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This Is The Advanced Guide To Sash Windows Cambridge
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 get stuck and become difficult to open or close. This is usually due to moisture, which can cause the wood to expand.

Box sash windows were previously operated by chains or cotton cords as well as weights made of lead. Modern sash window springs are hidden to eliminate this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Unlike PVC-u windows that are manufactured according to the modular imperial size Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This lets the restoration meet the current energy standards while ensuring compliance with conservation areas regulations. It also provides a window that is far superior to the uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used for large buildings or public buildings. However, this changed when production became more affordable and artisans could produce larger frames with larger glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden design in British homes. Because they were simple to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains.


Early windows were plain glass, but by the 17th century sash windows were becoming more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. These were very expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cheaper they became a part of many of the period homes.

In the 19th century, it became possible to produce large, sturdy glasses that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame's size to be increased even further and this in turn gave a better view from the window. This was a significant advancement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and 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 buildings.

Oak was used in older and more luxurious buildings. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead that separates the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. It is also essential that sash pulleys and idler wheels are in good shape as they help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets were made available. They were made of plate glass, set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to make them watertight. This type of glass gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

Sashes were introduced, which resulted in an increase in demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges and handles and a variety of fasteners used to secure the sashes. These were often decorated in motifs, inscriptions, and engravings to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be very energy-efficient with regular maintenance. However, if they are not maintained, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Putty and paint can cause draughts. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber solutions.

The industry of replacement windows is based on the assumption that traditional windows are rotten and beyond economical repair, whereas they can be maintained with just a little care. However, these repairs are costly and can cause significant disruption to your home. To avoid this homeowners, many choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one the largest 'one stop shop' installation companies. They can replace and remove all windows in a house within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate different tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving' double glazing to achieve more energy efficient ratings than a traditional windows with sash. However, these double-glazed units cannot reproduce the proportions and 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 installed, including sash chains, mortice bolts and sash locks. They can be fitted in a manner that the window can be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These are typically unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash window catches that should be replaced with more robust versions (such as those incorporating double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the possibility of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames were constructed from slow grown deal or, in more luxurious homes, from oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be kept and where possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by identical wood. Many PVC-u firms offer a one-stop installation service. They can remove and replace windows throughout a home in one day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th Century and allowed for a large amount of light to be absorbed into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let more light into rooms and larger glazing panes began to be manufactured. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows with a higher quality of design than before.

Sash windows were introduced, which required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, later Victorian ones were made from brass or a combination 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.

To ensure they remain in good shape, timber windows must be maintained. A lack of regular attention can result in:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

double glazing cambridge in the frame allow water, which can cause damage and decay.

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

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows grew in popularity due to their strength slim and inexpensive, and complemented the vogue for healthy living. However, research has proven that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient thermally as double-glazed windows made of PVC-u, and may be more appealing than the modern sleek design of casement windows.

The window replacement industry has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were rotten drafty, noisy and beyond repair. Many old windows made of timber can be fixed and utilized for a longer period with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your sash window, it could result in the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash to not close correctly. The sash may also become stuck in an open position, allowing water and draughts to enter the property.

Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented by thorough painting, regular repairs, and removing the source of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy appearance of the paint, which can be stripped away to reveal rotting, soft timber. The sections of timber that are rotten must be removed with care and the affected part should be scarfed or pieced together with replacements of the exact type as the remaining timber. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric used in the first place and is one of most minimally invasive methods of treating wood-to-timber rot.

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

It is essential that any historic ironmongery such as sash stay and latches are retained and restored instead of replaced. They can be extremely difficult to replace without harming the the original design. It is also recommended that modern fittings made of aluminium, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.

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