Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is an important part of the historic structure of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates.

If possible, repairs to upvc doors should be made in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for centuries. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills to allow for better air sealing.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To avoid this, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is essential to limit the number of holes drilled in the frame to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly, sticking or jamming in the opening and cracked glazing. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and old work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now several companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain form, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were built. They also may have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against invaders.

Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful element of a structure and it is important to maintain its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or degradation. 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 in old timber windows and the best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of timber as the one that is being removed to prevent any differential movement.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden sliding doors cambridge tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the cambridge windows and doors less likely to leak, but also allows for 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, as well as careful attention to detailing. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures need to be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows cambridge.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows typically have historical significance that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided by regular maintenance and swift repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically made to be water-resistant and this can cause the growth of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is crucial to select the right kind of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window repair specialists manufacturers have various types of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The most common reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed, and carried out without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

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

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an attractive option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation service that can handle both removal and replacement within a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber double glazed windows cambridge frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that won't harm the historic character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the the original building. This is especially applicable when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.