Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period from which it originates.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be done in situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning properly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include upvc door repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing Window Hinges Leeds rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional upvc windows cambridge. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. This is often corrected by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They may also have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of openings within structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made from timber double glazed windows cambridge can be a stunning element of a structure and it is important to keep its appearance. It is essential that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is discovered. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new and old timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glazing was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not 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 employed than would be possible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. It is important to remember that these measures need to be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay problems in traditional timber windows are preventable by timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage, and could 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 condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically designed to be water-resistant and this can result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window doctor manufacturers offer an array of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to upvc doors to old sash or casement windows are done correctly and done with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers, which could have historical significance.

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

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is especially relevant when windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.