Notes

The Top Cambridge Window Gurus Are Doing 3 Things
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential element of a building that is historic. It demonstrates in various degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the period from which it originates.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be carried out in situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability


The windows made of timber in many historical buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or putting in new cills for improved air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum 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 because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly, sticking or jamming in the opening and cracked glazing. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a number of companies who make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

double glazing cambridge of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some form, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intruders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To prevent this, take out any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care by using 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.

Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed to rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem, as they are often designed to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to wet weather, but can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also crucial 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 variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

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

Repairs to old sash windows as well as frameless casement windows must be done with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

If a piece of wood is decayed the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an installation that includes both removal and replacement in one day. It is, however, vital that the installer of replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is especially true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.

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