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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 how they look Sash windows can become stuck and be 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 weights made of lead Modern sash window springs are hidden to eliminate this issue 1 Aesthetics Timber sash windows in contrast to PVCu windows that are made in imperial sizes which are modular can be restored to original dimensions This allows the restoration of timber sash windows in order to comply with current energy standards and to comply with conservation regulations for areas It also gives windows that have a more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings though this changed as production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to make larger frames with more glass In the late 18th century windows made of sash were the predominant wooden design in most British properties Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the use of curtains The early windows were made of clear glass However by the 17th Century the sash windows began to become more attractive They started with coloured glazing bars or mullions They were expensive at the time but as glass production improved and less expensive they became a part of many of the period homes By the 19th century it was possible to create large strong glass that did not require support bars This allowed the frame to be made larger which in turn provided an improved view This was a significant innovation The introduction of the doublehung sliding sash was another important improvement that occurred towards the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s The doublehung sliding sash was another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings mouse click the up coming document is crucial to maintain the parting bead that divides the sashes This will prevent draughts and rattles The sash pulleys idler wheels and sash rollers are vital to the operation of the window 2 Energy efficiency As larger and clearer sheets of glass were made available sash windows started replacing hinged casements Glass plates were set in rebated timber frames secured with glazing sprigs and putty was applied to both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness This type of glazing gradually superseded led lights Sashes were introduced which resulted in a greater demand for ironmongery The basic fittings included brass pulleys and later castiron weights and stoppers for sashes shutter hinges handles and shutter hinges and various fasteners used to fix the sashes They were often decorated with motifs inscriptions and engravings that identified the maker Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient when they are maintained regularly If they are not maintained they could become draughty Draughts can also result from the degeneration of putty and paint This can be corrected using proprietary woodtotimber repair products The market for replacement windows rests on the perception that older windows are old and beyond repair but they can be maintained with just a little care Repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home To prevent this many homeowners opt for a complete replacement with PVCu windows made by one of the large onestop shop installation companies They can replace all windows in a house in one day saving time and avoiding the need for various tradesmen to coordinate These windows can be fitted with energysaving double glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than traditional windows made of sash However these doubleglazed units are unable to replicate the section and proportions of traditional timber sashes 3 Security Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their appearance Ironmongery such as mortice bolts sash chain and sash lock can be installed They can be fitted so that the window is able to be opened for ventilation or cleaning These products are usually unobtrusive as they are designed to complement the sash window They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches which should be replaced with more robust models such as those incorporating double screws or spring levers to decrease the risk of them being hammered open Sashwindow frames are typically made of oak or slowgrown deal If the glazing bars are in good condition they should be retained If it is feasible the cills made of timber should be replaced by wood that is in line with Many PVCu firms offer a onestop shop installation service They can remove and replace windows throughout a house in just one day without involving any other tradespeople 4 Ventilation Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a huge amount of light to enter buildings In the 18th century they were modified to allow more light could be let into the rooms Larger glazing panes were also made The result was a lighter appearance and windows with a higher level of elegance than they had before The introduction of sash windows also required the creation of a new line of ironmongery Early pulleys could be made from wood Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and lead There were also various types of knobs and shutter hinges Ironmongery elements must be retained and cleaned down to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good order A lack of attention to them regularly could lead to Sashes that do not slide easily Holes in the frame that allow water to enter and cause damage and decay The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or cause cill Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s because they were sturdy and slim costeffective and matched the trend towards healthy living Research has shown that softwood sash windows are just as effective as PVCu windows and may even be more attractive The industry of replacement windows has made a significant effort to convince homeowners that their traditional windows are rotten draughty and beyond repair The reality is that many old windows made of timber are in good condition and with minor repairs could easily be serviceable for many years to come 5 Maintenance The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection Inability to keep up with this can lead to sash cords breaking excessive wear on the glazing bars and the deterioration of putty and paint The removal of sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame which can cause the sash not to close properly It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in an open position and this can let water and draughts enter the structure Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by water infiltration This can be avoided with regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness Wet rot is easily identified by the wavy appearance of the paint which can be stripped away to reveal rotting soft timber Any rotten sections of timber must be removed and the affected area should be carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same type of wood as the ones remaining This method of repair increases the amount of fabric left and is among the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber A wood condenser that is based on resin is an alternative to the traditional staining or sanding It is brushed on the surface of the wood to stabilize it and shield it from further damage It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulleys and sash cords where it can help to prevent breakage It is important that any historic ironmongery like sash stays and latches are kept and rehabilitated instead of being replacing them It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings such as chain stays and sash lifts is avoided whenever possible since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of frames and sashes made of timber

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