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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It reflects, in various degrees, the materials and technologies of the time in which it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If it is possible, repairs must be done in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems.





Durability

Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating correctly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To avoid this windows, they should be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are made into the frame to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were made. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the majority were series of openings in structural frames that were 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 essential to stop it. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of timber as the one being removed, to avoid any differential movement.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. In the process, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent times, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been possible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows typically have historical significance that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and swift repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

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

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. cambridge double glazing of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed, and carried out with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the 'key' of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers, as they may have historical value.

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

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation service that can handle removal and replacement in a day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.