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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it dates.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historic buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these circumstances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay.

Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

To alleviate this issue to reduce the risk of this happening, there are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural style of the time they were constructed. They could also have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to protect against invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.

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

Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the window repairs near me in its original form.

As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is sensible, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows are avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious 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 undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant which can cause the growth of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for your location and climate, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The primary cause of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and done with the minimum disturbance. Many traditional timber upvc Window Repairs near me designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value If these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a piece of timber is rotten, the best course of action is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer offers an installation that includes both removal and replacement in one 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 right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that will not harm the historic character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the building originally. This is especially true when the windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.