It's Time To Extend Your Cambridge Window Options Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in different degree the materials and technologies of the time it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure they look great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric preserved. It is also important to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the period from which they originate. They may also have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the great majority were simply a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning aspect of a building, and is essential to maintain its appearance. As soon as you see any decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and number of coats required at each stage.


Wet rot is a common problem in old timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible, the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. In the past, more often, the glass was set within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their attention to particulars. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

So, retaining old windows that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense particularly when 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 advancements and changes to the architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, which can cause the growth of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by careful painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Paint replacement windows cambridge is peeling or loose must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers that could have historical significance.

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

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an installation that includes both replacement and removal in one day. It is essential that 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 historical character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is particularly relevant when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.