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The Companies That Are The Least Well-Known To Monitor In The Sash Windows Cambridge Industry
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 look. Sash windows can get stuck and are difficult to open or close. This is usually due to moisture which can cause the timber to swell.

Traditionally, window boxes utilised chains or cotton cord and weights made of lead to operate. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to solve this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Unlike PVC-u windows that are constructed according to the modular imperial size Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows in order to meet the current energy requirements and to comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also gives windows with a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However this changed as production became cheaper and artisans could make larger frames using greater glass. At the close of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Sash windows were easy to operate and allowed light to enter rooms without the use of curtains.

Early windows were plain glass, but by the 17th century, sash windows started to become more decorative with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive at the beginning but as glass production became cheaper and more efficient, they became commonplace in many period houses.

In the 19th century, it was possible to manufacture large, strong glass that didn't require support bars. This allowed the frame's size to increase further and this in turn meant more of a view out of the window. This was an important innovation.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was another important improvement that occurred at the end of the I920s and beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the lower and upper sash to be opened simultaneously and gave improved ventilation to a building.

The most common type of sash is constructed from slow grown deal (pine) but oak was utilized in more prestigious buildings and in some earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead which is used to separate the sashes. This will prevent draughts and rattles. It is also important that the idler and sash pulley wheels are kept in good condition as these help to operate the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash windows started replacing hinged casements. They were glazed with plate glass placed within timber frames with rebates and pinned in place using glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to make them watertight. This kind of glazing gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes resulted in a need for a much larger variety of ironmongery with the most basic fittings being brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, knobs and shutters, and a range of fasteners that secured the sashes in place. These were usually decorated with patterns, inscriptions and patterns engraved to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient if they are maintained regularly. However, if they are not maintained, they can become drafty and let in cold air. Draughts can also be caused by the breakdown of putty and paint. This can be remedied by making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the perception that old windows are damaged beyond repair and are not able to be maintained economically. However windows can be easily 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 with PVC-u from a huge "one-stop shop" installation company. They can replace all windows in a home in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for multiple tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with 'energy-saving' double glazing to achieve more energy efficient ratings than a traditional windows with sash. Double-glazed windows aren't able to replicate the proportions or section of the sashes made of timber from the past.

3. Security

It is possible to secure traditional windows without compromising on their aesthetics. Many types of ironmongery can be fitted, including sash chains, mortice bolts, and locks for sash. These can be put in place to ensure that the window is still able to be opened to allow ventilation or cleaning. These are typically minimal in appearance, as they are designed to match the sash window. They can be used with traditional sash window catches. These should be replaced with more robust versions like those that incorporate double screws or spring levers to decrease the possibility of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames are traditionally made 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 timber cills should be replaced with timber that is compatible with. Many PVC-u firms offer a one-stop installation service. They can remove and replace windows on a complete house in just one day, without involving other tradespeople.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light into buildings. By the end of the 18th century, they were altered to allow more light into rooms, and larger glazing panes began to be produced. The result was a much more streamlined appearance, and windows with a higher quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, while later Victorian ones could be made of brass or a combination of lead and wood, and there were various types of shutter hinges and knobs. The ironmongery pieces need to be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their exquisite design.

To ensure wooden sliding doors cambridge repairmywindowsanddoors remain in good condition, wooden windows must be maintained. A lack of regular attention can result in:

Sashes that don't slide effortlessly.

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

Water can penetrate the putty and cause decay to the frame or cill.

Steel casement windows became popular in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, cost-effective and matched the trend of healthy living. However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows are just as efficient in thermal efficiency as PVC-u double-glazed windows, and may be more appealing than the modern sleek design of casement windows.

The industry of replacement windows was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten drafty, noisy and beyond repair. The truth is that a lot of older timber windows are in good shape and with minor repairs could easily be repaired for many years to come.

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 could also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash not to close properly. The sash may also become stuck in its open position, allowing water and draughts into the property.

Damage to windows made of timber is often caused by water infiltration. This can be avoided by careful painting, regular repairs and the elimination of the cause of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified by the wavy appearance of the paint that can be stripped away to reveal soft, rotting wood. The rotten timber sections should be carefully cut out, and the affected area should be scarfed or pieced together using replacements of the same kind as the timber that remains. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric used in the first place and is one of least invasive ways to treat wood-to-timber rot.


The use of a wood consolidant made from resin is a different option to traditional staining and sanding. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly useful for treating pulley cords and sash, where it can prevent breakage.

It is important to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery, such as stay latches and sash latches. It can be difficult to replace these items without altering their original design. It is also recommended that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts, as well as chainstays, should be avoided since they could cause corrosion and deterioration of timber frames and sashes.