Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained sliding window Repair made of timber is a significant element of the historical fabric of a structure. It reflects, in various degrees, the technology and materials of the time it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship.

When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

The timber windows in many historical buildings were built to last for a long time. They do require maintenance to keep them looking great. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills to allow for improved air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using a resin-based upvc door repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also important to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This is often corrected by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work.

There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. These new sash, when combined 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 wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the period from which they date. They also may have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to keep out invaders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is crucial that any decay resulting from water penetration is immediately stopped once it is recognised. It is best to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated, with tracery made of wood moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows much wider clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as attention to the smallest of details. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures must be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. Historic windows often have historical significance that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are typical of timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to prevent serious damage. The 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 wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem, as they are often made to be water-resistant and this may result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for your location and climate, as these variables can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window mechnism repair manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The main reason for decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

It is essential that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option should be taken whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and lightly sanded 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, as they may have historical significance.

When a piece of wood has become rotten the best course of action is to remove the rotted 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 connection between the cill for timber and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is, however, essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden sliding doors cambridge frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of a building that is historic. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.