15 Documentaries That Are Best About Cambridge Window
Maintaining cambridge windows -maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It reflects in different levels, the technology and materials of the time period it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship.
Whenever possible repairs to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
The timber windows in many historical structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. 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, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates or putting in new cills that allow for improved air sealing.
One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these instances water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop this from happening windows, they should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.
The areas that are damaged should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay.
Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing 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 most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.
Aesthetics
Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, which were just a collection of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to deter invaders.
Traditional window joinery made of timber is a beautiful feature of a building and is essential to maintain its appearance. When you spot any signs of decay due to water penetration it is essential to stop it. This can be done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage.
The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible using the same species as that which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new and old timbers.
Glass became more affordable and 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 deep projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.
As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them is logical particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.
It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. In addition it is vital to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.
A quality paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame.
The majority of older windows were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the climate and site conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be tailored 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 considerably by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common cause of decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.
It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed, and carried out with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be taken 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 stick better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that could have historical value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.
When a piece of wood is rotten, the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.
Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in one day. It is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that do not alter the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the character of the building originally. This is particularly relevant when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.