Notes

How To Create Successful Cambridge Window Strategies From Home
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historic structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period that it was built in.

If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many historic buildings were made to last for a long time. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these circumstances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame and the sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. window replacement cambridge must be made from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to avoid shifting between the new and old work.

There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, since they reflect, in some shape, the materials, technology, and architectural style of the time they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, which were simply a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to keep out invaders.


Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep it looking good. When you spot any decay caused by moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new and old timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and 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 just less prone to leaks but also allows for larger clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, however they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is damaged or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant which can cause the growth of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly by regular inspection, careful redecoration and timely repair. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and completed without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

When a section of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both replacement and removal in one day. It is crucial 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 energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cambridge-windowrepair/