Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates.

If it is possible, repairs must be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window replacement cambridge.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating correctly. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and door specialists Cambridge painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can 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 the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these instances, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new upvc sash windows cambridge boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time from which they date. They may also have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.

Traditional timber window joinery can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to water penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, take out any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same type of wood as the one being removed, to avoid differential movement.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and secured 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 wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and door specialists cambridge (just click the following page) wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping the existing windows from the past that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows and doors cambridge often have a historical value that demonstrates a range 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 will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A good paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window repairs cambridge frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly 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 kind of timber used is well-suited to the climate and Door Specialists cambridge site conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window doctor cambridge manufacturers produce a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific openings from the past. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

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

Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.

Where a section of timber is rotten, the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with wood preservative, 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 installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. It is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that won't harm the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the character of the building originally. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.