Speak "Yes" To These 5 Cambridge Window Tips Maintaining Timber Windows


A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in different degree the materials and techniques of the time period it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills to allow the air to seal better.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also important to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could admit water and lead to decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and existing work.

To alleviate this issue, there are now a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some form, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They could have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to keep out invaders.

Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful element of a structure and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is vital that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is recognised. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, remove any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as that which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but it can allow for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. It is important to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvement in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected by a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the climate and site conditions, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make various types of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific historic openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended considerably by regular inspection, careful redecoration and timely repair. The primary reason for decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Remove 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. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in a day. It is, however, essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that will not harm the historic character of a building. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the the building originally. This is especially applicable when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.