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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a structure. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period from which it dates.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric preserved. It is also important to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry as these can let in water and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and old work.

There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes to fit the needs of modern homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time from when they were built. They may also have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay resulting from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is identified. This can be done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of wood that is being removed, to prevent the possibility of differential movement.

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 sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been possible 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. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original window.

So, retaining the existing windows from the past that require repair rather than replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made economically through simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay issues in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with quick and thorough repairs. Additionally it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, 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 begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. upvc door repair cost is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to wet weather, but can be preserved with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.

Maintenance





The life of timber windows can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The most common cause of decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows 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 method should be followed whenever feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value and if they are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

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

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of removal and replacement within a day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't harm the character of a building that is historic. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the the building originally. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.