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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 appear. Sash windows can get stuck and become difficult to open and close. This is often due moisture that can cause the timber to swell. Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilized chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to solve this problem. 1. Aesthetics Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows which are manufactured in imperial sizes that are modular, can be restored to original dimensions. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and comply with conservation area regulations. It also provides windows that have a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives. Sliding sash window frames were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However the production became more affordable and artisans could create larger frames using larger glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains. Early windows were plain glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows started to become more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at first, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they became an integral feature in many historic homes. In the 19th century, it was possible to produce large, sturdy glasses that didn't need support bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger which, in turn, provided an improved view. This was a significant innovation. The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that occurred towards the end of the I920s and the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened simultaneously and also improved the ventilation of the building. Oak was used for older and more luxurious buildings. It is essential to keep the separation bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. It is also essential that the idler and sash pulley wheels are in good condition as these aid in operating the window. 2. Energy efficiency As larger and clearer glass sheets became available, sash window began to replace hinged casements. click were coated with plate glass that was set within rebated timber frames and pinned in place using glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This kind of glazing gradually superseded leaded lights. The introduction of sashes resulted in the need for a wider range of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and knobs, and a range of fasteners used to keep the sashes in the right place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engraved patterns that identified the maker. Sash windows can be very energy-efficient with regular maintenance. However, if they are not maintained, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of putty and paint. This can be corrected making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary. The market for replacement windows rests on the perception that older windows are old and beyond repair, whereas they can be easily maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. To prevent this homeowners, many opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one of the largest 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace all windows in a home 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 get more energy efficient ratings than a traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed units are not capable of resembling the proportions and section of sashes from old timber. 3. Security Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery such as mortice bolts, sash chain and sash locks can be put in place. They can be positioned in such a way that the window can be opened for ventilation and cleaning. They are usually discrete since they are made to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash window catches, which should be replaced with more robust models (such ones with double screws) or spring levers to decrease the chance of them being opened by hammering. Sash-window frames are traditionally made from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept, and where feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. PVC-u companies typically provide a one-stop shop installation service, removing and replacing windows on a complete home in one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from different suppliers. 4. Ventilation When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light into structures. By the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let more light into rooms, and bigger glazing panes started to be made. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with more elegance. The introduction of sash windows also demanded an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and leaded. There were also different types of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be kept and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated. To ensure they remain in good condition, timber windows require regular maintenance. Inattention to maintenance can lead to: Sashes that don't slide effortlessly. Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause decay and damage. break down of putty, allowing water penetration that can lead to decay in the frame and cill. Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cost-effective and complemented the trend for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash window are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive. The industry of replacement windows was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed drafty, noisy and beyond repair. The truth is that a lot of older timber windows are in good condition and with minor repairs can easily be maintained for years to be. 5. Maintenance A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window, it can cause the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause the paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of the sashes could also result in structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to be misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash could also get stuck in an open position, allowing water and draughts to enter the building. Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented by careful painting, regular repairs, and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, decaying wood. The sections that are rotting should be carefully cut out and the affected area should be scarfed together or pieced together by using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric left, and is one of the least invasive methods for treating decay caused by timber. The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is a different option to traditional sanding and staining. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage. It is essential that any ironmongery from the past such as sash stay and latches are retained and restored instead of replaced. These items are difficult to replace without harming the the original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings like sash lifts and chain stays is avoided if at all possible since they can cause corrosion and damage to frames and sashes made from timber.