Notes

Comprehensive List Of Cambridge Window Dos And Don'ts
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time that it was built in.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be done in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay is possible with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability


Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are created in the frame to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to distortions in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work.

There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, which were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to deter intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is crucial that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is identified. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish), and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing 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 projection cills. The glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on particulars. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are that are typical of timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as 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 curly. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.

A quality paint will block moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant and may cause mildew growth within the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected by a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed and completed with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option should be followed whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface and allow for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical value.

If a portion of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. Repair My Windows And Doors inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the style of the building originally. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.

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