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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant part of the historic fabric of a structure. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it originates.

If repairs are possible to existing windows should be done in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many historical structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working properly. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, double glazed windows cambridge re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to avoid shifting between the new and existing work.

There are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain shape, the materials technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were made. They also may have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber is a beautiful aspect of a building, and it is important to keep it looking good. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this, remove any rotten or damaged parts as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of timber that is being removed to prevent the possibility of differential movement.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for cheap double glazing cambridge glazed windows cambridge (mouse click the next page) glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. The double glazing in cambridge was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for more expansive and clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is important to remember that these measures must be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually made to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained an extensive proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The primary cause of decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by careful painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to door repair cambridge many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Remove any 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. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the cill for timber and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements 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 such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the the original building. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.