Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects, in various degree the materials and techniques of the time period it was made, the design and craftsmanship.

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

Durability

The timber windows in many historical buildings were made to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to keep them looking great. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can involve replacing old glazing units, repairing the window repair cambridge rebates that are in place or putting in new cills that allow the air to seal better.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To prevent this, windows should be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes created in the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to prevent differential movement between new and older work.

There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they show, in some shape, the materials, technology, and architectural taste from the time period they were built. They may have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber framed buildings where the great majority were simply a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a stunning feature of a building and is essential to keep it looking good. It is crucial that any decay that results from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is identified. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem in old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible, the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. The glazing was increasingly set within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but also allows for much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large double glazing repairs cambridge areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to remember that such measures must be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the upvc window and door repairs in its original form.

So, retaining old windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is sensible especially when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple Emergency Upvc Door Repairs and improvements. The windows of the past often have a historical value that demonstrates a range of technical development and changes in architectural tastes. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay problems with traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A quality paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and timely upvc door repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The main cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window lock repairs designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.

If a piece of timber is rotten, the best way to proceed is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of an historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable 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 the building originally. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.