Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window repair specialists is a crucial part of a historic building. It reflects in varying levels, the technology and materials of the time in which it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many old buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills for improved air seal.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the existing and new work.

To reduce the risk to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time in which they date. They may have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were merely a series of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is crucial that any decay caused by water penetration is removed as soon as it is identified. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of wood. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible using the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projection cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing 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 window in its original form.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows typically have historical significance that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Many people believe that these windows will need 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 recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork is damaged or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent mould and condensation. Modern Window Repair synthetic paints could be a problem, as they are often made to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide a wide range of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be constructed according 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 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 painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows and casement window doctor frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best course of action is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an installation that includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that won't harm the historic character of a building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the character of the original building. This is particularly applicable when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.