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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical fabric of a building. It reflects, in various degree the technology and materials of the time in which it was made, the design and craftsmanship.

If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for centuries. upvc window repairs near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk do require maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

A key problem 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 the sashes can be very wide. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also important to reduce the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, or breaking glass. This is often corrected by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and old work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you notice any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem in old timber windows and the best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of wood as the one being removed, to prevent any differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but also allows for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures need to be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

So, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair rather than replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancements and changes to architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, however most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay problems with traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. The damage is usually not evident until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic structures.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The main cause of decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed and done with the minimum disturbance. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

If a piece of timber is rotten, the best course of action is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation service that can handle both removal and replacement within the span of a day. However, it is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.