Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial element of the historical structure of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period that it was built in.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be done in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these situations, replacement Windows cambridge water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also important to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay.

Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work.

To reduce the risk There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that can be fitted into most openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and better thermal insulation these new sash can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and style of the time they were built. They could have significant historical significance on their own. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority were series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars in order to protect against intrusions.

Traditional timber window joinery can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep its appearance. It is essential that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is discovered. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem in older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of timber as the one being removed, to avoid differential movement.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projection cills. In recent years, glazing was pinned into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and care for the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

As a result, retaining existing historic windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows of the past often have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150, 200, or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are preventable by prompt and thorough Emergency Upvc Door Repairs. In addition, it is essential to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to develop in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that fit with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The primary cause of decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of aluminium casement windows cambridge must be done with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of removal and replacement within one day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't harm the character of an historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the the original building. This is especially true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.