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A Step-By-Step Instruction For 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 how they look. However, sash windows may get stuck and be difficult to open or close. This is usually due moisture, which can cause the wood to expand.

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

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 lets the restoration meet the current energy standards while complying with conservation regulations for the area. It also provides windows with a superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally intended for large structures or public buildings. However this changed as production became less expensive and craftsmen could make larger frames using larger glass. In the 18th century, windows made of sash were the predominant wooden design in most British homes. Since wooden windows and doors cambridge repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of clear glass however, by the 17th Century, sash windows began to be more decorative. They were initially made of colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. These were very 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 became possible to make large, strong glasses that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be made larger and, in turn, gave an improved view. This was a very important innovation.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window 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 the building.

The most commonly used type of sash is made of slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more expensive buildings as well as 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 draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are essential for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash windows started replacing hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass placed within timber frames with rebates and then pinned with glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much wider range of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges, knobs and shutters and a variety of fasteners that secured the sashes into the right place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and engravings that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance they can get drafty. Paint and putty can also cause draughts. This can be corrected using proprietary wood-to-timber repair products.

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. These repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u from a large 'one-stop shop' installation company. These can remove and replace all the windows in an entire house in just one day, avoiding the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much faster. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than traditional windows made of sash. However double-glazed windows cannot replicate the section and proportions of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery such as sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be installed. These can be installed to ensure that the window is capable of being opened to allow ventilation or cleaning. These products are often discrete since they are made to complement sash windows. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. These are best replaced with more robust models, such as those with double screws or spring levers, to minimize the possibility of being hammered.

Sash-window frames are typically made from oak or slow-grown deal. If glazing bars have survived, they should be kept and if it is it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. Many PVC-U firms offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can take out and replace windows on an entire house in just one day, without involving any other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a significant amount of light to enter buildings. By the end of the 18th century they were adapted to allow even more light into rooms, and bigger glazing panes started to be produced. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows that had a higher quality of design than before.


The introduction of sash windows also demanded an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mix of leaded and wood. There were also different 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 ensure they remain in good condition, wooden windows must be maintained. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:

Sashes that no longer slide easily.

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

Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cause cill.

Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s and I930s because they were strong and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend towards healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed PVC-u windows and are more attractive than the modern sleek design of casement windows.

The industry of replacement windows did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten drafty, noisy and beyond repair. Many older timber windows can be repaired and used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your sash window, it can result in the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to degrade. The removal of the sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to move out of alignment and unable to close correctly. The sash may also become stuck in the open position, allowing water and draughts into the property.

The damage to timber windows is often caused by moisture penetration. This can be avoided with regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be removed to reveal soft, rotting timber. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out, and the affected area should be scarfed together or glued together by using replacements of the same nature as the rest of the timber. This method of repair maximizes the amount original fabric and is among the most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot.

A resin-based wood condenser is an alternative to traditional sanding or staining. The product is brushed on to the surface of the timber to stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is particularly beneficial in the treatment of pulleys and sash cords where it can help to prevent breakage.

It is important to restore and not replace any old ironmongery, like the sash latches and stays. These items are difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is also recommended that modern fittings made of aluminium like sashlifts and chainstays, should be avoided since they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.

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