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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical fabric of a structure. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and techniques of the time it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

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

Durability

The timber windows in many historic buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables and retightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window seal repairs (Highly recommended Online site) rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. Often this can be corrected by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they reflect, in some form, the materials, technology, and architectural style of the time they were made. They could also have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, which were merely a series of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to deter intrusions.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, remove any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same species as that which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass repair cambridge became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. The glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and secured with 'double glazing near me sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on particulars. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to remember that such measures should be viewed in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

As a result, retaining old windows that require repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows often have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues in traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork is cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this may result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended by regular inspection, careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common reason for decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.

If a piece of timber is rotten, the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and timber double glazed windows cambridge cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement in a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that will not harm the historical character of a building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.