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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period that it was built in.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning correctly. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills to allow for improved air sealing.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these situations water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Corroded areas should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay.





The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood like oak, to avoid differential movement between new and existing work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain form, the materials technology, design, and taste from the time period they were made. They also may have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to protect against intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is essential that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent issue in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on particulars. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be easily prevented with timely and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for the site and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended considerably through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value If these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If window seal repairs near me of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. However, it is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the the building originally. This is particularly true when the windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.