Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an essential element of a building that is historic. It reflects in varying degrees, the technology and materials of the time period it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.
If repairs are possible to existing windows should be done in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished by using specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can involve replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills for better air sealing.
One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.
In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using an adhesive-based door repair cambridge product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are created into the frame in order 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 sash. This can result in sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and old work.
To alleviate this issue, there are now 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 to suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of your home’s energy usage.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time from which they date. They could also have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which 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.
Traditional timber window replacement cambridge joinery can be a stunning element of a structure and is essential to keep it looking good. When you spot any signs of decay due to moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in relation to preparation and number of coats required at each stage.
Wet rot is a frequent issue in old timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same kind of timber as the one being removed, to avoid differential movement.
In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and secured by ‘double glazing repairs cambridge sprigs’ rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of double glazing cambridge is not just less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for leaded lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and care for detail. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures must be considered when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.
It is logical to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.
It is crucial to understand that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.
A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant and can cause mildew growth in the window frame.
The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is essential to select the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific historic openings. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or glazing to specific dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.
Maintenance
The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The main reason for the decay is the infiltration of moisture through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.
Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the ‘key’ of the surface, allowing for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.
When a section of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed.
It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal within a single 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 suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.