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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical fabric of a structure. It reflects in varying degree the materials and technologies of the time in which it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

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

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning properly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber cambridge windows to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite wide. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this, windows should be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are created in the frame to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This can result in sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, to avoid the movement of new and old work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to deter invaders.

Traditional window Maintenance joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay due to moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, if possible, the same species as that which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new and old timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In the past, more often, the glass repair cambridge was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been 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 attention to the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form.

As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be made economically through simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however they are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings from the past. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash or aluminium casement windows cambridge windows are well executed, and carried out with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to repair many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value and if they are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

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

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that handles both removal and replacement within a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. window lock repairs replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the the building originally. This is especially relevant when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.