Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical fabric of a structure. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be carried out in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include Repairs To upvc Doors to sash cables, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills for better air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be quite wide. In these circumstances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes drilled in the frame to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame and sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to prevent movement between the old and new work.

To reduce the risk, there are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the period from when they were built. They could also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, which were simply a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to keep out invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you notice any decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of timber as the one that is being removed, to avoid differential movement.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent years, glazing was fixed into frames that were rebated using double glazing cambridge sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to remember that such measures must be considered in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the location and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows and doors cambridge windows. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and frameless casement windows must be done with care and with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option should be taken whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical significance.

Where a section of timber has become rotten the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in one day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. The window replacement cambridge installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the style of the building originally. This is particularly true when the windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.