Notes

20 Fun Facts About Sash Windows Cambridge
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 get stuck and are difficult to open or shut. This is usually due to moisture that can cause the wood to swell.

Traditionally, box sash windows utilized chains or cotton cords and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to address this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes and are modular, can be restored to their original dimensions. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows in order to comply with current energy standards and comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also offers windows that are superior to the uPVC options.

Sliding sash windows were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, but the production process became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using more glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. As they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without curtains.

The early windows were made of plain glass However, in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more ornamental. They began with colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. These were very expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cost-effective, they became a part of many of the period homes.

In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, sturdy glass that did not need supporting bars. This allowed for the frame to be made larger which, in turn, provided the viewer a better view. This was a very important advancement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was another significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s.

The most commonly used type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more luxurious buildings and in some earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes and it is essential that it is maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. It is also crucial that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good working order as they assist in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. They were glazed with plate glass set within rebated timber frames and secured with glazing sprigs and putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which led to increased demand for ironmongery. The most basic fittings were 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 usually decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. But, if you don't maintain them, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Putty and paint can cause draughts. This can be fixed by using wood-to-timber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that old windows are beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a little attention. However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause considerable disruption to the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a large 'one-stop shop' installation company. They can replace and remove all the windows in a home within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the whole process much quicker. They are also available with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than traditional windows with sash. However, these double-glazed units cannot reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be used. These can be installed so that the window is still able to be opened for ventilation or for cleaning. They are usually discrete since they are made to work with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches. They should be replaced by more robust models like those that incorporate double screws, or sprung levers in order to reduce the risk of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames were traditionally constructed from slow-growing deal or, in the more luxurious homes, from oak. When glazing bars have survived they should be kept and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by the same wood. PVC-U companies usually offer a one stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows on an entire home in one day, without the need to engage other tradespeople or coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a large amount of light to enter buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were modified to allow more light could be let into rooms. Larger glass panes were also made. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced, which required a new range ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, whereas later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a mixture of wood and lead, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be retained and cleaned down so that the quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

Holes in the frame that allow water to get in and cause decay and damage.

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

Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s because they were sturdy and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are as thermally efficient as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and are more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The window replacement industry has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were rotten, drafty and beyond economical repair. The truth is that a lot of older windows made of wood are in good condition and, with minor repairs, could easily be serviceable for many years to come.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to maintain it properly could result in sash cords breaking, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and degradation of the paint and putty. security door repairs cambridge of sashes can also result in structural movements within the frame, causing the sash to not close properly. The sash may also become stuck in its open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the property.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by regular maintenance, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, decaying wood. The sections of timber that are rotten must be removed with care and the affected part should be scarfed together or pieced together by using replacements of the same type as the remaining timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric that was originally used and is among the 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. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it. It is particularly useful in the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which help stop breakage.

It is important to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery such as sash latches and stays. These items can be very difficult to replace without compromising the quality of the original design. It is also advised that modern fittings made of aluminium, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cambridge-windowrepair/