There's A Good And Bad About Cambridge Window Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historic structure of a building. It reflects, in various levels, the materials and techniques of the time in which it was constructed, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

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

Durability

The windows made of wood in many historical structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. replacement windows cambridge could mean replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow for improved air sealing.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to avoid shifting between the new and existing work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of the modern homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They also may have a significant historical significance 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 just a collection of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a common issue in old timber windows and the best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same kind of timber as the one that is being removed to prevent differential movement.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaks but it also allows more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping old windows that require repair rather than replacing them is sensible especially when their thermal enhancements can be made economically through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are associated with traditional timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and swift repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem, as they are often designed to be water-resistant and this may lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to wet weather, but can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the location and climate conditions, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic buildings.


Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and timely repair. 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 a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. 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 stick better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a piece of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated using wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u can be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in one day. However, it is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of an historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed acceptable in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the character of the building originally. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.