• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important element of a building that is historic. It is a representation of the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it originates.

If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can often be very large. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are created into the frame in order to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the new and existing work.

To alleviate this issue There are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time in which they date. They could also have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber framed buildings which were just a collection of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative element of a structure and it is important to keep its appearance. It is crucial that any decay caused by water penetration is removed as soon as it is identified. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting timber double glazed windows cambridge should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible, the same species as which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of 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 feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

So, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however they are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and swift repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork is cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop in the window 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 preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for the location and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The primary reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

It is important that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are done correctly, and carried out without causing any disturbance. A lot of traditional Wooden Window Repair window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If a portion of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u can be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation service that can handle removal and replacement within one day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.