Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It reflects, in various degree the technology and materials of the time it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This could include replacing old double glazing cambridge units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air door seal Repair near me.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are made into the frame to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame as well as sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent differential movement between new and existing work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and a better 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 taste of the time from which they date. They may have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to protect against invaders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is crucial that any decay that results from moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is identified. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of wood. To stop this from happening, remove any rotten or damaged parts as soon as you can. The cambridge replacement windows of wood that is rotting must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but also allows for larger clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on the smallest of details. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to the architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay problems caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also crucial to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage and lead to further decay.

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

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather, but can be preserved with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is essential to select the right type of wood for the site and climate, as these variables can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and quick repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The most common reason for decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed, and carried out with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers, which may have historical significance.

If a piece of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles both removal and replacement within a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that will not harm the historic character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that are suited to original building's character. This is especially relevant when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.