Notes

Cambridge Window Tips From The Most Successful In The Industry
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in.

If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables and retightening pulleys for sash and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills for improved air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes may be extremely large. In these situations water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are made into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to avoid shifting between the new and old work.

To alleviate this issue There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern homeowners. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time from which they originate. They may also have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to protect against invaders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a stunning aspect of a building, and is essential to keep it looking good. It is crucial that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is identified. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints 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.

Wet rot is a frequent issue in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible, the same species as which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency


Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to the smallest of details. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay problems caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and swift repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints are problematic since they are usually water-resistant and can cause mildew growth in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also important to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the climate and site conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. upvc door repairs repairmywindowsanddoors produce a range of sash made of timber that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They are available 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 life of timber windows. The main reason for the decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs 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 allow the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.

If a piece of timber is rotten, the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of removal and replacement within a day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that will not harm the historical character of a building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. 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 especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.

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