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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 the way they appear. Sash windows can become stuck and become difficult to open and close. This is typically due to moisture, which can cause the wood to expand. Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilised chains or cotton cord and lead weights to operate. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to eliminate this issue. 1. Aesthetics Unlike PVC-u windows that are manufactured according to the modular imperial size the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This allows the restoration to be in line with modern energy requirements while still complying with conservation areas regulations. It also comes with an option that is superior to uPVC alternatives. Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings, but the production process became cheaper and craftsmen could create larger frames using more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains. The first windows were made of clear glass, but in the 17th century sash windows started to be more decorative. They were initially made of colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and cost-effective, they became a part of many period houses. In the 19th century it was possible to manufacture large, strong glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame size to be enlarged further, which meant more of a view out of the window. This was an important innovation. The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that was made in the I920s and the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash is another significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s, and at the beginning of the I930s. Oak was used in older and more luxurious buildings. It is essential to keep the parting bead that divides the sashes. This will help prevent rattles and draughts. It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are in good shape as they help to operate the window. 2. Energy efficiency Sash windows replaced hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. Glass plates were set in frames made of timber, which were pinned with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on the frame's sides for watertightness. This form of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs. Sashes were introduced, which led to a greater demand for ironmongery. The basic fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges, and a variety of fasteners used to fix the sashes. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or designs that were engraved to identify the maker. With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. If they are not maintained they could become drafty. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber solutions. The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the notion that older windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a little attention. These repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. To avoid this homeowners, many prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the largest 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace all windows in a home in one day, saving time and avoiding the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving double-glazing to attain more energy efficient ratings than a traditional windows made of sash. However, these double-glazed units cannot duplicate the proportions and section of historic timber sashes. 3. Security Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their appearance. A variety of ironmongery types can be installed with sash chains, mortice bolts, and locks for sash. They can be positioned in a way so that the window can be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These products are often discrete since they are made to complement sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catchers that are required to be replaced with more robust models (such ones with double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the chance of them being opened by hammering. Sash-window frames were made from slow-growing deal or, in the more prestigious houses made of oak. When glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. PVC-U companies usually provide a one-stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on an entire house in a 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 adapted to allow more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be manufactured. replacement windows cambridge was a lighter appearance and windows with more elegance. The introduction of sash windows also required a new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mix of leaded and wood. There were also various kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces must be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their exquisite design. Timber windows require regular maintenance to keep them in good order. Lack of attention to them regularly could lead to: Sashes that do not move effortlessly. Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause decay and damage. Water can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or cill. In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows gained popularity due to their durability slim and inexpensive, and complemented the vogue for healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient thermally as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows. The replacement window industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten, drafty and beyond economical repair. Many old windows made of timber can be fixed and used for a long time with minor repairs. 5. Maintenance The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your window's sash, it could result in the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause paint and putty become damaged. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to become misaligned and in a position that it is not able to close properly. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or fixed in the open position and let water and draughts in the structure. Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented by regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any timber that is rotting should be cut off and the affected area should be carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made from the same kind of timber as the ones that remain. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric retained and is among the least invasive ways of treating decay of timber to timber. A wood condenser that is based on resin is an alternative to the traditional staining or sanding. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is especially useful to treat pulley cords and sash which can help prevent breakage. It is essential to preserve and not replace any historical ironmongery, such as the sash latches and stays. These items can be very difficult to replace without compromising the quality of the original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, be avoided as they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.