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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in different levels, the technology and materials of the time period it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old structures were designed to last for a long time. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are created into the frame in order to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem There are a number of companies who produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were merely a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to keep out intrusions.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem for old timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for larger and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their care for detail. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this can result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

Most older windows were made of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be prevented by careful painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option 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. It is essential to not remove old paint layers that could have historical significance.

Where a section of timber has become rotten the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in the span of a day.  upvc windows cambridge  is, however, vital that the installer of replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that won't harm the historical character of a building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the character of the original building. This is especially true when windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.