What's Everyone Talking About Cambridge Window This Moment Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time from which it originates.

If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many historical buildings were built to last for centuries. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To avoid this, windows should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and old work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a number of companies who produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some shape, the materials technology, design, and style of the time they were constructed. They may also have significant historical value as a set. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.


It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this, remove any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. In the process, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but it also allows much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is sensible especially when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are that are typical of timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and address them promptly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant and can cause mildew to grow in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for the site and climate, as these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection, careful redecoration and timely repair. The main cause of decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a piece of timber is rotten, the best course of action is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both removal and replacement in one day. It is, however, vital that the installer of replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historic 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 approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the character of the building originally. This is particularly applicable when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.