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Indisputable Proof Of The Need For Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Traditionally, box sash windows utilised chains or cotton cords and weights made of lead to operate. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes and are modular, are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This lets the restoration be in line with modern energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation regulations for the area. It also comes with windows that are superior to uPVC options.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, however this changed when production became cheaper and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. By the late 18th century windows made of sash were the predominant design of wood in the majority of British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and allowed light to enter rooms without the use of curtains.

The early windows were made of glass that was plain, but by the 17th Century, sash windows began to become more ornamental. They were initially made of colored glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were expensive at the beginning but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they were an integral feature in many homes of the period.

In the 19th century it was possible to create large, sturdy glass that did not need supporting bars. This allowed for the frame to be enlarged which, in turn, provided the viewer a better view. This was an important improvement.

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding window at the end of I920s and 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.

Oak was used for older and more luxurious buildings. aluminium french doors cambridge divides the two sashes. It is vital that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and draughts. It is also important that sash pulleys and idler wheels are in good working order as they aid in operating the window.

2. Energy efficiency

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

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in an increase in demand for ironmongery. The basic fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges and various fasteners used to fix the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engraved patterns that identified the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, if they are not maintained, they can become draughty and let in cold air. Putty and paint can also cause draughts. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber solutions.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that old windows are damaged beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a bit of attention. These repairs can be expensive and cause lots of disruption to the home. To prevent this, many homeowners prefer to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one of the largest "one stop shop" installation companies. They can replace all windows in a home in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for various tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than traditional sash window. These double-glazed units are not capable of resembling the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising on their aesthetics. Ironmongery such as mortice bolts, sash chain and sash locks can be used. They can be fitted in such a way that the window can be open for ventilation and cleaning. These products are often unobtrusive as they are designed to complement sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash-window catches, which are required to be replaced with more robust models (such ones that have double screws) or spring levers to decrease the risk of them being hammered out.

Sash-window frames are traditionally made from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are in good condition, they should be retained. Where it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced with wood that is in line with. PVC-U companies usually offer a one stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows across a home in one day, without the need to engage other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a large amount of light to flood into structures. By the end of the 18th century they were altered to allow more light into rooms, and bigger glazing panes started to be made. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows with a higher degree of elegance than before.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, while later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of lead and wood, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery elements should always be maintained and cleaned to ensure that the exquisite quality of their design can be appreciated.


Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. A lack of regular attention could lead to:

Sashes that don't slide effortlessly.

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

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

In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows gained popularity due to their strength, slim and cheap and were in line with the trend for healthy living. However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows are just as thermally efficient as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

The replacement window industry has done a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows are old, dirty, and beyond economic repair. The truth is that a lot of old windows made of wood are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be maintained for years to be.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection. If you fail to maintain your sash window, it can result in the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause paint and putty degrade. The removal of sashes may also cause structural movement in the frame, causing the sash not to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash to be snagged or fixed in an open position and this can let water and draughts into the property.

Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by regular repairs by thorough painting and eliminating the source of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified due to the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting wood. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out, and the affected area should be snared together or pieced together by using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric retained and is one of the least invasive ways of treating decay caused by timber.

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

It is essential that any old ironmongery like sash stays and latches be kept and restored rather than replaced. It can be difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided whenever possible since they can cause corrosion and damage to timber frames and sashes.

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