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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period from which it dates.

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

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historic structures were designed to last for a long time. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may mean replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills for improved air sealing.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these situations water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass repair cambridge. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be made from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work.

There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve 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 technologies and architectural style of the period from which they originate. They may also have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars in order to keep out intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful aspect of a building, and it is important to keep its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay due to moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best accomplished by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of wood as the one being removed to prevent any differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to the smallest of details. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

So, retaining old windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they show a range in technical development and changes to architectural taste. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues in traditional timber windows are avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this may result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected by an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is essential to select the right type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local Window supplier cambridge manufacturers provide an array of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended by regular inspection, careful redecoration and prompt repair. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is essential that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done without causing any disturbance. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers that may have historical value.

If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in one day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance 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 deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the character of the original building. This is especially relevant when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.