Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historic structure of a building. It reflects, in various degree the materials and technologies of the time period it was made, the design and craftsmanship.

If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. upvc door repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many historic structures were designed to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening the pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be very wide. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural taste from the time period they were built. They could also have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings which were simply a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to keep out invaders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used 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.

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

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, cambridge double glazing - get redirected here, was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for larger and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their care for detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping old windows that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay problems associated with traditional timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often made to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make various types of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings from the past. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly by regular inspection, careful redecoration and prompt repair. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden plastic window repair designs without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that may have historical significance.

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

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement in a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows cambridge have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is especially true when windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.