Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial component of a historical building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period from which it dates.

If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these instances water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes created in the frame to allow cable access, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent the movement of new and old work.

There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural taste from the time period they were made. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to keep out invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber upvc window lock repair joinery. It is essential that any decay that results from water penetration is immediately stopped once it is identified. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows and the best method to stop it from developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be used than would have been feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. 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 makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.

A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, and this may 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 protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is essential to select the right type of wood for your location and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window repair cambridge manufacturers make various types of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical buildings.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The primary cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed and done without causing any disturbance. A lot of traditional wooden upvc window lock repair designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.

When a section of wood is rotting the best option 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 preserver and the connection between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an installation that includes removal and replacement in a single day. It is, however, upvc locksmith cambridge crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that do not alter the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should 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. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is especially true when the windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.