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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 Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open or shut This is usually due to moisture which can cause the timber to swell Box sash windows were historically operated with chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights Modern sash window springs are hidden to eliminate this issue 1 Aesthetics In contrast to PVCu windows which are constructed to modular imperial sizes the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original sizes This lets the restoration meet modern day energy requirements while complying with conservation regulations for the area It also provides a window with a far superior appearance than uPVC alternatives Sliding sash windows were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings though the production process became cheaper and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass By the end of the 18th century sash windows were the most soughtafter wooden style in British homes Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains The first windows were made of glass that was plain However in the 17th century sash windows started to become more attractive They started with coloured glazing bars also known as mullions They were expensive at the time but as glass production improved and less expensive they became a part of numerous period houses In the 19th century it was possible to produce large sturdy glasses that didnt need support bars This allowed for the frame to be made bigger and in turn gave the viewer a better view This was a significant advancement The introduction of the doublehung sliding sash was a important improvement that occurred in the I920s and the beginning of the I930s The doublehung sliding sash was another important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s Oak was used for older and more luxurious buildings It is important to maintain the parting bead that divides the sashes This will stop rattles and draughts It is also essential that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good working order as they assist in operating the window 2 Energy efficiency Sash windows replaced hinged cases as larger and clearer sheets were made available Glass plates were set in frames of timber that were rebated then pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was applied to both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness This type of glass gradually replaced leaded lights Sashes were introduced which resulted in an increase in 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 usually decorated with designs inscriptions and engraved patterns to identify the maker With regular maintenance sash windows are extremely energy efficient But if you dont maintain them they may become drafty and let in cold air Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of paint and putty This can be fixed by making use of woodtotimber repair tools that are proprietary The industry of replacement windows is based on the perception that older windows are old and beyond repair while they can be maintained with a little attention These repairs can be costly and cause many disruptions in the home Many homeowners opt to replace their windows using PVCu from a onestop shop company for installation They can replace all windows in a house in one day saving time and avoiding the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate They can also be supplied with energysaving doubleglazing which can achieve greater energy efficiency than those offered by traditional windows with sash However doubleglazed windows cannot duplicate the proportions and section of historic timber sashes 3 Security Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their aesthetics There are many types of ironmongery that can be fitted with sash chains mortice bolts and sash locks These can be installed in a way so that the window is able to be opened for ventilation and cleaning These products are usually minimal in appearance as they are designed to fit the sash window They can be used alongside traditional sash window catches and are required to be replaced with more robust models such as those incorporating double screws or spring levers to decrease the chance of them being hammered out Sashwindow frames were constructed from slowgrowing deal or in more prestigious houses they were made from oak If the glazing bars are still in good condition and in good condition they should be kept If possible the timber cills should be replaced by wood that is in line with Many PVCu firms offer a onestop shop installation service They can take out and replace windows on a complete house in just one day without the need to involve other tradespeople 4 Ventilation When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light into the buildings In the 18th century they had been modified so that more light could be let into the rooms Larger glazing panes were also made The result was a much more streamlined appearance and windows that had a higher quality of design than before The introduction of sash windows also demanded a new range of ironmongery Early pulleys were of wood whereas later Victorian ones could be made from brass or a mixture of wood and lead and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs The ironmongery pieces need to be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their fine design To keep them in good condition wooden windows must be maintained Lack of regular attention may lead to sashes that no longer slide easily Holes in the frame that allow water to get in and cause decay and damage Water can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or the cill Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s I930s due to their strength and slim costeffective and complemented the trend for healthy living Research has shown that softwood sash windows are just 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 drafty noisy and beyond repair Many older timber windows are repairable and can be used for a long time with minor repairs 5 Maintenance A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection If you do not maintain your windows sash it could cause the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively It could also cause paint and putty degrade The removal of the sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to move out of alignment and not closing properly The sash could also get stuck in an open position allowing water and draughts to enter the property The damage to timber windows is usually caused by moisture entry This can be avoided by regular repairs thorough painting and removing the cause of dampness The paint can be removed to reveal the soft decaying wood The sections that are rotting should be carefully cut out and the affected area should be scarfed together or pieced together with replacements of the exact type as the remaining timber This method of repair maximises the amount of fabric retained and is among the least invasive ways of treating decay of timber to timber A wood condenser made of resin is an alternative to the traditional staining or sanding It is brushed on the surface of the timber to stabilise and shield it from further damage It is particularly useful for treating pulley cords and sash where it can prevent breakage emergency upvc door repairs is important to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery like stay latches and sash latches 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