Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It reflects in different degree the materials and technologies of the time it was made, the design and craftsmanship.

When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks include upvc door handle repairs near me to sash cables as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills to allow the air to seal better.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite wide. In these circumstances water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a strong hardwood like oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and old work.

There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were made. They may also have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to protect against invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window repairs cambridge joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem for old timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, if possible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for Double Glazed Door Seal Repairs windows on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and cills that protruded deep. Increasingly, the glazing was set within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Older windows typically have an historic value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork is wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth within the window doctor near me frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected by an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is essential to select the right type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window seal repairs near me manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historical buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common cause of decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly, and carried out with the minimum disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

If a piece of timber has become rotten the best way to proceed is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. However, it is vital that the installer of cambridge replacement windows windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the style of the building originally. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.