5 Cambridge Window Leçons From The Professionals Maintaining Timber Windows


A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial part of the historic structure of a building. It reflects, in various levels, the materials and technologies of the time it was constructed, as well as the design and craftsmanship.

If it is possible, repairs must be done in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could mean replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or putting up new cills for improved air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are created in the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly jamming, sticking or sagging in 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 from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

To reduce the risk to reduce the risk of this happening, there are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.

upvc locksmith cambridge have a high aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural taste from the time period they were built. They also may have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars in order to protect against intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is crucial that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be stopped as soon as it is discovered. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows and the best method to stop it from developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible, the same species as that which is being removed to prevent shifting between the new and old timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in 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, tracery made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. The glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be feasible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve 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 integrity and appearance of the original window.

So, retaining existing historic windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is sensible especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically designed to be water-resistant and this can result in the formation of mildew in the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is essential to select the appropriate 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 customized to fit specific historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The most common cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided with thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly and completed without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers, which could have historical significance.

Where a section of timber has become rotten the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the cill for timber and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly if the installer offers an installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is, however, vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that will not harm the historical character of a building. Anyone who installs replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that are suited to original building's character. This is especially true when the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.