Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window installation cambridge 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 time that it was built in.

If possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based upvc door repair systems can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the whole Window lock repairs.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for centuries. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The demand for enhancing windows made of timber to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This may mean replacing old glass units, fixing the window installation cambridge rebates that are in place, or installing new cills that allow for better air sealing.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be extremely wide. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

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

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to distortions in the frame and sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to prevent differential movement between new and existing work.

To reduce the risk There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they date. They may have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings within structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to keep out intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is identified. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever possible, the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and the existing timbers.

Glass became more affordable and abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed to rebated frames with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large double glazing seal repairs areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to remember that these measures need to be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. The windows of the past often have historical significance that demonstrates a range of technical development and changes in architectural tastes. Most people assume that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often made to be water-resistant and this may lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary cause of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be done with care and minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the key of the surface and allow for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to not remove old paint layers that may have historical significance.

If a piece of timber has become rotten the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an installation that includes both replacement and removal within a single day. However, it is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is especially applicable when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.