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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time from which it originates.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many historical buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The demand for upgrading windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this windows, they should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with a resin-based ventilation repair Cambridgeshire product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are made into the frame in order to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and old work.

There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were made. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative feature of a building and it is important to maintain its appearance. As soon as you see 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 in which there is already damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, remove 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 as the one being removed, to prevent differential movement.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. 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 and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to keep in mind that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is logical to upvc door repair cost or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Older windows are usually considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be preventable by quick and thorough repairs. Additionally, it is essential to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main reason for the decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface and facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers, which may have historical value.

When a section of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber 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 within a single day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the the building originally. This is especially relevant when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.