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The Underrated Companies To Follow In The Sash Windows Cambridge Industry
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge have sash windows with traditional designs and homeowners are proud of how they look. Sash windows can get stuck and be difficult to open or close. This is usually due moisture, which can cause the wood to swell.

Box sash windows were traditionally operated using chains or cotton cords, as well as weights made of lead. Modern windows with sash springs 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 dimensions. This allows the restoration to be in line with modern energy requirements while still complying with conservation regulations for the area. It also provides an option that is superior to uPVC options.


Sliding windows with sash were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However, this changed when production became more affordable and artisans could create larger frames using greater glass. By the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden design in British homes. Sash windows were simple to operate and let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The early windows were made of glass that was plain, but by the 17th Century sash windows started to be more decorative. They started with coloured glazing bars, also known as mullions. They were expensive at the time but as glass production became more efficient and cheaper they became a feature of numerous period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to manufacture large, sturdy glass that did not need support bars. This allowed the frame size to be increased even more, which in turn allowed for a wider view out of the window. This was a very important improvement.

Another important improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and the beginning of 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 for older examples and for more prestigious buildings. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes, and it is essential that it is well maintained to prevent rattles and drafts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers are also crucial for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged casements as clearer and larger sheets became available. Plate glass was placed in frames made of timber, which were secured with glazing sprigs and putty was applied to the frame's two sides to ensure watertightness. This type of glass gradually replaced the leaded light bulbs.

Sashes were introduced, which led to a greater 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 various fasteners used to secure the sashes. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions and engraved patterns that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are very energy efficient. If they are not maintained they could become draughty. Draughts can also result from the degeneration of putty and paint. This can be fixed by using wood-to-timber repair products that are specifically designed for this purpose.

The market for replacement windows rests on the perception that traditional windows are rotten and beyond repair, while they are able to be maintained with a bit of care. However, these repairs can be expensive and involve considerable disruption to the home. Many homeowners decide to replace their windows using PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" installation company. They can take down and replace all the windows in a house within a single day, eliminating the need to coordinate different tradesmen and making the whole process much faster. They can also be fitted with 'energy-saving' double-glazing to get greater energy efficiency than those offered by traditional windows with sash. wooden windows cambridge -glazed windows aren't capable of replicating the proportions or section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made secure without compromising their style. A variety of ironmongery types can be fitted including sash chains mortice bolts, and sash locks. They can be positioned in a way so that the window can still be opened for ventilation and cleaning. These windows are typically not noticeable since they are designed to be used in conjunction with sash windows. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches. They should be replaced by more robust models, such as those with double screws or sprung levers to decrease the chance of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames are usually constructed from oak or slow-grown deal. If the glazing bars are still intact and in good condition, they should be kept. If it is possible, the cills of the timber should be replaced with wood that matches. Many PVC-U companies offer a one-stop shop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on a complete home in one day, without involving any other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century, they allowed a significant amount of light to flood into buildings. By the end of the 18th century they were altered to allow even more light into rooms and bigger glazing panes started to be made. The result was a more light appearance and windows with more elegance.

Sash windows were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made of wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of wood and lead. There were also various types of knobs and shutter hinges. These ironmongery pieces must be cleaned and preserved to appreciate their exquisite design.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. Lack of attention to them regularly can result in:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

Holes in the frame which allow water to get in and 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 increased in popularity due to their strength slim and inexpensive and were in line with the trend for healthy living. Research has shown that softwood sash windows are just as effective as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The replacement window industry did a lot to convince homeowners that their old windows were decayed, drafty and beyond economical repair. Many old windows made of timber can be repaired and used for a long time with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window needs regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to do this can lead to the sash cords breaking, a lot of wear on the glazing bars, and deterioration of paint and putty. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame which causes the sash to move out of alignment and in a position that it is not able to close properly. The sash could also get stuck in the open position, which allows water and draughts to enter the property.

Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by moisture penetration. This can be avoided with regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the source of dampness. Wet rot can be identified by the wavy look of the existing paint which can be stripped away to reveal rotting, soft timber. The sections of timber that are rotten should be carefully removed, and the affected area should be snared 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 decay of timber to timber.

The use of a resin-based wood consolidant is an alternative to the traditional method of sanding and staining. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is especially useful for the treatment of pulley cords and sash, which can stop breakage.

It is crucial that any ironmongery from the past such as sash stays and latches be kept and rehabilitated instead of being replaced. It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided whenever possible as they can cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.