Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in.

If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many historic buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning properly. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The demand for upgrading windows made of timber to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This could include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important in the case of upvc sash windows cambridge windows and doors cambridge, door Repairs cambridge as the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can let in water and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame as well as sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This is often corrected by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to prevent movement between the existing and new work.

To alleviate this issue to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often illustrate, in some way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time from which they originate. They could have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed structures, which were merely a series of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made of timber is a beautiful feature of a building and is essential to maintain its appearance. It is crucial that any decay caused by water penetration is immediately stopped once it is recognised. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, if feasible using the same species as which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of double glazing repairs cambridge not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be viewed in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows of the past often have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are preventable by timely and thorough security door repairs cambridge repairs cambridge, yourtopdirectory.Com,. It is also important to spot damp issues and address them promptly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A quality paint will block moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection, careful redecoration and Door repairs Cambridge prompt repair. The primary reason for decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames 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 feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance If these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a portion of wood has rotted the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and the masonry sub-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 removal and replacement in the span of a day. However, it is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the the original building. This is particularly relevant when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.