8 Tips To Enhance Your Cambridge Window Game

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden Window maintenance is an essential part of a historic building. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and techniques of the time in which it was constructed, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be done in situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills for better air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

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

The structural movement of the wall could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and old work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to 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 techniques and architectural style of the time from when they were built. They could also have a significant historic 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 simply a series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a stunning aspect of a building, and is essential to keep its appearance. As soon as you notice any decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of timber as the one that is being removed, to prevent differential movement.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projection cills. In recent times, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of 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. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to remember that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows are usually of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and timely repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew inside the plastic window repair frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the "key" of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value If these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

Where a section of timber is rotten, the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that won'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. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is particularly applicable when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.