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15 Gifts For Those Who Are The Sash Windows Cambridge Lover In Your Life
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

Traditionally, window boxes used chains or cotton cords and lead weights to operate. Modern window springs for sash windows are concealed to eliminate this issue.

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured to modular imperial sizes Timber sash windows can be restored to their original size. This permits the re-installation of timber sash windows to comply with current energy standards and conform to conservation area regulations. upvc repairs repairmywindowsanddoors offers a window that is far superior to the uPVC options.

Sliding sash window frames were initially intended for large structures or public buildings. However the production became less expensive and craftsmen could create larger frames using greater glass. By the late 18th century sash windows were the dominant design of wood in the majority of British properties. As they were easy to open sash windows allowed light into rooms without curtains.

The first windows were made of plain glass, but in the 17th century, sash windows were becoming more decorative, with coloured glazing bars and moulded mullions. These were very expensive at the time but as glass production became more efficient and less expensive, they were a common feature in numerous period houses.

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

Another significant improvement was the introduction of the double-hung sliding windows at the end of I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened simultaneously and also improved the ventilation of buildings.

The most common kind of sash is made from slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was used in the more prestigious buildings and in earlier examples. A parting bead is used to separate the two sashes. It is essential that it is well maintained to prevent rattles and draughts. The sash pulleys, idler wheels and sash rollers also are crucial for the proper operation of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

Sash windows replaced hinged cases as larger and clearer sheets became available. They were glazed with plate glass set within rebated timber frames and then pinned with glazing sprigs, and then putty on both sides to create a watertight seal. This type of glass gradually replaced the use of leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes created the need for a wider range of ironmongery, with the basic fittings being brass pulleys and lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops shutter hinges, knobs and shutters and a variety of fasteners to hold the sashes into the right place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions, and engraved patterns to identify the maker.

Sash windows can be extremely energy efficient when they are maintained regularly. If they are not maintained they can get noisy. Draughts can also be caused by the deterioration of paint and putty. This issue can be fixed by using wood-to-timber products.

The market for replacement windows rests on the assumption that old windows are damaged and beyond economical repair, but they can be easily maintained with a bit of care. Repairs can be costly and cause lots of disruption to the home. To prevent this homeowners, many opt for a complete replacement with PVC-u windows from one the large "one stop shop" installation companies. These can remove and replace all windows in an entire house in a single day, avoiding the need to co-ordinate different tradesmen and making the whole process much more efficient. They can also be supplied with 'energy saving' double-glazing to get higher energy efficiency ratings than traditional windows made of sash. These double-glazed windows aren't capable of replicating the proportions or section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be secured without compromising their aesthetics. Ironmongery such as sash chain, mortice bolts, and sash lock can be put in place. These can be installed in a way so that the window can be open for ventilation and cleaning. These products are usually unobtrusive, as they are designed to complement the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catches. These are best replaced with more robust versions, such as those that incorporate double screws or spring levers, to minimize the risk of being hit with hammers.

Sash-window frames were typically made from slow-growing deal or, in the more elegant homes, from oak. If the glazing bars are still intact and in good condition, they should be kept. Where feasible, the cills made of timber should be replaced by wood that matches. PVC-U companies usually offer a one stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows on a complete home in a single day without the need to engage 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 into the buildings. In the 18th century, they were modified so that more light could be let into the rooms. Larger glass panes were also created. The result was a much lighter appearance, and windows with a greater quality of design than before.

The introduction of sash windows also necessitated an entirely new range of ironmongery. Early pulleys were constructed from wood. Later Victorian ones were made of brass or a combination of leaded and wood. There were also different kinds of knobs and shutter hinges. The ironmongery components should be retained and cleaned down so that the fine quality of their design can be appreciated.

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good order. Inattention to maintenance can lead to:

sashes that no longer slide easily.

holes in the frame that admit water that can cause decay and damage.

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

In the I920s and I930s, steel casement windows gained popularity due to their strength, slim and cheap, and complemented the vogue for healthy living. However, research has shown that traditional softwood sash windows can be just as efficient thermally as double-glazed PVC-u windows and can be more attractive than the sleek lines of modern casement windows.

The industry of replacement windows was able to convince homeowners that their old windows were rotten, drafty and beyond economical repair. Many old 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 do not maintain your window's sash, it could result in the sash cords breaking, and the glazing bars deteriorating excessively. It could also cause the paint and putty to become damaged. The removal of sashes could also result in structural movement within the frame that causes the sash to move out of alignment and unable to close correctly. The sash can also be stuck in the open position, allowing water and draughts into the property.

The damage to timber windows is usually caused by moisture penetration. This can be prevented by regular repairs as well as thorough painting, and then removing the cause of dampness. Wet rot is recognisable by the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be stripped to reveal soft, rotting wood. Any timber that is rotting should be cut off and the affected part carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made from the same kind of timber as the ones remaining. This method of repair increases the amount of original fabric that is left and is among the least invasive ways of treating decay of timber to timber.


A wood condenser that is based on resin is a viable alternative to traditional sanding or staining. The product is brushed on to the surface of the timber to stabilize it and protect it from further damage. It is particularly useful in the treatment of sash cords and pulleys where it can help to prevent the breakage.

It is important to restore and not replace any old ironmongery such as sash latches and stays. They can be extremely difficult to replace without harming the quality of the original design. It is also recommended that the use of modern aluminium fittings, such as chain stays and sash lifts is avoided whenever feasible as they could cause corrosion and damage to timber frames and sashes.