How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in upvc locksmith cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows that are traditional and homeowners are proud of how they appear. However, sash windows can become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is usually due to moisture that can cause the timber to expand.

Box sash windows were traditionally operated with chains or cotton cords as well as weights made of lead. Modern windows with sash springs are concealed to solve this problem.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes that are modular, are able to be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration to meet modern day energy requirements while ensuring compliance with conservation regulations for the area. It also gives windows with a more attractive appearance than Upvc Windows Cambridge alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large structures or public buildings, but this changed as production became cheaper and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. In the late 18th century Sash windows were the most popular wooden design in most British properties. Since they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without curtains.

The first windows were made of glass that was plain, but in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more attractive. They started with coloured glazing bars, also known as mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cost-effective, they became a part of many period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to create large, strong glass that did not require supporting bars. This allowed the frame to be made bigger and, in turn, gave a better view. This was a significant advancement.

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

The most commonly used type of sash is made from slow-growing deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more expensive buildings as well as in some earlier examples. It is essential to keep the parting bead which divides the sashes. This will prevent rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are also vital for the proper operation of the window mechnism repair.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as larger and clearer sheets became available. They were made of plate glass, set in timber frames with rebates and then pinned with glazing sprigs, with putty on both sides to ensure they were watertight. This type of glazing gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

Sashes were introduced, which led to a greater 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 a variety of fasteners to fix the sashes. These were usually decorated with designs, inscriptions, and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, without this maintenance they may become drafty and let in cold air. Paint and putty can cause draughts too. This issue can be fixed with wood-to-timber products.

The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the perception that older windows are beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a little attention. upvc repairs can be expensive and cause many disruptions in the home. Many homeowners opt to replace their windows with PVC-u from a "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace and remove all the windows in a home in a single day, avoiding the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much more efficient. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving' double glazing to achieve more energy efficient ratings than a traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. Ironmongery, such as mortice bolts, sash chain and sash lock could be used. These can be installed in a way so that the window can still be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. These are typically unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. They are best replaced with more robust versions, such as those with double screws or spring levers to decrease the risk of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames were traditionally made from slow-growing deal or, in the more luxurious homes, from oak. If glazing bars have survived, they should be preserved, and where feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. Many PVC-U firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on an entire house in just one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a substantial amount of light to flood into structures. At the end of the 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glazing panes were also produced. The result was a lighter appearance and windows with more elegance.

The introduction of sash windows also required a new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made out of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a mixture of wood and leaded. There were also various kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their beautiful design.

Timber windows require regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. Lack of attention to them regularly can result in:

Sashes that do not move effortlessly.

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

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

Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s & I930s due to their strength and slim, cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient in thermal efficiency as double-glazed PVC-u windows and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.

The replacement window mechnism repair industry has made a significant effort to persuade house owners that their windows are rotten, draughty and beyond repair. Many older timber windows are repairable and can be used for many more years with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

The traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do 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 that causes the sash to become misaligned and unable to close correctly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or slammed into an open position and let water and draughts enter the property.

Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to windows made of timber. This can be avoided by regular maintenance by thorough painting and eliminating the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy appearance of the paint that can be stripped to reveal rotting, soft timber. The rotten timber sections should be carefully removed and the affected part should be snared together or pieced together with replacements of the exact kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair maximises the amount of fabric that is left and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber.

The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is a different option to traditional staining and sanding. It is brushed on the surface of the wood to stabilize it and shield it from further damage. It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which can help prevent breakage.

It is essential to preserve and not replace any historic ironmongery, such as sash latches and stays. It can be difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also advised that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.