Many homes in Cambridge feature traditional sash window and homeowners are proud of their appearance. However, sash windows may become stuck and difficult to open or close. This is usually due to moisture which can cause the wood to expand.
Traditionally, box sash windows used chains or cotton cords and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows come with hidden springs to solve this problem.1. Aesthetics
Timber sash windows, in contrast to PVC-u windows that are made in imperial sizes that are modular, can be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also gives windows with a superior appearance than the uPVC alternatives.
Sliding sash windows were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, however this changed when production was less expensive and craftsmen were able to produce larger frames with more glass. By the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most sought-after wooden style in British homes. Since they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains.
The first windows were made of plain glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more attractive. They began with colored glazing bars or mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production became more efficient and cheaper they became a part of numerous period houses.
In the 19th century, it became possible to create large, strong glasses that didn't require supporting bars. This allowed the frame size to be enlarged more, which in turn allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was an important improvement.
The introduction of the double glazing seal repairs-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that was made at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously and allowed for better ventilation to the building.
Oak was used in older examples and for more prestigious buildings. It is essential to keep the parting bead that is used to separate the sashes. This will stop rattles and draughts. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are essential for the proper operation of the window lock repairs.
2. Energy efficiency
Sash windows replaced hinged cases as larger and clearer sheets were made available. Plate glass was set into frames made of timber, which were secured with glazing sprigs and putty was applied to the frame's sides to ensure watertightness. This kind of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.
Sashes were introduced, which resulted in a greater demand for ironmongery. The basic fittings included brass pulleys (and later cast-iron) weights as well as sash stoppers shutter hinges, handles and shutter hinges and a variety of fasteners used to secure the sashes. These were usually decorated with designs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns to identify the maker.
With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. If they are not maintained, they can become drafty. Paint and putty may cause draughts too. This can be remedied by making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.
The replacement plastic window repair industry relies on the assumption that older windows are old and beyond economical repair, while they can be easily maintained with a little attention. However, repairs to these windows are costly and can cause considerable disruption to the home. Many homeowners choose to replace their windows with PVC-u from a "one-stop shop" company for installation. These can remove and replace all windows in a house within a single day, avoiding the need to coordinate different tradesmen and making the entire process much faster. These windows can be equipped with energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than traditional sash window. However these double glazing repairs near me (Werite link for more info)-glazed units are unable to reproduce the proportions and section of traditional timber sashes.
3. Security
It is possible to secure windows that are traditional without compromising their style. A variety of ironmongery types can be installed with sash chains, mortice bolts and locks for sash. They can be positioned in such a way that the window and door repair near me is able to be open for ventilation and cleaning. These products are often unobtrusive as they are designed to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be utilized in conjunction with traditional sash-window catches, which must be replaced by more robust models (such ones that have double screws) or sprung levers to reduce the possibility of them being hammered out.
Sash-window frames are traditionally made from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and if it is feasible, the wood of the cill should be replaced with identical wood. Many PVC-U firms provide a one-stop shop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on a complete home in one day, without the need to involve 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. By the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let even more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be produced. The result was a more streamlined appearance, and windows that had a higher level of elegance than they had before.
Sash windows were introduced that required a brand new range ironmongery. The first pulleys were made of wood, 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 so that the quality of their design can be appreciated.
Timber windows require careful maintenance to keep them in good shape. A lack of regular attention can lead to:
Sashes that no longer slide easily.
Holes in the frame which allow water to enter and cause damage and decay.
break down of putty allowing water to penetrate, which could cause decay in the frame and cill.
Steel casement windows were popular in the I920s & I930s due to their strength and slim, cheap and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has revealed that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient thermally as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and may be more appealing than the sleek lines of contemporary casement windows.
The industry of replacement windows was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten drafty, noisy and beyond repair. The reality is that many older timber windows are in good shape and with minor repairs can easily be serviceable for many years to come.
5. Maintenance
The traditional sash windows need regular maintenance and inspection. Inability to keep up with this can result in the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars and the deterioration of putty and paint. The removal of the sashes may also cause structural shifts within the frame, which causes the sash to be misaligned and not closing properly. It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in the open position, which can let water and draughts enter the property.
Moisture penetration is the most common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be prevented by careful painting, regular repairs and elimination of the source of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified by the wavy appearance of the paint that can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting timber. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully cut out, and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together by using replacements of the same type as the remaining timber. This method of repair increases the amount original fabric and is among the least invasive ways to treat wood-to-timber rot.
The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is a different option to the traditional method of sanding and staining. It is brushed onto the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilize it. It is especially beneficial for treating pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage.
It is important that any old ironmongery such as sash stays and latches are retained and rehabilitated instead of being replaced. It is difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also advised that fittings made of aluminum, such as sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.