Maintaining Timber Windows

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

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be made in situ. The upvc door repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historical buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs to upvc doors, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric preserved. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay.

Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to prevent the movement of new and older work.

To alleviate this issue to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and a better thermal insulation, can make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They may also have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, which were simply a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to deter intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is crucial that any decay that results from water penetration is immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used 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.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same kind of timber as the one being removed to prevent differential movement.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glazing was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary double glazing cambridge and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to the architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues with traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough upvc repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, which can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce various types of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and frameless casement windows must be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If a piece of wood has rotted, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that do not alter the historical character of a building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is especially true when the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.