How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge
Many homes in Cambridge feature traditional sash window and homeowners are proud of their appearance. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is often due moisture which can cause the timber to expand.
Box sash windows were previously operated using chains, cotton cords and lead weights. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to solve this issue.
1. Aesthetics
In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are made to modular imperial sizes, timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows in order to comply with current energy standards and comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also offers an option that is superior to uPVC options.
Sliding sash windows were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, but the production process was less expensive and craftsmen were able to create larger frames using more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden style in British homes. As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains.
The first windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th century sash windows began to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at first, but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became a common feature in many historic homes.
By the 19th century it was possible to manufacture large, strong glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame size to be increased even more, which in turn gave a better view from the window. This was a significant innovation.
The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that occurred at the end of the I920s and the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s, and at the beginning of the I930s.
The most commonly used type of sash is constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was also used in more expensive buildings as well as in some earlier examples. It is essential to keep the parting bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are also crucial to the functioning of the window.
2. Energy efficiency
Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. They were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and secured with glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to make them watertight. This kind of glazing gradually superseded leaded lights.
The introduction of sashes led to a need for a much larger variety of ironmongery with the basic fittings being brass pulleys as well as lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and knobs and a variety of fasteners used to keep the sashes in place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engraved patterns that identified the maker.
Sash windows are energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, without this maintenance they can become draughty and let in cold air. Paint and putty can cause draughts too. This can be corrected making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.
The replacement window industry relies on the belief that traditional windows are rotten and beyond economical repair, while they can be easily maintained with a little attention. However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause substantial disruption to the home. To avoid this homeowners, many choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one of the largest 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can take down and replace all the windows in a house within a single day, eliminating the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much quicker. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving' double glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than traditional sash window. However these double-glazed units are unable to reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.
3. Security
It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. A variety of ironmongery types are available 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. They are generally unobtrusive, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catches, which should be replaced with sash windows cambridge more robust versions (such ones that have double screws) or spring levers to decrease the risk of them being hammered open.
Sash-window frames are traditionally constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. Where glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and, if feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with the same wood. PVC-u companies typically offer a one stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on a complete home in a single day without the need to involve other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from different suppliers.
4. Ventilation
Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a huge amount of light into buildings. In the 18th century, they were modified to allow more light could be let into rooms. Larger glass panes were also made. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater quality of design than before.
Sash windows were introduced, which required a new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of wood and lead, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their fine design.
Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. Lack of regular attention may cause:
Sashes that do not move effortlessly.
Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause damage and decay.
Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cill.
In the I920s and I930s steel casement windows increased in popularity due to their durability slim and inexpensive and also matched the fashion for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are just as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.
The industry of replacement windows 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 timber are in good condition and, with minor repairs, could easily be serviceable for many years to be.
5. Maintenance
A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to maintain it properly can lead to broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of the sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to move out of alignment and unable to close correctly. The sash can also be stuck in its open position, which allows the water and drafts to enter the building.
Damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture penetration. This can be prevented with careful painting, regular repairs, and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected part carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made of the same type of wood as the ones remaining. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric left, and is one of the least invasive methods for treating decay caused by timber.
The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is a different option to traditional staining and sanding. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which can help prevent the breakage.
It is crucial that any old ironmongery like sash stays and latches are kept and restored instead of replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is also recommended that modern fittings made of aluminium, such as sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.