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Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a structure. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time from which it dates.
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 most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window.
Durability
The windows made of wood in many historical buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating properly. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills to allow for better air sealing.
The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be extremely wide. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this windows, they should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.
Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.
Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly, sticking or jamming in the opening and cracked glazing. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the existing and new work.
To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these sashes can make a an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value because they typically illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They could also have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars in order to protect against invaders.
It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. cambridge windows and doors is crucial that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is recognised. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and number of coats required at each stage.
Wet rot is a common problem in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.
In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to rebated frames with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve 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 makes sense to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. Older windows typically have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.
It is important to recognize that decay issues in traditional timber windows are preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage, and could lead to further decay.
A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow within the window frame.
The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these variables can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.
Maintenance
Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.
It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are well executed and done with the minimum disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the key of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.
If a portion of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts 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 may be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that handles removal and replacement within one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the character of the building originally. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.