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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it originates.

When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many old buildings were built to last for a long time. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for upgrading windows made of timber to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes can often be extremely large. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To avoid this, windows should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes drilled in the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a number of companies who produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They could have significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning element of a structure and is essential to maintain its appearance. It is essential that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is identified. This is best accomplished by painting thoroughly, especially in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.

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

Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glazing was fixed into rebated frames with double glazing repairs cambridge sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as attention to particulars. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. It is important to remember that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. The windows of the past often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems associated with traditional timber windows can be prevented by regular maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because 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 become wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often designed to be water-resistant and this may lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt ventilation Repair cambridgeshire (http://lineyka.org/). The primary reason for the decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly and completed without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.

If a portion of wood is rotting 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 with a wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles both removal and replacement within one day. It is, however, essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the the building originally. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.