Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It demonstrates in various degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time that it was built in.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be done in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may mean replacing old double glazing repairs units, fixing existing window repair specialists (this site) rebates or putting up new cills that allow for improved air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be extremely large. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired with resin-based products. 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 in the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, to prevent differential movement between new and old work.

There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These sash are 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 wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time from which they originate. They could also have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber framed buildings which were simply a series of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to deter invaders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window seal replacement near me joinery. It is essential that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be stopped as soon as it is recognised. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, get rid of any rotten or damaged parts as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of timber that is being removed to prevent any differential movement.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows typically have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. Most people think 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 with proper maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork is cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.

A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop in the upvc window repairs near me frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is essential to select the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be tailored to fit specific historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and completed with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the 'key' of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers that could have historical significance.

If a piece of wood is decayed the best option is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer provides an all-in-one installation that includes removal and replacement in a single day. It is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't harm the character of an historic building. The window doctor cambridge installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the character of the building originally. This is especially true when windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.