Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is an important part of the historic structure of a building. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and technologies of the time in which it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be done in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

timber double glazed windows cambridge windows were made to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for enhancing windows made of timber to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may mean replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow the air to door seal repair near me better.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be very wide. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry since these could let in water and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made of a strong hardwood such as oak, to avoid the movement of new and old work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that will suit the needs of modern homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time in which they originate. They could also have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window mechnism repair joinery. It is vital that any decay resulting from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is discovered. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

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

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. The glazing was increasingly set within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaks but it can allow for larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary double glazing repairs cambridge. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form.

As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows of the past often have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. The pressure to replace these cambridge windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however they are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be preserved with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The main cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and completed with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, which could have historical significance.

When a section of wood is rotting the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint 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 all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal in one day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history 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 character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the style of the original building. This is particularly true when the windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.