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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it originates.

When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire Window Restoration Service.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also important to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can let in water and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, or breaking glass. This is often corrected by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to prevent shifting between the new and existing work.

There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time in which they date. They also may have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intrusions.

Traditional window seal repairs joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay due to water penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints designed 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 common issue in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of wood that is being removed, to prevent any differential movement.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass 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 also allows more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. However it is essential to remember that such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the original window.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they show a range in technical development and changes to architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. The damage is usually not evident until the paintwork is wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A good paint will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, which can cause the growth of mildew within the window repairs near me frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of timber used is well-suited to the location and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window lock repairs manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings from the past. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historical structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash or aluminium casement windows cambridge windows are well executed and done with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.

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

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides a "one-stop shop" installation that handles removal and replacement within a day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber 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 an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is particularly applicable when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.