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How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of how they look. Sash windows can become stuck and be difficult to open or close. window repair is usually due moisture which can cause the wood to swell. Box sash windows were traditionally operated with chains or cotton cords, as well as lead weights. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to overcome this issue. 1. Aesthetics Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes and are modular, are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while complying with conservation areas regulations. It also offers windows with a superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives. Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally intended for large structures or public buildings. However this changed as production became cheaper and artisans could make 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 early windows were made of clear glass however, in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more ornamental. They were initially made of 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 became a part of many period houses. In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, strong glasses that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame size to increase further and this in turn allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was a significant advancement. The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that was made towards the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously, and also improved the ventilation of the building. Oak was used for older examples and more prestigious buildings. It is essential to keep the parting bead that separates the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. It is also essential that sash pulleys and idler wheels are kept in good shape as they aid in operating the window. 2. Energy efficiency As clearer and larger glass sheets became available, sash window started replacing hinged casements. Glass plates were set in frames made of timber, which were secured with glazing sprigs and putty was then sprayed onto both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness. This type of glass gradually replaced leaded lights. Sashes were introduced, which resulted in a greater demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and handles and a variety of fasteners used to fix the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns to identify the maker. With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. However, if they are not maintained, they can become draughty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of paint and putty. This can be fixed by using proprietary wood-to-timber repair products. The replacement window industry relies on the perception that older windows are old and beyond economical repair, while they can be maintained with a little attention. However, repairs to these windows can be costly and cause substantial disruption to the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows using PVC-u from a large 'one-stop shop' installation company. 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 whole process much quicker. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double-glazing to attain more energy efficient ratings than a traditional windows made of sash. Double-glazed windows aren't capable of replicating the proportions or section of sashes from old timber. 3. Security It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising their style. Ironmongery such as sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be installed. They can be positioned in a way so that the window is able to be opened for ventilation and cleaning. They are usually unobtrusive as they are designed to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash-window catchers that are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such as those incorporating double screws) or spring levers to decrease the chance of them being hammered out. Sash-window frames were typically constructed from slow-growing deal or, in more elegant homes made of oak. If the glazing bars remain in good condition and in good condition, they should be kept. Where feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced by timber that is compatible with. Many PVC-U firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on a complete home in a single day, without the need to involve other tradespeople. 4. Ventilation When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light to flood into the buildings. By the end of the 18th century they were adapted to allow more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be produced. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows with a greater quality of design than before. Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of lead and wood, and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be maintained and cleaned to appreciate their beautiful design. To ensure they remain in good shape, timber windows require regular maintenance. Inattention to maintenance can lead to: Sashes that do not slide smoothly. Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause damage and decay. The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or cill. Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s because they were strong and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend of healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive. The window replacement industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and used for a long time with minor repairs. 5. Maintenance A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this can lead to the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of the sashes may also cause structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to become misaligned and not closing properly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in an open position, which can let water and draughts enter the structure. Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be prevented by careful painting, regular repairs and the elimination of the cause of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be removed to reveal soft, rotting wood. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out and the affected part should be scarfed or pieced together by using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay caused by timber. The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is another alternative to traditional staining and sanding. It is brushed onto the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it. It is especially beneficial to treat pulley cords and sash which can help prevent breakage. It is important to restore and not replace any old ironmongery, such as stay latches and sash latches. These items can be very difficult to replace without harming the the original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.