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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period from which it originates.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows are required, they should be made in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many historical buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating correctly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also important to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to prevent shifting between the new and older work.

To alleviate this issue, there are now a number of companies who manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars in order to keep out intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is crucial that any decay resulting from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is discovered. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent issue in older timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as 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 abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. In recent times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide 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 essential to keep in mind that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancement and changes in the architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.





It is essential to understand that the decay issues associated with traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and prompt repairs. upvc windows cambridge is also important to identify damp problems and address them promptly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew growth in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common reason for decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and frameless casement windows should be done with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. 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 and allow for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance If these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

Where a section of timber is rotten, the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative. The junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is crucial that the person who installs windows replacement has a thorough knowledge 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. Those who provide replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved 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 and conservation areas.