Notes

Why All The Fuss Over Cambridge Window?
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period that it was built in.

When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing windows made of timber to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills for better air sealing.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an 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 necessary to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent the movement of new and older work.


There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they show, in some shape, the materials technology, design, and style of the time they were constructed. They may also have significant historical value on their own. window repair cambridge is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to protect against intrusions.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a common issue in older timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible, the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. In the process, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaks but also allows for much wider clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for particulars. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and address them promptly in order to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent mould and condensation it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is also important to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements 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 made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended considerably through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever possible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. Care should be taken to avoid stripping paint layers that could have historical value If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

Where a section of timber has become rotten the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that handles removal and replacement in one day. However, it is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historic character of a building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to original building's character. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.

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