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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and techniques of the time it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills the air to seal better.

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

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also important to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could let in water and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. Often this can be corrected by fitting new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work.

There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars to keep out invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number 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 soon as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible, the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new and old timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for double glazed door repairs windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it can allow for much wider and clearer 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 careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures need to be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

So, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal improvements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple upvc Door repairs and upgrades. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork is damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also essential to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop within the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The main reason for decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided with careful painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and frameless casement windows should be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is possible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the "key" of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

When a section of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the junction between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles removal and replacement within one day. However, it is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that won't harm the character of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.