How To Find The Perfect Cambridge Window Online Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period from which it dates.

If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also important to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame as well as sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

To alleviate this issue There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they show, in some shape, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were made. They also may have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to keep out intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is best to do this with thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and when possible, the exact kind of timber that is being removed, to prevent differential movement.

Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of 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 windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to particulars. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to remember that these measures should be considered when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. The windows of the past often have historical significance that demonstrates a range of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay problems associated with traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to develop in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window 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 to suit historic structures.


Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow 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 paint analysis be carried out.

Where a section of timber is rotten, the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. double glazing repairs cambridge repairmywindowsanddoors that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of removal and replacement within a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the historic character of a building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the character of the building originally. This is particularly true when the windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.