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 be difficult to open or close This is usually due to moisture which can cause the wood to expand Box sash windows were previously operated using chains or cotton cords, as well as weights made of lead Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to eliminate this issue 1 Aesthetics Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured according to the modular imperial size Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation regulations for the area It also offers a window that is far superior to uPVC options Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used for large buildings or public buildings However, this changed when production became more affordable and artisans could make larger frames using larger glass By the late 18th century windows made of sash were the predominant wooden style in a majority of British properties As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains The early windows were made of plain glass, but by the 17th Century, sash windows began to become more ornamental They started with coloured glazing bars, also known as mullions They were costly at first, but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were an integral feature in many homes of the period By the 19th century it was possible to create large, sturdy glass that didn't require supporting bars This allowed the frame's size to increase further and this in turn meant more of a view out of the window https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/cambridge-windowrepair/ was an important innovation The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened at the same time and gave improved ventilation to buildings Oak was used in older examples and more prestigious buildings A parting bead separates the two sashes It is vital that it is well maintained to prevent rattles and drafts It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good condition as these aid in operating the window 2 Energy efficiency Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available Plate glass was placed in frames of timber that were rebated, then secured with glazing sprigs and putty was then sprayed onto both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights Sashes were introduced, which led to a greater demand for ironmongery The most common fittings included brass pulleys and later cast-iron weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges and handles, and various fasteners used to secure the sashes These were often decorated in designs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns to identify the maker With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient However, if they are not maintained, they may become drafty and let in cold air Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of putty and paint This can be fixed by making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the perception that old windows are damaged beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention However, repairs to these windows can be expensive and involve substantial disruption to the home To avoid this homeowners often prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one the large "one-stop shop" installation companies These can remove and replace all the windows in a home in just one day, eliminating the need to coordinate different tradesmen and making the whole process much more efficient These windows can be fitted with energy-saving double-glazing to attain higher energy ratings than the traditional windows made of sash However these double-glazed units are unable to reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes 3 Security Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their appearance There are many types of ironmongery that can be installed, including sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks They can be positioned in a manner that the window is able to be opened for ventilation and cleaning These are typically not noticeable, since they are designed to fit the sash window They can be used with traditional sash window catch They should be replaced by more robust versions, such as ones that have double screws or sprung levers to decrease the risk of being struck by hammers Sash-window frames were traditionally made from slow-growing deal or, in the more elegant homes, from oak If the glazing bars are still intact, they should be retained Where possible, the timber cills should be replaced by wood that matches Many PVC-u firms provide a one-stop shop installation service They can take out and replace windows on a complete home in a single day, without involving any other tradespeople 4 Ventilation Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a significant amount of light to enter buildings In the 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into rooms Larger glazing panes were also produced The result was a much lighter appearance and windows with a higher quality of design than before The introduction of sash windows also demanded an entirely new range of ironmongery Early pulleys were made from wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs These ironmongery pieces must be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their beautiful design To keep them in good shape, timber windows must be maintained Inattention to maintenance can lead to sashes that no longer slide easily holes in the frame that admit water causing damage and decay break down of putty allowing water penetration, which can lead to decay in the frame and cill Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s amp; I930s due to their strength and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend of healthy living Studies have shown that softwood sash windows are just as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive The industry of replacement windows did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair Many old timber windows can be repaired and used for a long time with minor repairs 5 Maintenance The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection Inability to maintain it properly can result in the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars, and degradation of the paint and putty The removal of sashes can also cause structural movement in the frame, causing the sash to not close correctly It is also possible for the sash to be stuck or fixed in an open position and let water and draughts in the property Damage to windows made of timber is usually caused by moisture infiltration This can be avoided by regular maintenance as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness The paint can be removed to expose the soft, rotting wood The sections that are rotting should be carefully cut out and the affected part should be scarfed together or glued together using replacements of the same type as the remaining timber This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot A wood condenser that is based on resin is an alternative to the traditional sanding or staining This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it It is especially beneficial to treat pulley cords and sash where it can prevent breakage It is essential to preserve and not replace any historic ironmongery, such as stay latches and sash latches It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings such as sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if possible as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes