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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It reflects, in various degree the technology and materials of the time period it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship.

If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. The ventilation Repair Cambridgeshire system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were made to last for centuries. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating correctly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This may mean replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills that allow the air to seal better.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true in the case of sash windows because the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these instances water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening and broken glazing. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and old work.

To reduce the risk, there are now a number of companies who manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time from which they date. They may also have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were simply a series of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window doctor cambridge joinery. It is vital that any decay that results from moisture penetration should be stopped as soon as it is recognised. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same kind of timber as the one being removed to prevent any differential movement.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed into frames that were rebated using double glazing repairs sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for larger and clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their attention to 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 made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to remember that such measures must be considered in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the window maintenance in its original form.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural tastes. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork is cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can 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 possible. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this may result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is crucial to select the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these variables can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely upvc door repair cost. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window repair designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.

When a section of wood is decayed the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that handles both removal and replacement within a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of an historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the character of the building originally. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.