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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is an important element of the historic structure of a building. It reflects, in various degree the technology and materials of the time period it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This could include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true in the case of sash windows because the gaps between sashes can often be very large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To avoid this windows, they should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent shifting between the new and older work.

To reduce the risk to reduce the risk of this happening, there are several companies that produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of the modern homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were made. They could also have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed structures, which were merely a series of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter invaders.





Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is crucial that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be stopped as soon as it is recognised. This can be done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem in older timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was set within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for 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 due to their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to particulars. double glazing cambridge Repair My Windows And Doors have large glass areas as well as deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. However it is essential to remember that such measures must be considered in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.

It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technological advancements and changes to architectural taste. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150, 200, or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also crucial to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather, but can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is crucial to select the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash timbers that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historical structures.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows must be done with care and with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a portion of wood is rotting the best option is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an installation that includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historic character of a building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the character of the building originally. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.