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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window maintenance is an essential component of a historical building. It reflects in varying levels, the technology and materials of the time in which it was constructed, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

When possible, repairs should be made on-site. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables and retightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing windows made of timber to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills to allow the air to seal better.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be quite wide. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To avoid this windows, they should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Corroded areas should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is also essential to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry since these could admit water and lead to decay.

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to distortions in the frame as well as sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by putting in new sash window repair cambridge frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the new and existing work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they display, in a certain form, the materials technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority were series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars to keep out intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window doctor joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of wood that is being removed, to prevent differential movement.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent years, glass was fixed to rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible otherwise without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal enhancements can be made inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. The windows of the past often have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

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

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings from the past. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly and completed with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance If these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

If a piece of wood has rotted the best option is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the 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 both removal and replacement within a single day. It is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historic character of a building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the the building originally. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.