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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It reflects, in various levels, the materials and techniques of the time in which it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most deteriorated 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 ensure they look great and working properly. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glass units, fixing the Window Crack repair rebates that are in place or putting in new cills to allow for improved air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these circumstances water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also essential to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to avoid the movement of new and existing work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. The new sash, coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were made. They could also have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is vital that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projection cills. In recent years, glazing was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows larger clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

Therefore, keeping old windows that require ventilation repair cambridgeshire rather than replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be made economically through simple repairs and improvements. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they show a range in technological advancement and changes in the architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is important to recognise that the decay problems caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and swift repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.

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

The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the location and climate, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed, and carried out with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be followed whenever feasible. Loose or peeling paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the "key" of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers that may have historical value.

When a piece of wood is rotten, the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match 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.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that will not harm the historical character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is especially true when the windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.