Notes

5 Facts Cambridge Window Is Actually A Great Thing
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is an important element of the historical structure of a building. It reflects in varying degree the materials and technologies of the time it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many historic buildings were made to last for centuries. But, they have to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills that allow the air to seal better.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

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

The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, to avoid the movement of new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are several companies that produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and taste from the time period they were built. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series of openings within structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to protect against invaders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative element of a structure and is essential to keep it looking good. As soon as you notice any decay caused by water penetration it is crucial to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been 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 recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem for old timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible, the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and cills that protruded deep. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.


Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for detail. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. Historic windows often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues associated with traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and swift repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is crucial to select the right type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific historic openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The primary cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as frameless casement windows should be done with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Repair My Windows And Doors or peeling paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface and allow for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best way to proceed is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer provides an installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is particularly true when the windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.

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