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15 Of The Best Documentaries On Cambridge Window
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and techniques of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

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

Durability

Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills the air to seal better.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is also important to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time from which they date. They could also have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings within structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars in order to keep out intruders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. window doctor cambridge is essential that any decay caused by water penetration is stopped as soon as it is discovered. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, remove any rotten or damaged parts as soon as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, if possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to prevent shifting between the new and old timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

As a result, retaining existing historic windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is logical especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. Most people assume 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 recognise that the decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork is damaged or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this can cause the growth of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are properly executed and completed with the minimum disturbance. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should 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 crucial to not remove old paint layers, which could have historical significance.

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

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement within a day. It is, however, vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that will not harm the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such 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 building originally. This is especially true when windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.


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