Cambridge Window Tips From The Top In The Industry

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It reflects in varying levels, the technology and materials of the time in which it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historical structures were designed to last for centuries. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and retightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or putting up new cills for improved air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To avoid this windows, they should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame as well as sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be made of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They may have significant historical significance as a set. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and it is important to maintain its appearance. It is vital that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be removed as soon as it is identified. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and should it be possible, the same type of timber as the one being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in with 'Double Glazing Seal Repairs sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be employed than would be feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural style. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. It is also essential to identify damp problems and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic since they are typically designed to be water-resistant which can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is crucial to select the right type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historical buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be done with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to repair many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the 'key' of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best way to proceed is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative. The junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u can be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation service that can handle both removal and replacement within one day. It is essential that installers of replacement upvc windows cambridge have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a building that is historic. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the the original building. This is especially true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.