Everything You Need To Know About Cambridge Window Dos And Don'ts Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects in varying degrees, the materials and technologies of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many old buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be quite wide. In these situations water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop glass repair cambridge from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.


Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes made into the frame in order to allow cable access, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent differential movement between new and older work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They also may have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings which were simply a series of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative feature of a building and is crucial to keep its appearance. It is vital that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent issue in old timber windows and the best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, if feasible using the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their care for the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Historic windows often have historical significance that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. Many people believe that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be preventable by quick and thorough repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A quality paint will block moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow within the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer 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 that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is important that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are done correctly, and carried out with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to several traditional designs of timber windows without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a portion of wood is decayed, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes removal and replacement in one day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't harm the character of a historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like 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 are sympathetic to the the original building. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.