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What's Holding Back The Sash Windows Cambridge Industry?
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have traditional sash windows and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can become stuck and be difficult to open or shut. This is usually due moisture which can cause the wood to expand.

Traditionally, window boxes utilised chains, cotton cords or weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash window springs are hidden to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

In contrast to PVC-u windows, which are manufactured according to the modular imperial size, timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also provides an option that is superior to the uPVC options.

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

The first windows were made of plain glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and less expensive, they became a feature of many period houses.

By the 19th century it was possible to make large, sturdy glass that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame's size to increase further and this in turn allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was a very important advancement.

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

The most popular type of sash is made from slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was also used in more prestigious buildings and in earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead that divides the sashes. This will prevent rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are also crucial for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash windows began to replace hinged casements. Glass plates were set in frames of timber that were rebated, then secured with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on the frame's two sides for watertightness. This type of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes led to the need for a wider range of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys as well as lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers, shutter hinges and knobs, and a range of fasteners to hold the sashes to their place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engravings that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be very energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become noisy. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. This can be remedied by using proprietary wood-to-timber repair products.

The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the perception that older windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause significant disruption to your home. To prevent this, many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows made by one of the large "one stop shop" installation companies. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and eliminating the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate. They can also be fitted with 'energy-saving' double-glazing, which can achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than are possible with traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their style. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be used. They can be fitted in a way so that the window can still be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These products are often discrete since they are made to work with sash windows. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. They should be replaced by more robust versions, such as those with double screws, or sprung levers in order to reduce the risk of being hammered.


Sash-window frames were made from slow-growing deal or, in the more prestigious houses they were made from oak. If the glazing bars are in good condition and in good condition, they should be kept. Where window seal repairs near me is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced by timber that is compatible with. Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on a complete house in just one day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a significant amount of light into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they had been adapted so that even more light could be let into rooms. Larger glazing panes were also made. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater level of elegance than they had before.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were a variety of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be kept and cleaned so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. Lack of attention to them regularly could lead to:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

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

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

Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s & I930s due to their strength and slim, cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash window are just as effective as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The window replacement industry has done a lot to persuade house owners that their old windows are old, dirty, and beyond economic repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and utilized for a longer period with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this can result in broken sash cords, excessive wear on the glazing bars, and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movements within the frame, which can cause the sash to not close properly. The sash can also be stuck in the open position, allowing water and draughts to enter the property.

Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by thorough painting, periodic repairs, and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten timber sections should be cut out and the affected area carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made from the same type of wood as the ones remaining. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric left, and is one of the least invasive methods of treating timber-to-timber decay.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is a different option to traditional staining and sanding. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulleys and sash cords which help prevent the breakage.

It is crucial to restore and not replace any old ironmongery such as stay latches and sash latches. They can be extremely difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is also recommended that modern fittings made of aluminium like sashlifts and chainstays, are avoided since they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cambridge-windowrepair/