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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial component of a historical building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the period from which it originates.

If it is possible, repairs must be done in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old structures were designed to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be extremely large. In these situations water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted 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 also important to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the new and existing work.

To reduce the risk to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who make Boston pattern wooden sash that can be fitted into most openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that will suit the needs of modern homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time in when they were built. They could have significant historical significance as a set. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings where the great majority were merely a series of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to deter invaders.

Traditional timber window joinery can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and it is important to keep it looking good. When you spot any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem for older timber windows. The best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, if possible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

Glass became more affordable and abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glass was fixed to rebated frames with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on the smallest of details. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency by 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 look of the original windows.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows of the past often have historical significance that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Most people assume that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay problems in traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. The damage is usually not evident until the paintwork is cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth within the window repair cambridge mechnism repair (olderworkers.Com.Au) frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained a high 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 crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows 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, as they could have historical significance.

If a piece of wood is rotting, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the connection between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation service that can handle both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of an historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the character of the building originally. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.