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 and close This is often due moisture which can cause the timber to swell Traditionally, window boxes utilized chains or cotton cord and lead weights to operate Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to eliminate this issue 1 Aesthetics Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured according to imperial sizes that are modular the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original size This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to meet the current energy requirements and conform to conservation area regulations It also gives windows with a more attractive appearance than uPVC alternatives Sliding sash window frames were initially intended for large structures or public buildings However, this changed when production became cheaper and artisans could produce larger frames with greater glass At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most sought-after wooden style in British homes Sash windows were easy to operate and let light in rooms without the need for curtains The early windows were made of clear glass, but by the 17th Century the sash windows began to become more attractive They were initially made of colored glazing bars, also known as mullions These were very expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cost-effective, they were a common feature in numerous period houses In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, sturdy glasses that did not require supporting bars This allowed the frame size to be increased even more, which in turn meant more of a view from the window This was an important innovation The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that occurred at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s The double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s The most common kind of sash is made from slow-growing deal pine however oak was also used in more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples A parting bead separates the two sashes and it is essential that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and drafts The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are also essential to the operation of the window 2 Energy efficiency As clearer and larger glass sheets became available, sash window began replacing hinged casements Glass plates were set in frames of timber that were rebated, then which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was sprayed on the frame's two sides for watertightness This kind of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights Sashes were introduced, which resulted in a greater demand for ironmongery The basic fittings included brass pulleys and later cast-iron weights as well as sash stoppers, shutter hinges and handles as well as a variety of fasteners to fix the sashes These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engravings that identified the maker Sash windows are energy-efficient with regular maintenance However, if they are not maintained, they can become draughty and let in cold air Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of paint and putty You can fix this problem with wood-to-timber products The industry of replacement windows is based on the assumption that old windows are damaged and beyond repair, whereas they can be easily maintained with just a little care However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause substantial disruption to the home To prevent this, many homeowners opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one the large "one-stop shop" installation companies They can take down and replace all windows in a home within a single day, eliminating the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the whole process much quicker These windows can be fitted with energy-saving double-glazing to attain higher energy ratings than the traditional windows made of sash Double-glazed windows aren't able to replicate the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past 3 Security Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their style Ironmongery such as sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be installed They can be fitted in such a way that the window can be open for ventilation and cleaning They are generally minimal in appearance, as they are designed to complement the sash window They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catchers and should be replaced with more robust versions such ones that have double screws or spring-loaded levers to minimize the possibility of them being opened by hammering Sash-window frames are typically made of oak or slow-grown deal When glazing bars have survived they should be kept and if it is it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by matching wood Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop installation service They can remove and replace windows on a complete home in a single day, without the need to involve other tradespeople 4 Ventilation When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light to flood into the buildings At the end of the 18th century, they were modified so that more light could be let into rooms Larger glazing panes were also created The result was a lighter look and windows that were more elegant Sash windows were introduced, which required a new type of ironmongery Early pulleys could be made from wood Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of leaded and wood There were also different types of knobs and shutter hinges The ironmongery components should be maintained and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated To ensure they remain in good shape, timber windows need to be maintained Lack of attention to them regularly can lead to Sashes that do not slide easily Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause damage and decay break down of putty, allowing water penetration, which can lead to decay in the frame and cill In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows gained popularity due to their durability slim and inexpensive and were in line with the trend for healthy living However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient in thermal efficiency as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows The replacement window industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty They were also beyond the budget for repair Many older timber windows can be repaired and used for many more years with minor repairs 5 Maintenance A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection Inability to maintain it properly can lead to the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars and degradation of the paint and putty The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash to not close correctly It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in an open position, which can let water and draughts into the property Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by water infiltration https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/cambridge-windowrepair/ can be prevented by regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood The rotten timber sections should be carefully cut out and the affected part should be scarfed or pieced together by using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric that is left and is among the least invasive methods of treating decay caused by timber The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is another alternative to the traditional method of staining and sanding The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it It is especially useful for the treatment of sash and pulley cords, which can stop breakage It is important to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery, such as sash latches and stays It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided if at all possible as they can cause corrosion and damage to frames and sashes made from timber