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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 Sash windows can get stuck and are difficult to open or shut This is usually due moisture which can cause the wood to expand Traditionally windows made of box sash utilised chains cotton cords or lead weights to operate Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to solve this problem 1 Aesthetics Unlike PVCu windows that are made according to imperial sizes that are modular the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original dimensions This lets the restoration meet the current energy standards while complying with conservation regulations for the area It also offers windows that are superior to uPVC options Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used in large buildings or public buildings However this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using greater glass At the end of the 18th century sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes Sash windows were simple to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains The early windows were made of glass that was plain but by the 17th Century sash windows began to become more attractive They started with coloured glazing bars or mullions These windows were quite expensive at the time but as glass production improved and less expensive they were a common feature in numerous period houses In the 19th century it became possible to produce large sturdy glasses that didnt require supporting bars This allowed for the frame to be made bigger which in turn provided a better view This was a significant improvement Another important improvement was the introduction of the doublehung sliding window at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously and gave improved ventilation to a building Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings A split bead divides the two sashes and it is important that this is maintained to prevent rattles and draughts It is also crucial that sash pulleys and idler wheels are in good condition as these aid in operating the window 2 Energy efficiency Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets were made available Plate glass was set into frames made of timber which were which were pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was applied to the frames two sides for watertightness This type of glazing gradually superseded led lights wooden casement windows cambridge of sashes resulted in the need for a greater variety of ironmongery including the most basic fittings brass pulleys and lead and later cast iron weights sash stops shutter hinges knobs and shutters as well as a range of fasteners that secured the sashes in place These were often decorated with motifs inscriptions or designs that were engraved to identify the maker With regular maintenance sash windows are very energy efficient If they are not maintained they can get noisy Paint and putty can cause draughts too It is possible to fix this issue by using woodtotimber products The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the perception that older windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically However windows can be easily maintained with a little attention Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVCu from a large onestop shop company for installation They can replace all windows in a house in one day thereby saving time and eliminating the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate They can also be supplied with energy saving doubleglazing to achieve more energy efficient ratings than those offered by traditional windows with sash However doubleglazed windows cannot replicate the section and proportions of the sashes made of timber from the past 3 Security Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their aesthetics A variety of ironmongery types are available including sash chains mortice bolts and sash locks These can be installed in a way that the window remains open for ventilation or for cleaning These products are often discrete since they are made to work with sash windows They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches These are best replaced with more robust models such as those that incorporate double screws or sprung levers in order to reduce the risk of being hit with hammers Sashwindow frames were traditionally made from slowgrowing deal or in the more luxurious homes made of oak If the glazing bars are in good condition they should be retained If it is possible the timber cills should be replaced with timber that is compatible with Many PVCU companies offer a onestop shop installation service They can remove and replace windows throughout a home in one day without involving other tradespeople 4 Ventilation When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a significant amount of light to flood into the buildings By the end 18th century they had been adapted so that even more light could be let into rooms Larger glass panes were also made The result was a much lighter appearance and windows that had a higher degree of elegance than before Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new range ironmongery The first pulleys were made of wood whereas later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs The ironmongery pieces need to be maintained and cleaned to appreciate their beautiful design To ensure they remain in good condition timber windows require regular maintenance A lack of regular attention can lead to Sashes that do not move smoothly holes in the frame that admit water that can cause decay and damage break down of the putty and allow water penetration which could lead to decay of the frame and cill In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows gained popularity due to their durability slim and cheap and complemented the vogue for healthy living However research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient thermally as PVCu doubleglazed windows and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows The window replacement industry has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were decayed and drafty They were also beyond the budget for repair Many older timber windows can be fixed and used for many more years with minor repairs 5 Maintenance A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection If you dont maintain your sash window it could lead to the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively It could also cause the paint and putty to become damaged The removal of sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame causing the sash not to close correctly It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in an open position and let water and draughts enter the structure Damage to timber windows is often caused by water entry This can be prevented by regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy look of the paint that can be stripped to reveal soft rotting wood Any timber that is rotting should be cut off and the affected part carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same type of timber as the ones remaining This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric used in the first place and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating the rot that occurs between timber and timber The use of a resinbased wood consolidant is a different option to traditional staining and sanding It is brushed on the surface of the timber to stabilise and protect it from further damage It is particularly useful for treating pulley cords and sash which can stop breakage It is important that any old ironmongery such as sash stays and latches are retained and restored instead of replacing them It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts as well as chainstays should be avoided since they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes