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Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historic structure of a building. It reflects, in various levels, the technology and materials of the time it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship.
Whenever possible repairs to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.
Durability
Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills to allow for improved air sealing.
The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes can often be very large. In these situations water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.
In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.
The wall's structural movement could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a strong hardwood like oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and existing work.
There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.
Aesthetics
A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural style of the time they were constructed. They also may have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.
Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful feature of a building and is essential to keep its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.
The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible it is the same species as which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new and old timbers.
Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be utilized 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, as well as careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. Windows can be designed to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.
As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be made inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to the architectural style. Many people believe that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.
It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are typical of timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. In sash window repair cambridge is vital to identify damp penetration problems and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. The damage is usually not apparent until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked but it can cause severe structural damage and lead to further decay.
A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, which can lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame.
The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when 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 suited to the location and climate conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.
Maintenance
The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection, careful redecoration and timely repair. The main cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative.
Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement should be done with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the key of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.
If a portion of wood is decayed, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.
Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a "one-stop shop" installation that handles both removal and replacement within a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to original building's character. This is particularly true when the windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.