versecolor68

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 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 utilised chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to solve this issue. 1. Aesthetics Unlike PVC-u windows that are constructed according to imperial sizes that are modular the timber sash windows are able to be restored to their original dimensions. This allows the restoration to meet modern day energy requirements while still complying with conservation areas regulations. It also provides a window that is far superior to uPVC alternatives. Sliding frames for windows made of sash were originally only used for large buildings or public buildings. However this changed as production became cheaper and artisans could make larger frames using larger glass. In the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant design of wood in the majority of British properties. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light in rooms without the use of curtains. Early windows were simple glass but by the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and cheaper they were a common feature in many period houses. In the 19th century, it was possible to make large, strong glasses that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame size to increase further, which meant more of a view out of the window. This was an important improvement. 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 simultaneously, and also improved the ventilation of a building. Oak was used in older and more luxurious buildings. It is crucial to maintain the separation bead that divides the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. It is also important that sash pulleys and idler wheels are kept in good working order as they help to operate the window. 2. Energy efficiency Sash windows were replaced by hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets were made available. They were made of plate glass, placed within 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 superseded led lights. Sashes were introduced, which led to an increase in demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges and handles as well as a variety of fasteners to fix the sashes. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and designs that were engraved to identify the maker. Sash windows can be very energy-efficient with regular maintenance. But, if you don't maintain them, they can become draughty and let in cold air. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. You can fix this problem by using wood-to-timber products. The industry of replacement windows is based on the perception that old windows are damaged and beyond repair, while they can be maintained with a little attention. However, repairs to these windows can be expensive and involve considerable disruption to the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows using PVC-u from a large “one-stop shop” company for installation. window repair cambridge can take down and replace all the windows in a house in just one day, eliminating the need to coordinate different tradesmen, making the whole process much more efficient. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving' double glazing to achieve higher energy ratings than traditional windows made of sash. However these double-glazed units are unable to reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes. 3. Security Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery like sash chain, mortice bolts and sash lock could be put in place. These can be put in place to ensure that the window remains able to be opened to allow ventilation or for cleaning. These products are usually not noticeable, since they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catch. They should be replaced by more robust models, such as those that incorporate double screws or spring levers in order to reduce the chance of being hammered. Sash-window frames are typically constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. Where glazing bars have survived they should be kept and if it is it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. Many PVC-u firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can take down and replace windows on an entire house in just one day, without involving any other tradespeople. 4. Ventilation Sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a significant amount of light into buildings. At the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let more light into rooms, and larger glass panes began to be made. The result was a lighter appearance and windows that were more elegant. The introduction of sash windows also necessitated an entirely new range of ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, later Victorian ones could be made from brass or a combination of wood and lead, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces should be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their fine design. To keep them in good shape, timber windows must be maintained. Lack of attention to them regularly can lead to: Sashes that do not slide easily. holes in the frame allow water that can cause decay and damage. Water can get into the putty and cause decay to the frame or cill. Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash windows are as efficient as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive. The window replacement industry has done a lot to persuade house owners that their traditional windows are old, dirty, and beyond economic repair. The truth is that a lot of older windows made of wood are in good condition and with minor repairs can easily be repaired for many years to be. 5. Maintenance Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to keep up with this can result in sash cords breaking, excessive wear on the glazing bars and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of sashes can also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash to not close properly. The sash may also become stuck in its open position, which allows the water and drafts to enter the building. Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be prevented by regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy appearance of the paint that can be stripped to reveal soft, rotting timber. The sections that are rotting should be carefully cut out and the affected part should be scarfed together or pieced together by using replacements of the same type as the remaining timber. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric left, and is among the least invasive ways of treating timber-to-timber decay. A wood condenser made of resin is an alternative to traditional sanding or staining. This is brushed onto the surface of the wood to help stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is particularly useful to treat sash and pulley cords, which can stop breakage. It is essential that any ironmongery from the past such as sash stays and latches are retained and restored instead of replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without harming the the original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings like chain stays and sash lifts is avoided if at all feasible as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of frames and sashes made from timber.