Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important part of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects in varying degree the materials and technologies of the time it was constructed, as well as the design and craftsmanship.

If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing Upvc Window Renovation 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 sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To prevent this windows, they should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken cambridge double glazing. This can be corrected often by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to avoid shifting between the new and older work.

There are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain form, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were built. They could also have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were simply a series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron 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, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, take out any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed into frames that were rebated with double glazing seal repairs sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and care for the smallest of details. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

So, retaining the existing windows from the past that require repair instead of replacing them is logical especially when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay problems caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A quality paint will block moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind 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 make a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows and window frames made of casement must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

When a piece of wood has begun to decay, 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 timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an installation that includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historic character of a building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the character of the original building. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.