Notes

Five Cambridge Window Projects For Any Budget
Maintaining Timber Windows


A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period that it was built in.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for centuries. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also replacement windows cambridge growing demand to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills that allow the air to seal better.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To stop this from happening windows, they should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. 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.

The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. Often this can be corrected by fitting new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to prevent differential movement between new and existing work.

To alleviate this issue There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that can be fitted into most openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the period from which they originate. They may have significant historical value on their own. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, which were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to deter invaders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and it is important to maintain its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are designed 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.

Wet rot is a frequent problem in older timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was set within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to the architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay problems in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather, however they can be preserved with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the location and climate conditions, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed and completed without causing any disturbance. It is possible to repair several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. 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 adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

When a piece of wood is rotten, the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are 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 of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within one day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the style of the original building. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.

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