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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it dates.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many old buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working correctly. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can 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 sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can often be extremely large. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes created into the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, since they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were made. They may have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to protect against invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden sliding doors cambridge window doctor cambridge joinery. It is crucial that any decay resulting from the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is identified. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, take out any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, if possible, the same type of wood that is being removed, to avoid differential movement.

Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the 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

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their care for particulars. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to remember that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

As a result, retaining old windows that are in need of Ventilation Repair Cambridgeshire rather than replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. Most people think that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be preventable by quick and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

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

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done with minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be used whenever it is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the "key" of the surface and allow for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical significance.

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

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers 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 thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won'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 like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the character of the original building. This is particularly relevant when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.