Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is an important element of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects, in various degrees, the materials and technologies of the time period it was constructed, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be done in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many historic structures were designed to last for centuries. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these situations water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is also essential to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new frames for sash 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 new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a number of companies who make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that will suit the needs of modern homeowners. The new sash, coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they display, in a certain form, the materials technology, design, and style of the time they were made. 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, where the great majority were merely a series of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to deter intrusions.

Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning element of a structure and it is important to maintain its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem for old 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 stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows 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 an excellent energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary double glazing repairs near me and draught proofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows of the past often have an historic value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are that are typical of timber windows can be prevented by regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also crucial to recognize damp issues and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and 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. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, which can cause the growth of mildew inside the window frame.

Most older windows cambridge were made of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the location and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide a wide range of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and prompt ventilation Repair Cambridgeshire. The main cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows and casement window frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

If a portion of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that won't harm the historical character of a building. The window repair cambridge installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the style of the building originally. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.