Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden windows cambridge window is an important part of a historic building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time that it was built in.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows are required, they should be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture 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 and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, to avoid differential movement between new and older work.

To reduce the risk There are several companies that produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some form, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars to keep out intrusions.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you notice any decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, if possible, the same species as which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they show a range in technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be easily prevented with quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic since they are typically made to be water-resistant which can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for the site and climate, as these variables can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to Ventilation Repair Cambridgeshire several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface and allow for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.

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

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is an attractive option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement within a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that do not alter the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.