Baggeramsey6610

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period that it was built in.

If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historical buildings were made to last for a long time. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working 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 increase energy efficiency is also growing. This can involve replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow for better air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true in the case of sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. 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 strong hardwood like oak, to avoid the movement of new and older work.

There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. They 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 strip and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were built. They could also have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to protect against intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning feature of a building and is essential to maintain its appearance. When you spot any decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it also allows more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.





It is logical to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technological advancements and changes to architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to develop in the window frame.

upvc door repairs of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be done with care and with minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface, allowing for a better adhesion of the new coating. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

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 inserts should be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an installation that includes both replacement and removal within a single day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the character of the building originally. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.