Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important element of a building that is historic. It reflects in different levels, the materials and technologies of the time period it was constructed, as well as the design and craftsmanship.

When possible, repairs should be done 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 designed to last hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables and retightening pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for upgrading windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important in the case of sash windows because the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this windows, they should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are drilled in the frame to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent shifting between the new and old work.

There are several companies that manufacture 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. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They may have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, which were just a collection of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to deter invaders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is essential that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is identified. It is recommended to do this by 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 follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem for older 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 you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. The double glazing repairs near me was increasingly set within rebated frames and pinned in by 'double glazing repairs sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of double glazing repairs is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows of the past often have an historic value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however they are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues in traditional timber windows are preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually formulated 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 of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash timbers that can be customized to fit historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The most common cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of aluminium casement windows cambridge should be done with care and minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be used whenever it is possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If a piece of wood has rotted the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within one day. It is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the the original building. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.