Cambridge Window Tips From The Most Successful In The Business

Maintaining Timber Windows

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

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be carried out in situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the whole window replacement cambridge.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window replacement cambridge rebates that are in place or putting in new cills for better air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To avoid this windows, they should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are made into the frame in order 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 the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to avoid differential movement between new and older work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in when they were built. They could have significant historical value on their own. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings which were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter intrusions.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

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

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. Increasingly, the glazing was set within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and care for detail. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal improvements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with timely and thorough repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and address them promptly in order to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem as 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 begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints are problematic since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew growth within the window frame.

Most older windows were made of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local tailored window repair - he said - manufacturers offer various types of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical structures.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The main cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by careful painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and completed with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the "key" of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers that may have historical significance.

When a section of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an installation that includes both removal and replacement in a single day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't harm the character of a building that is historic. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is particularly relevant when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.