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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It reflects in different levels, the technology and materials of the time period it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If it is possible, repairs must be done in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills that allow for better air sealing.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be quite wide. In these circumstances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable access, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or Repairing oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent the movement of new and old work.

There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and better thermal insulation these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They could also have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is particularly true of early windows that were not cheap double glazed windows cambridge in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is essential 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 by thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem in old timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same kind of timber as the one that is being removed to prevent any differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their care for particulars. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that 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 should be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. The windows of the past often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. In addition it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and double Glazed windows cambridge (telegra.ph) cause wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork is damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided with thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and frameless casement windows must be done with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new windows cambridge coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value and if they are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

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

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within the span of a day. However, it is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of an historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is particularly applicable when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.