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14 Questions You're Afraid To Ask About Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Box sash windows were traditionally operated with chains or cotton cords as well as lead weights. 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, which are modular, can be restored to original dimensions. This allows the restoration to meet the current energy standards while complying with conservation regulations for the area. It also provides a window that is far superior to uPVC options.

Sliding sash window frames were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings. However this changed as production became more affordable and artisans could make larger frames using larger glass. In the late 18th century windows made of sash were the predominant wooden design in most British properties. As they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without the need for curtains.

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

In the 19th century, it became possible to make large, strong glasses that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave a better view. This was a very important improvement.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash is another important improvement that occurred towards the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened at the same time and also improved the ventilation of the building.

The most commonly used kind of sash is made from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was also used in more prestigious buildings and in some earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes, and it is essential that it is well maintained to prevent rattles and drafts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are crucial to the functioning of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As larger and clearer sheets of glass were made available, sash windows began replacing hinged casements. They were coated with plate glass that was set in timber frames with rebates and then pinned with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This type of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in increased demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges and a variety of fasteners to secure the sashes. They were often decorated with designs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance they could become draughty. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows is based on the assumption that traditional windows are rotten and beyond economical repair, but they can be easily maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause lots of disruption to the home. To avoid this homeowners often choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one the large "one stop shop" installation companies. They can replace and remove all windows in a home in a single day, avoiding the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. They can also be fitted with 'energy saving' double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than traditional windows made of sash. These double-glazed units are not capable of replicating the proportions and sections of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. There are many types of ironmongery that are available including sash chains mortice bolts and locks for sash. They can be fitted in a manner that the window can still be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These are typically minimal in appearance, as they are designed to fit the sash window. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catches, which are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such ones that have double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the risk of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames are usually constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. Where glazing windows cambridge have survived they should be kept, and, if possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with the same wood. PVC-u companies typically provide a one-stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows on a complete home in one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople or coordinate visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a huge amount of light into buildings. By the end of the 18th century they were adapted to allow even more light into rooms and larger glazing panes began to be manufactured. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater degree of elegance than before.

The introduction of sash windows also required the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys could be made out of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of leaded and wood. There were also various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery components should be maintained and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.

To keep them in good condition, wooden windows require regular maintenance. Lack of attention to them regularly can result in:

Sashes that no longer slide smoothly.

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

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


Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s because they were strong and slim, cost-effective and complemented the trend for healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash window are just as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The replacement window industry was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many older timber windows can be fixed and utilized for a longer period 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 cause the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of the 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 be stuck or slammed into an open position, which can let water and draughts in the structure.

Damage to timber windows is often caused by water penetration. This can be prevented by thorough painting, periodic repairs and elimination of the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, rotting wood. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out and the affected area should be scarfed or glued together using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric that was originally used and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot.

The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is another alternative to the traditional method of sanding and staining. This is brushed onto the surface of the wood to stabilise and protect it from further damage. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which help stop breakage.

It is essential that any ironmongery from the past like sash stays and latches are kept and rehabilitated instead of being replaced. It can be difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.

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