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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period from which it originates.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The demand for enhancing windows made of timber to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes can often be very large. In these situations water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is essential to limit the number of holes created into the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening and cracked glazing. This can be corrected often by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to avoid the movement of new and old work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.





Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural style of the time they were constructed. They may have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intrusions.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. double glazing seal repairs is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

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

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projection cills. The glazing was increasingly set within rebated frames and pinned in 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 more clear glass sheets to be employed than would be feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical value, as they demonstrate a variety in technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay issues in traditional timber windows are preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. Additionally it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. The damage is usually not apparent until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked however, it can cause serious structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this may cause the growth of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing an extensive proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for your location and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

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

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes removal and replacement within a single day. It is crucial that 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 recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't harm the character of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. 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 relevant when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.