Cambridge Window Tips From The Most Successful In The Business Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is an important element of the historic structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old structures were designed to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills to allow for better air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be very wide. In these circumstances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are created into the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and broken glass. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent differential movement between new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem There are a number of companies who produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.


Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain form, the materials technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were made. They also may have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, which were simply a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to deter intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay caused by water penetration is stopped as soon as it is discovered. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended 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.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as careful attention to detailing. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

It is logical to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. Historic windows often have historical significance that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will have 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.

window repair specialists repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is essential to understand that the decay issues that are caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly to avoid major 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 damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the location and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical significance.

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

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement in a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a building that is historic. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the original building. This is especially true when the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.