Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period from which it dates.

If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. upvc door repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills that allow for improved air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric retained. It is also important to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can let in water and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening and broken glazing. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and existing work.

There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time from which they date. They could have significant historical significance on their own. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to keep out intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber Window Supplier Cambridge joinery. As soon as you notice any signs of decay caused by water penetration it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To prevent this, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of wood that is being removed to prevent differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. The double glazing seal repairs was increasingly laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of double glazing seal repairs is not only less prone to leaking but it can allow for much wider clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows are usually of historical value, as they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be preventable by timely and thorough repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is essential to select the right kind of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide a wide range of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely upvc door repair. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be handled with care and minimal disruption. repairs to upvc doors can be made to several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best way to proceed is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes removal and replacement within a single day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historic character of a building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is especially relevant when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.