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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 become stuck and be difficult to open or shut. This is usually due moisture which can cause the wood to expand. Box sash windows were traditionally operated with chains, cotton cords and lead weights. Modern sash windows have hidden springs to address this problem. 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 the current energy standards while ensuring compliance with conservation area regulations. It also gives windows that have a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives. Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings, though this changed as production became cheaper and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. In the 18th century, Sash windows were the most popular wooden style in a majority of British properties. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the need for curtains. The first windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th century, sash windows started to become more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at the beginning but as glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became an integral feature in many homes of the period. By the 19th century it was possible to create large, strong glass that did not need supporting bars. This allowed the frame size to be increased even further, which gave a better view out of the window. This was a very important innovation. The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another significant improvement that came about towards the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. The most popular type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was used in the more prestigious buildings and in some earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will prevent draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are vital for the proper operation of the window. 2. Energy efficiency As larger and clearer glass sheets were made available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. They were made of plate glass, set within rebated timber frames and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to make them watertight. This form of glazing gradually replaced led lights. The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much greater variety of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys as well as 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 the right place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and engravings that identified the maker. With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. However, if they are not maintained, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Paint and putty may cause draughts too. It is possible to fix this issue by using wood-to-timber solutions. The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the notion that old windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a little attention. These repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a large “one-stop shop” installation company. upvc window renovation can replace all windows in a house in one day, thereby saving time and avoiding the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving' double glazing to achieve more energy efficient ratings than a traditional sash window. However these double-glazed units are unable to duplicate the proportions and section of historic timber sashes. 3. Security Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their style. There are many types of ironmongery that are available with sash chains, mortice bolts, and locks for sash. These can be installed in a way so that the window can still be open for ventilation and cleaning. These windows are typically discrete since they are made to complement sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash window catches, which must be replaced by more robust models (such as those incorporating double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the chance of them being opened by hammering. Sash-window frames were constructed from slow-growing deal or, in the more luxurious homes they were made from oak. If glazing bars have survived, they should be kept, and, if it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by matching wood. PVC-U companies usually offer a one stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows across a house in a day without the need to involve other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers. 4. Ventilation Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a significant amount of light into buildings. By the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let more light into rooms and larger glass panes began to be produced. The result was a much lighter appearance and windows that had a higher quality of design than before. Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new type of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, later Victorian ones were made from brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their fine 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 slide smoothly. Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause damage and decay. Water can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or cause cill. Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s because they were strong and slim, cost-effective and complemented the trend for 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 has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were decayed, drafty and beyond economical repair. Many old windows made of timber are repairable and can be used for a long time with minor repairs. 5. Maintenance Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your sash window, it could cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause paint and putty deteriorate. The removal of the sashes may also cause structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to move out of alignment and not closing properly. It is also possible for the sash to be stuck or slammed into an open position and this can let water and draughts in the structure. Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be avoided by regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy look 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 carefully cut or pieced with replacements made of the same kind of timber as the ones that remain. This repair method increases the amount of fabric used in the first place and is among the most minimally invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber rot. The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is a different option to traditional staining and sanding. This is brushed onto the surface of the timber to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage. It is essential that any old ironmongery like sash stays and latches are kept and restored rather than replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings like chain stays and sash lifts is avoided whenever feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.