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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is an important element of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it originates.

When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old structures were designed to last for a long time. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates or putting in new cills the air to seal better.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To avoid this windows, they should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

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 important to minimize the number of holes created into the frame to allow cable access, because they could 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 lead to sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. This is often corrected by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to avoid shifting between the new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are several companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time from when they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were simply a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning element of a structure and it is important to keep its appearance. When you spot any signs of decay due to water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem in old timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and if possible, the same kind of timber as the one that is being removed to prevent differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. Additionally it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.

A good paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow in the window replacement cambridge frame.

Most older windows were made of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is crucial to select the appropriate type of wood for the site and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and prompt upvc door repair. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

Upvc Repairs Near Me to old sash windows as well as upvc window lock repair frames made of casement should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Loose or peeling paint must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical significance.

When a section of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer provides an all-in-one installation that includes both removal and replacement in a single day. However, it is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows 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 original building. This is particularly true when the windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.