Notes

10 Cambridge Window-Friendly Habits To Be Healthy
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste 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 worst areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these circumstances water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. The weather can be a factor in accelerating 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 a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to 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 the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work.

To reduce the risk There are several 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 that meet the requirements of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They could have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, which were merely a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful element of a structure and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is essential that any decay that results from moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same kind of timber that is being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be used 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 their attention to particulars. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows are usually considered to be of historical value because they show a range in technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but they are in a position to last 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 by regular maintenance and swift repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork is cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good paint will block moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow in the window frame.

Most older windows were made of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and climate, as these variables can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.


Repairs to old sash windows and casement window frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.

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

wooden windows cambridge of traditional windows using PVC-u is an attractive option, especially when the installer provides a "one-stop shop" installation service that can handle removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is particularly applicable when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.

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