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Five Tools That Everyone Involved In Sash Windows Cambridge Industry Should Be Utilizing
How to Restore Timber Sash Windows in Cambridge

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

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

1. Aesthetics

Contrary to PVC-u windows which are manufactured according to imperial sizes that are modular Timber sash windows can be restored to their original sizes. This allows for the restoration of timber sash windows to meet current energy requirements and conform to conservation regulations for areas. It also offers windows with a superior appearance than uPVC alternatives.

Sliding windows with sash were initially only used in large buildings or public buildings, however this changed when production became less expensive and craftsmen could produce larger frames with more glass. By the end of the 18th century, sash windows had become the most popular wooden style in British homes. Since they were easy to open, sash windows let light into rooms without curtains.

Early windows were plain glass, but in the 17th century sash windows began to become more attractive with coloured glass bars and moulded mullions. These windows were quite expensive at the time, but as glass production improved and cheaper they became a feature of many of the period homes.

In the 19th century, it was possible to produce large, sturdy glasses that didn't need supporting bars. This allowed the frame's size to be enlarged further and this in turn gave a better view from the window. This was a significant advancement.

The introduction of the double-hung sliding sash was a significant improvement that came about at the end of the I920s and at the beginning of the I930s. This allowed both the upper and lower sash to be opened at the same time and also improved the ventilation of buildings.

The most common type of sash is made of slow-growing deal (pine) however oak was used in the more luxurious buildings and in earlier examples. It is important to maintain the parting bead which separates the sashes. This will prevent draughts and rattles. The idler wheels, sash pulleys and sash rollers are also crucial to the functioning of the window.

2. Energy efficiency

As clearer and larger sheets of glass became available, sash window started replacing hinged casements. Glass plates were set in rebated timber frames, secured with glazing sprigs and putty was sprayed on both sides of the frame to ensure watertightness. This kind of glazing gradually replaced leaded lights.

The introduction of sashes created an need for a wider range of ironmongery, including the most basic fittings, brass pulleys, lead (and later cast iron) weights, sash stops, shutter hinges and knobs as well as a range of fasteners to hold the sashes into the right place. They were often decorated with motifs, inscriptions or engraved patterns that identified the maker.

With regular maintenance, sash windows can be extremely energy efficient. If they are not maintained they can get drafty. Putty and paint can also cause draughts. This can be corrected using proprietary wood-to-timber repair products.

The market for replacement windows is based heavily on the notion that old windows are beyond repair and therefore cannot be maintained economically. However, they can easily be maintained with a bit of attention. However, these repairs can be expensive and involve considerable disruption to the home. To prevent this homeowners often choose to replace their windows with PVC-u windows from one of the many "one stop shop" installation companies. They can replace all windows in a house in a single day, saving time and avoiding the need for different tradesmen to coordinate. These windows can be fitted with energy-saving double glazing to get higher energy ratings than traditional windows with sash. However double-glazed windows cannot reproduce the proportions and section of historic timber sashes.

3. Security

Traditional windows can be made more secure without compromising their aesthetics. There are many types of ironmongery that are available including sash chains mortice bolts and sash locks. These can be installed in a manner that the window can still be opened to allow ventilation and cleaning. They are generally unobtrusive, as they are designed to match the sash window. They can be used in conjunction with traditional sash window catch. These should be replaced by more robust models like ones that have double screws or spring levers in order to reduce the possibility of being struck by hammers.

Sash-window frames were made from slow-growing deal or, in more prestigious houses made of oak. Where glazing bars have survived they should be kept and where possible, the timber of the cill should be replaced with matching wood. PVC-U companies usually offer a one stop shop installation service that can remove and replacing windows across a house in a day without the need to engage other tradespeople, or coordinate visits from different suppliers.

4. Ventilation

Sash windows were introduced in the 17th century and allowed for a significant amount of light into buildings. In the 18th century, they were adapted so that even more light could be let into rooms. Larger glazing panes were also created. The result was a lighter look and windows that were more elegant.

timber casement windows cost cambridge repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk were introduced and required a new type of ironmongery. Early pulleys were of wood, whereas later Victorian ones were made from brass or a mixture 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 fine design.

Timber windows require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. Lack of regular attention may result in:

Sashes that no longer slide easily.

holes in the frame allow water, which can cause damage and decay.

The putty can be soaked by water and cause decay to the frame or cill.

Steel casement windows gained popularity in the I920s and I930s due to their strength and slim, and also because they were cheap and matched the trend towards healthy living. Studies have shown that softwood sash window are as efficient as PVC-u windows, and may even be more attractive.

The industry of replacement windows has done a great job convincing homeowners that their old windows were rotten drafty, noisy and beyond repair. The truth is that a lot of older windows made of wood are in good shape and with minor repairs could easily be repaired for many years to be.

5. Maintenance

A traditional sash window requires regular maintenance and inspection. If you do not maintain your window's sash, it could lead to the sash cords breaking and the glazing bars wearing out excessively. It can also cause paint and putty to deteriorate. The removal of sashes may also result in structural movement within the frame, which can cause the sash not to close properly. It is also possible for the sash be snagged or fixed in an open position, which can let water and draughts enter the property.

Damage to timber windows is often caused by water entry. This can be avoided by thorough painting, periodic repairs, and removing the source of dampness. Wet rot is easily identified due to the wavy appearance of the existing paint which can be removed to reveal soft, rotting wood. Any timber that is rotting should be cut off and the affected area carefully wrapped or pieced back using replacements made of the same kind of timber as the ones that remain. This method of repair increases the amount of fabric left, and is among 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. This is brushed on the surface of the wood to protect it and stabilise it. It is particularly useful to treat pulley cords and sash, which can help prevent breakage.


It is crucial to restore and not replace any historic ironmongery, like the sash latches and stays. These items are difficult to replace without compromising the the original design. It is also advised that modern aluminium fittings like sashlifts and chainstays, be avoided as they can cause deterioration and corrosion of timber frames and sashes.