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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period that it was built in.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be done in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many old buildings were made to last for a long time. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating properly. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window repairs cambridge rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To avoid this windows, they should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

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

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening, and damaged glazing. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and older work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically illustrate, in some way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, which were just a collection of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made of timber is a beautiful feature of a building and it is important to maintain its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay due to moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem for older timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same kind of timber that is being removed, to prevent the possibility of differential movement.

Glass became more affordable and abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but it can allow for larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay careful attention to detailing. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original window.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technological advancements and changes to architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however they are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be preventable by quick and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant which can lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The main cause of 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 old sash windows as well as casement window frames must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden Plastic Window Repair designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If a portion of wood is rotting the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an installation that includes both replacement and removal in one day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't harm the character of an historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the style of the building originally. This is particularly applicable when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.