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Indisputable Proof That You Need Sash Windows Cambridge
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

Many homes in Cambridge feature traditional sash window and the homeowners are proud of their appearance. Sash windows can become stuck and are difficult to open and close. This is usually due to moisture which can cause the wood to expand.

Box sash windows were historically operated using chains, cotton cords and weights made of lead. Modern sash windows feature hidden springs to solve this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Timber sash windows, unlike PVC-u windows, which are made in imperial sizes and are modular, can be restored to their original dimensions. This allows the restoration of timber sash windows to meet the current energy requirements and comply with conservation regulations for areas. It also offers a window that is far superior to uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only found in large buildings or public buildings, though the production process became cheaper and craftsmen could make larger frames with more glass. By the end of the 18th century, sash windows were the most popular wooden design in British homes. As they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without the need for curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows began to become more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. They were expensive at first, but when glass production became less expensive and more efficient, they became a common feature in many homes of the period.


In wooden windows cambridge , it became possible to create large, strong glasses that did not require support bars. This allowed for the frame to be made bigger which, in turn, provided the viewer a better view. This was an important innovation.

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

The most commonly used kind of sash is made of slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was utilized in more expensive buildings as well as in earlier examples. It is crucial to maintain the parting bead which separates the sashes. This will stop draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers also are vital to the operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

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

The introduction of sashes created the need for a larger variety of ironmongery including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stoppers shutter hinges, knobs and shutters, and a range of fasteners used to keep the sashes to their place. These were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and designs that were engraved to identify the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows are extremely energy efficient. If they are not maintained, they can become drafty. Putty and paint can cause draughts too. This can be fixed by making use of wood-to-timber repair tools that are proprietary.

The industry of replacement windows relies heavily on the notion that older windows are beyond repair and cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a little attention. Repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. To prevent this homeowners, many choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one of the large 'one stop shop' installation companies. These can remove and replace all the windows in a house in a single day, eliminating the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen, making the whole process much quicker. They are also available with energy-saving double-glazing, which can achieve more energy efficient ratings than those offered by traditional sash windows. Double-glazed windows aren't capable of resembling the proportions and sections of sashes from old timber.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their style. A variety of ironmongery types can be fitted including sash chains mortice bolts and locks for sash. These can be installed so that the window is still able to be opened for ventilation or cleaning. They are usually not noticeable since they are designed to work with sash windows. They can be used alongside traditional sash-window catches that are required to be replaced with more robust versions (such ones with double screws) or spring levers to decrease the risk of them being opened by hammering.

Sash-window frames are typically made from oak or slow-grown deal. When glazing bars have survived they should be preserved, and where it is possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced by the same wood. PVC-U companies usually offer a one stop shop installation service, which includes removing and replacing windows across a home in one day, without the need to involve other tradespeople or co-ordinate various visits from a number of different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

When sash windows were first introduced in the 17th century they allowed a substantial amount of light to flood into structures. By the end of the 18th century, they were modified to let even more light into rooms, and larger glazing panes began to be produced. The result was a more light appearance and windows with more elegance.

The introduction of sash windows also demanded the creation of a new line of ironmongery. Early pulleys were made from wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made from brass or a mixture of wood and lead, and there were many kinds of shutter hinges and knobs. These ironmongery pieces must be kept clean and preserved in order to appreciate their fine design.

To keep them in good condition, wooden windows need to be maintained. A lack of regular attention can lead to:

Sashes that do not slide easily.

holes in the frame that admit water causing damage and decay.

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

In the I920s and the I930s steel casement windows gained popularity due to their strength slim and affordable and also matched the fashion for healthy living. Research has proven that softwood sash window are as efficient 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 rotten and drafty. They were also beyond the budget for repair. Many older timber windows can be repaired and used for many more years with minor repairs.

5. Maintenance

Traditional sash windows require regular maintenance and inspection. If you don't maintain your sash window, it can 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 can also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash to not close properly. It is also possible for the sash be stuck or fixed in an open position, which can let water and draughts enter the structure.

Moisture penetration is a common cause of damage to timber windows. This can be avoided by careful painting, regular repairs and elimination of the cause of dampness. The paint can be removed to reveal the soft, decaying wood. Any rotten sections of timber should be cut out and the affected part carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made of the same type of timber as the ones that remain. This method of repair maximizes the amount of original fabric retained and is one of the least invasive methods of treating decay of timber to timber.

A wood condenser made of resin is an alternative to traditional staining or sanding. The product is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and strengthen it. It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of sash cords and pulleys which help prevent breakage.

It is crucial to restore and not replace any old ironmongery such as sash latches and stays. It is difficult to replace these items without compromising their original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminum fittings, such as sash lifts and chain stays is avoided whenever possible as they can cause corrosion and deterioration to timber frames and sashes.