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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important element of the historical fabric of a structure. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in.

Whenever possible repairs to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historic buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and retightening pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may mean replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills for improved air sealing.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this, windows should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are drilled in the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent differential movement between new and old work.

To alleviate this issue There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time from when they were built. They may also have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay resulting from the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is identified. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical issue in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, if feasible, the same species as which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass was set within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for wider sheets of clearer glass to be used than would have been possible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as careful attention to detailing. The large glass surfaces, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It is logical to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Many people believe that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them are still in service for 150, 200, or even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork is wavy or cracked however, it can cause serious structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, which can lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be preserved with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific historic openings. They can be built according 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 significantly by regular inspection, careful redecoration and prompt upvc door repair cost. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is important that repairs to old sash or aluminium casement windows cambridge windows are properly executed, and carried out without causing any disturbance. Repairs can be made to several traditional designs of timber windows 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 facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.

If a portion of wood is rotting, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of an historic building. The window seal repairs near me installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the style of the building originally. This is especially applicable when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.