15 Best Documentaries About Cambridge Window
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an essential element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time that it was built in.
If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating correctly. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This may mean replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air sealing.
A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be quite wide. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.
Areas that have been damaged must be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.
Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.
To alleviate this issue, there are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They may also have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders.
Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning element of a structure and it is important to maintain its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended 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.
Wet rot is a typical problem in older timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, if possible, the same kind of timber as the one being removed, to avoid any differential movement.
In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on the smallest of details. Repair My Windows And Doors have large glass areas as well as deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to remember that such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the original window.
It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, however they are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.
It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and prompt repairs. Additionally it is vital to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.
A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop within the window frame.
The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make various types of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical buildings.
Maintenance
Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
It is crucial that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and completed with the minimum disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option should be followed whenever feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, which may have historical value.
When a section of wood is decayed the best option is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.
Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles removal and replacement in one day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that are suited to original building's character. This is especially true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.