5 Must-Know Cambridge Window Practices For 2023 Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is an important part of the historic fabric of a structure. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period that it was built in.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many historical buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills that allow for better air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these circumstances water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this, windows should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also important to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could admit water and lead to decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must 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 a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when coupled 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 timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They may also have significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to protect against invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any decay caused by moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.


The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of wood as the one that is being removed, to avoid differential movement.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to the smallest of details. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in the architectural style. Most people think that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork is wavy or cracked but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. wooden sliding doors cambridge of modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically designed to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a variety 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 historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value If these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

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

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. 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.