Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects in varying degrees, the materials and techniques of the time period it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows are required, they should be done in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window seal repairs near me rebates that are in place, or installing new cills that allow the air to door seal repair near me better.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this, windows should be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Corroded areas should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes made into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to avoid shifting between the new and existing work.

To reduce the risk There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These sash are coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some shape, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They could also have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is crucial that any decay caused by water penetration is immediately stopped once it is discovered. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent shifting between the new and old timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to remember that such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural style. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. In addition, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for double glazed door repairs, olderworkers.com.au, this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good paint will prevent moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth in the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for your location and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local skylight Window repair manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The most common cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and done with minimal disruption. It is possible to upvc door repair the majority of traditional wooden window hinges leeds designs without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the "key" of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.

If a portion of wood has rotted the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes removal and replacement within a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that will not harm the historical character of a building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.