Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time from which it dates.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working correctly. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This could include replacing old double glazing near me units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is also important to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry since these could let in water and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame and sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This is often corrected by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to avoid the movement of new and older work.

There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from which they date. They could also have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, which were simply a series of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window replacement cambridge joinery. It is crucial that any decay that results from water penetration is removed as soon as it is discovered. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was set within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and care for the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original window.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay problems with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork is damaged or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this may lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for your location and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows and casement window seal repairs near me frames should be done with care and minimal disruption. Many traditional timber Window Seal repairs near Me designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever possible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface and facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value If these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

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

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is, however, essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that won't harm the historic character of a building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the character of the original building. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.