Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a significant part of the historic structure of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time from which it dates.

If repairs to upvc doors are possible to existing windows should be done in situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include emergency upvc door repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to improve air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these situations water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are created into the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, to avoid shifting between the new and existing work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. These sash are coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time in which they date. They may have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be removed as soon as it is discovered. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem for older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever possible, the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new and old timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projection cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been possible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay careful attention to detailing. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the original Upvc Window Lock Repair.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they can still provide service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major issue, since it allows moisture 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 lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also essential to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this can result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window repairs cambridge manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The main reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows and casement window frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window maintenance designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value If these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

If a piece of timber has become rotten the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the timber double glazed windows cambridge cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides a "one-stop shop" installation that handles both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that will not harm the historical character of a building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.