Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can become stuck and become difficult to open or shut. This is often due moisture that can cause the timber to swell.
Box sash windows were traditionally operated using chains or cotton cords, as well as lead weights. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to avoid this issue.
1. Aesthetics
Contrary to PVC-u windows which are constructed according to the modular imperial size, timber sash windows can be restored to their original sizes. This allows the restoration to meet modern day energy requirements while complying with conservation areas regulations. It also provides windows that are superior to uPVC options.
Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, however the production process was less expensive and craftsmen were able to make larger frames with more glass. At the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most sought-after wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and let light into rooms without the use of curtains.
Early windows were plain glass, but by the 17th century sash windows were becoming more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive at first, but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they were an integral feature in many homes of the period.
In the 19th century, it became possible to produce large, strong glasses that did not require support bars. This allowed for the frame to be enlarged, which in turn gave an improved view. This was a significant innovation.
The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that occurred at the end of the I920s and the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously, and allowed for better ventilation to buildings.
Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes and it is essential that it is maintained in order to avoid rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are crucial to the operation of the window.
2. Energy efficiency
Sash windows replaced hinged cases as larger and clearer sheets were made available. They were glazed with plate glass set in timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This kind of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.
Sashes were introduced, which led to a greater demand for ironmongery. The most common fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights and stoppers for sashes shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges, and a variety of fasteners used to secure the sashes. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cambridge-windowrepair/ were often decorated in patterns, inscriptions and engraved patterns to identify the maker.
With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. Without this maintenance, they can become noisy. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of paint and putty. You can fix this problem with wood-to-timber products.
The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that older windows are beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However windows can be easily maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be expensive and cause a lot of disruption in the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows with PVC-u from a 'one-stop shop' installation company. 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 fitted with energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than the traditional windows with sash. These double-glazed windows aren't capable of resembling the proportions or section of sashes from old timber.
3. Security
Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their appearance. Ironmongery such as mortice bolts, sash chain and sash locks can be put in place. They can be positioned in such a way that the window can still be opened for ventilation and cleaning. They are generally minimal in appearance, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catchers and must be replaced by more robust models (such ones that have double screws) or spring-loaded levers to minimize the chance of them being opened by hammering.
Sash-window frames are typically constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars remain intact and in good condition, they should be kept. If it is feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced by wood that is in line with. PVC-u companies often offer a one stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows on an entire home in one day, without the need to engage other tradespeople or coordinate visits from a number of different suppliers.
4. Ventilation
When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a large amount of light to flood into buildings. At 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 more streamlined appearance, and windows with a greater quality of design than before.
Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made out of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mix of wood and leaded. There were also different kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their exquisite design.
Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. A lack of attention to them regularly could result in:
Sashes that do not move smoothly.
Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and cause decay and damage.
break down of the putty and allow water to penetrate, which could cause decay in the frame and 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. Research has shown that softwood sash window are just as effective as PVC-u windows and can even be more attractive.
The window replacement industry has made a significant effort to persuade house owners that their old windows are old, dirty, and beyond economic repair. Many old timber windows can be repaired and used for many more years with minor repairs.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your sash window, it could lead to the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It can also cause the paint and putty to degrade. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash to not close properly. The sash may also become stuck in the open position, allowing water and draughts into the building.
Moisture penetration is a frequent cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided with regular repairs, thorough painting and removing the source of dampness. The paint can be removed to expose the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected part carefully scarfed or pieced in using replacements made of the same type of wood as the ones that remain. This method of repair maximizes the amount of fabric that was originally used and is one of least invasive ways to treat timber-to-timber rot.
The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is a different option to the traditional method of staining and sanding. This is brushed onto the surface of the wood to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly useful for the treatment of pulley cords and sash, where it can prevent breakage.
It is crucial that any historic ironmongery like sash stays and latches are retained and restored instead of replacing them. These items can be very difficult to replace without damaging the the original design. It is also recommended that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.
