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10 Inspirational Images Of Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows with traditional designs and homeowners are proud of how they appear. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is usually due to moisture, which can cause the timber to swell.

Traditionally, box sash windows utilised chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. Modern sash window springs are hidden to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are made 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 complying with conservation area regulations. It also comes with a window that is far superior to the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding sash windows were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, though this changed when production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to produce larger frames with more glass. In the 18th century, windows made of sash were the predominant wooden design in most British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and allowed light to enter rooms without the use of curtains.

Early windows were plain glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were costly at the beginning but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became commonplace in many historic homes.

In the 19th century, it was possible to manufacture large, strong glass that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame's size to increase further and this in turn meant more of a view out of the window. This was a significant advancement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and at the beginning of I930s. The double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that came into existence at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s.

The most commonly used type of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was also used in more prestigious buildings and in some earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead which divides the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. It is also important that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good condition as these assist in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer glass sheets were made available, sash windows began to replace hinged casements. Glass plates were set in frames made of timber, which were which were pinned with glazing sprigs, and putty was sprayed on the frame's sides to ensure watertightness. replacement upvc windows cambridge of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes led to the need for a greater variety of ironmongery, with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, knobs and shutters and a variety of fasteners to hold the sashes to their the right place. These were often decorated in patterns, inscriptions and engravings to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be very energy efficient. But, if you don't maintain them, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Paint and putty may cause draughts too. This issue can be fixed with wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows rests on the belief that older windows are old and beyond economical repair, whereas they can be easily maintained with a bit of care. However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause significant disruption to your home. To avoid this, many homeowners prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the largest 'one stop shop' installation companies. These can remove and replace all windows in a home in a single day, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen and making the whole process much quicker. They are also available with energy-saving double-glazing to achieve greater energy efficiency than traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed units are not able to replicate the proportions or section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their style. A variety of ironmongery types can be fitted, including sash chains, mortice bolts and locks for sash. These can be put in place so that the window remains open for ventilation or for cleaning. They are usually unobtrusive as they are designed to work with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. They are best replaced with more robust versions, such as those that incorporate double screws or sprung levers, to minimize the chance of being hit with hammers.

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 possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by identical wood. Many PVC-U companies provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows throughout a house in just one day, without involving any other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a substantial amount of light to flood into structures. At the end of the 18th century, they were altered to allow even more light into rooms and larger glazing panes began to be made. The result was a much lighter appearance and windows that had a higher degree of elegance than before.

The introduction of sash windows also necessitated an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were constructed of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and leaded. There were also various kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery elements should always be retained and cleaned down so that the quality of their design can be appreciated.

To ensure they remain in good shape, timber windows require regular maintenance. Lack of regular attention may result in:


Sashes that do not move effortlessly.

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

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

Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s & I930s because they were sturdy and slim, cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are just as effective as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The industry of replacement windows has done a lot to persuade house owners that their old windows are dirty, noisy and beyond repair. The truth is that a lot of old windows made of timber are in good shape and with minor repairs could easily be maintained for years to be.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window, it could lead to the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within the frame, causing the sash to not close correctly. The sash can also be stuck in its open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the property.

Damage to timber windows is often caused by water infiltration. This can be avoided by regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, rotting wood. Any rotten timber sections should be cut out and the affected area should be carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made from the same type of timber as the ones that remain. This method of repair increases the amount original fabric and is among the least invasive ways to treat the rot that occurs between timber and timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is an alternative to traditional staining and sanding. It is brushed on the surface of the wood to help stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful in the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which help prevent the breakage.

It is essential to preserve and not replace any historic ironmongery, such as stay latches and sash latches. They can be extremely difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings like sash lifts and chain stays should be avoided if feasible as they could cause corrosion and damage to frames and sashes made from timber.

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