Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period that it was built in.

When possible, emergency upvc door repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historical buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also important to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and older work.

To reduce the risk There are a number of companies who produce Boston pattern wooden windows Cambridge sash that can be fitted into most openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were built. They may have significant historical significance as a set. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to protect against intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas that have already suffered 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 of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of rotting timber must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form.

So, retaining old windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows are usually of historical value, as they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be easily prevented with quick and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this may lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historical buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended considerably through regular inspections, careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be handled with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the 'key' of the surface and facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to not remove old paint layers, which could have historical significance.

When a piece of wood has begun to decay, the best way to proceed is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the connection between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

cambridge replacement windows of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of removal and replacement within one day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of an historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.