Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial component of a historical building. It demonstrates in various degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it originates.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window.

Durability

The timber windows in many historical buildings were built to last for a long time. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating correctly. The most common maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can often be extremely large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes made in the frame to allow cable access, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the period from which they date. They also may have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, which were simply a series of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is crucial that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is identified. It is best to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding 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 prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible it is the same species as which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that double glazed door seal repairs openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form.

Therefore, keeping the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. Many people believe that these windows will need 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 important to recognise that the decay problems associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this can cause the growth of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and timely upvc doors repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The main cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is possible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface and facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers that could have historical significance.

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

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the building originally. This is particularly relevant when windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.