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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 how they look However sash windows may get stuck and be difficult to open or close This is typically due to moisture that can cause the wood to swell Traditionally windows made of box sash utilized chains or cotton cords and weights made of lead to operate Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to solve this problem 1 Aesthetics In contrast to PVCu windows which are manufactured according to the modular imperial size timber sash windows can be restored to their original sizes This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and conform to conservation regulations for areas It also provides an option that is superior to the uPVC options Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large structures or public buildings though this changed when production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to produce larger frames with more glass In the late 18th century windows made of sash were the predominant wooden style in a majority of British homes Since they were easy to open sash windows let light into rooms without curtains The early windows were made of clear glass but by the 17th Century sash windows began to become more attractive They began with colored glazing bars also known as mullions They were costly initially but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient they were an integral feature in many period houses In the 19th century it became possible to make large sturdy glasses that did not require supporting bars This allowed for the frame to be made larger and in turn gave a better view This was a significant advancement The introduction of the doublehung sliding sash is another important improvement that was made in the I920s and beginning of the I930s This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened at the same time and allowed for better ventilation to the building The most common type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal pine however oak was also used in more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples It is important to maintain the separation bead that is used to separate the sashes This will prevent draughts and rattles The sash pulleys idler wheels and sash rollers are also essential for the proper operation of the window 2 Energy efficiency As clearer and larger glass sheets were made available sash windows started replacing hinged casements They were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs and then putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight This kind of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs The introduction of sashes created a need for a much wider range of ironmongery with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys lead and later cast iron weights sash stops shutter hinges knobs and shutters as well as a range of fasteners to hold the sashes in the right place They were often decorated with motifs inscriptions or engraved patterns that identified the maker With regular maintenance sash windows can be extremely energy efficient However without this maintenance they can become draughty and let in cold air Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of putty and paint This can be remedied by using woodtotimber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose The replacement window industry relies heavily on the belief that old windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically However they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention However repairs to these windows can be costly and cause significant disruption to your home To avoid this homeowners often opt for a complete replacement with PVCu windows made by one of the many one stop shop installation companies These can remove and replace all windows in an entire house in a single day avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the whole process much more efficient They are also available with energy saving doubleglazing to get higher energy efficiency ratings than those offered by traditional windows made of sash Doubleglazed windows arent capable of resembling the proportions and section of historic timber sashes 3 Security It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their style There are many types of ironmongery that can be installed including sash chains mortice bolts and sash locks These can be put in place to ensure that the window is still capable of being opened to allow ventilation or cleaning These products are often not noticeable since they are designed to complement sash windows They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches They are best replaced with more robust versions like those that incorporate double screws or sprung levers to decrease the risk of being struck by hammers Sashwindow frames were traditionally constructed from slow grown deal or in more luxurious homes from oak If the glazing bars are in good condition and are not damaged they should be left If it is feasible the cills made of timber should be replaced by timber that is compatible with Many PVCu firms provide a onestop shop installation service They can take down and replace windows on a complete house in just one day without involving any other tradespeople 4 Ventilation When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a large amount of light into buildings At the end of the 18th century they were adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms Larger glass panes were also made The result was a much more streamlined appearance and windows with a higher degree of elegance than before Sash windows were introduced which required a new range ironmongery Early pulleys were made of wood Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and leaded There were also a variety of types of knobs and shutter hinges Ironmongery elements must be kept and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good shape A lack of attention to them regularly could lead to Sashes that dont slide easily holes in the frame allow water which can cause damage and decay break down of upvc windows cambridge repairmywindowsanddoors and allow water to penetrate which could lead to decay of the frame and cill In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows grew in popularity because they were strong slim and cheap and were in line with the trend for healthy living However research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient thermally as doubleglazed windows made of PVCu and can be more attractive than the modern sleek design of casement windows The window replacement industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty and beyond economical repair The truth is that a lot of older windows made of wood are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be serviceable for many years to come 5 Maintenance The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection If you do not maintain your sash window it can lead to 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 movement in the frame which can cause the sash not to close correctly The sash could also get stuck in the open position allowing the water and drafts to enter the property Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to windows made of timber This can be prevented by regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness Wet rot can be identified by the wavy appearance of the paint which can be stripped to reveal rotting soft timber The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out 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 maximizes the amount of fabric that was originally used and is among the least invasive ways to treat the rot that occurs between timber and timber A wood condenser that is based on resin is a viable alternative to traditional process of sanding or staining The product is brushed on to the surface of the timber to stabilise and shield it from further damage It is especially beneficial to treat pulley cords and sash which can stop breakage It is essential that any old ironmongery like sash stays and latches are retained and rehabilitated instead of being replacing them It is difficult to replace these items without altering their original design It is also advised that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts and chainstays are avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes