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The Main Issue With Sash Windows Cambridge, And How You Can Repair It
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 look. Sash windows can get stuck and be difficult to open and close. This is often due moisture, which can cause the timber to swell.

Traditionally, windows made of box sash utilised chains or cotton cords and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash window springs are hidden to avoid this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured according to imperial sizes that are modular Timber sash windows can be restored to their original sizes. This lets the restoration meet the current energy standards while ensuring compliance with conservation area regulations. It also provides windows that are superior to uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash windows were originally only used in large structures or public buildings, but this changed as production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to produce larger frames with more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

Early windows were simple glass, but in the 17th century sash windows began to become more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. These were very expensive at the time but as glass production improved and cheaper they became a feature of many period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to manufacture large, strong glass that did not need supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be made larger and, in turn, gave a better view. This was a very important innovation.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was a important improvement that occurred at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously and allowed for better ventilation to a building.

The most popular kind of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) however oak was also used in more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples. It is essential to keep the parting bead which divides the sashes. This will stop draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are vital to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash window began to replace hinged casements. They were made of plate glass, set within rebated timber frames and then pinned with glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to make them watertight. This form of glazing gradually replaced led lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to an increase in demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights, sash stoppers, shutter hinges and handles as well as a variety of fasteners to fix the sashes. These were often decorated in motifs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become drafty. Putty and paint can cause draughts. This issue can be fixed with wood-to-timber products.

The replacement window industry relies heavily on the belief that old windows are damaged beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. However, repairs to these windows can be costly and cause substantial disruption to the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" company for installation. They can replace and remove all windows in an entire house within a single day, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen, making the whole process much faster. They can also be fitted with 'energy saving' double-glazing, which can achieve greater energy efficiency than traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed windows aren't capable of resembling the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. 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 still be open for ventilation and cleaning. These are typically minimal in appearance, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. They should be replaced with more robust models, such as those with double screws, or sprung levers to decrease the risk of being hammered.

Sash-window frames are usually constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are still in good condition and are not damaged, they should be left. Where it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced with wood that matches. Many PVC-u firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows on a complete home in a single day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light to flood into structures. By the end of the 18th century they were modified to let even more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be manufactured. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows with a greater degree of elegance than before.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were constructed of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and leaded. There were also various kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their exquisite design.

To keep them in good condition, timber windows require regular maintenance. Inattention to maintenance can lead to:

Sashes that don't slide easily.

holes in the frame that allow water, which can cause damage and decay.

break down of putty, allowing water penetration, which could cause decay in the frame and cill.

In the I920s and I930s steel casement windows grew in popularity due to their strength slim and inexpensive and also matched the fashion for healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are as efficient in thermal efficiency as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and may be more appealing than the modern sleek design of casement windows.

The window replacement industry has made a significant effort to convince homeowners that their traditional windows are dirty, noisy and beyond economic repair. However, many old timber windows are in good shape and, with minor repairs, could easily be serviceable for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your sash window, it could lead to the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes could also cause structural movement in the frame, causing the sash not to close correctly. The sash can also be stuck in the open position, which allows water and draughts into the property.


Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be avoided with regular maintenance, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, rotting wood. The rotten timber sections should be carefully cut out and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This repair method increases the amount original fabric and is one of most non-invasive methods to treat timber-to-timber rot.

A wood condenser made of resin is a viable alternative to traditional staining or sanding. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is particularly useful to treat sash and pulley cords, where it can prevent breakage.

It is important that any old ironmongery such as sash stay and latches be kept and rehabilitated instead of being replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. upvc doors cambridge is also recommended that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, are avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.

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