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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial component of a historical building. It reflects, in various levels, the technology and materials of the time in which it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be made in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates or putting in new cills to allow the air to seal better.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important when sash cambridge windows and doors are concerned because the gaps between sashes can often be very large. In these circumstances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. Often this can be corrected by fitting new sash Window repair cambridge boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent the movement of new and old work.

To reduce the risk There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often illustrate, in some way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time from which they date. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay that results from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is identified. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. 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 guidelines regarding preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and should it be possible, the same kind of timber as the one 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 more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as careful attention to detailing. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. However it is essential to remember that such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal improvements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay problems caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork is cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good paint will block moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem since they are typically made to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window seal replacement near me frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also important to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the "key" of the surface and allow for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to not remove old paint layers, which may have historical significance.

If a piece of timber has become rotten the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with wood preservative. The junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal within a single day. It is crucial that installers of cambridge replacement windows windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the character of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly 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.