Sash Windows Devon – Restoration 

The windows to Teigngrace Church are 19th century large gothic arched softwood box sash windows. They have Georgian bars separating individual leaded glass panels in cylinder blown antique glass.

The timber frames had been decorated well over the years however much of the rot had been sealed in place by the paint. Consequently, the rot continued unseen, leaving much of the timber with the texture of cork.

A meeting was held with the church wardens and the church architect. It soon became clear that the existing timber frames were beyond repair and that they would need replacing. However, it was agreed that as much of the original internal mouldings as possible should be retained as these had survived the ravages of time and could be removed and carefully restored.

Much of the original leaded glazing was intact however panels had been damaged and replaced with plain glass in the past.

The original timber frames were manufactured in close grained softwood which would probably have been slow grown and far more durable than the softwood that is available today. It was agreed to duplicate the entire frame and sashes in European Oak.

The internal mouldings were restored and refitted to the new frame.As with many historical windows the frame was not uniform or square and this is the way it had to be remade to enable the original glazing to be restored and refitted.

All of the works were completed on two of the large windows including the replacement of the large internal window boards.