Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical fabric of a building. It reflects in varying degrees, the materials and technologies of the time period it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

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

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure they look great and working properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates or putting up new cills that allow the air to door seal repair near me better.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are drilled in the frame to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent shifting between the new and old work.

There are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were made. They could have significant historical significance on their own. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the great majority were merely a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to deter invaders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem in 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 must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible using the same species as which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and cills that protruded deep. The glazing was increasingly set within rebated frames and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on particulars. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the original window.

Therefore, keeping old windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also crucial to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and lead to further decay.

A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant and can cause mildew growth within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is essential to select the right kind of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window supplier cambridge manufacturers produce various types of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The primary reason for the decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Upvc Doors Repairs to old sash windows as well as window supplier cambridge frames made of casement must be done with care and minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever possible. Paint that is peeling or loose 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 important to not remove old paint layers, which may have historical value.

If a piece of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal within a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that conform to original building's character. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.