers to minimize the possibility of being hit with hammers Sashwindow frames are typically made of oak or slowgrown deal If glazing bars have survived they should be kept and if it is feasible the wood of the cill should be replaced by matching wood Many PVCU firms offer a onestop installation service They can take out and replace windows throughout a home in one day without involving any other tradespeople 4 Ventilation Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a huge amount of light to be absorbed into buildings By the end of the 18th century they were adapted to allow more light into rooms and larger glazing panes began to be manufactured The result was a lighter appearance and windows with 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 many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs The ironmongery pieces need to be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their fine design Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good order A lack of regular attention can result in Sashes that do not move easily Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause decay and damage break down of putty allowing water penetration that could lead to decay of the frame and cill In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows grew in popularity due to their strength slim and inexpensive and complemented the vogue for healthy living Studies have shown that softwood sash windows are as efficient as PVCu windows and may even be more attractive The replacement window industry has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were decayed and drafty They were also beyond the budget for repair However many older windows made of timber are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be serviceable for many years to come 5 Maintenance A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection Inability to maintain it properly could result in the sash cords breaking a lot of wear on the glazing bars and degradation of the paint and putty The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame causing the sash not to close correctly The sash may also become stuck in the open position allowing water and draughts into the property Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by water infiltration This can be prevented with careful painting regular repairs and elimination of the cause of dampness The paint can be removed to reveal the soft rotting wood Any timber that is rotting should be cut out and the affected area carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same kind of timber as the ones remaining This method of repair maximizes the amount original fabric and is one of most noninvasive methods to treat timbertotimber rot The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is another alternative to traditional sanding and staining The product is brushed on to the surface of the timber to stabilize it and shield it from further damage It is particularly useful in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help prevent breakage It is important that any ironmongery from the past such as sash stays and latches are retained and restored instead of replaced These items are difficult to replace without harming the the original design It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings like sash lifts and chain stays is avoided if at all possible as they can cause corrosion and deterioration to frames and sashes made of timber