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10 Cambridge Window-Related Projects That Stretch Your Creativity
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in varying levels, the materials and technologies of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship.

When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking great. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are made in the frame to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work.

There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some form, the materials technology, design, and style of the time they were built. They may also have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were simply a series of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber is a beautiful feature of a building and is essential to maintain its appearance. It is crucial that any decay that results from water penetration is removed as soon as it is identified. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible, the same species as that which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. The glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be used than would have been possible without the use of lead lights.

window repair Repair My Windows And Doors offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. The windows of the past often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.


It is essential to realize that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are well executed and done with the minimum disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the key of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that could have historical value and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

When a section of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that will not harm the historic character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is particularly applicable when windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.

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