7 Things You've Never Learned About Cambridge Window
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time that it was built in.
If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
The timber windows in many old structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills for improved air sealing.
One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop cambridge windows and doors from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.
Corroded areas should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame in order to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.
The wall's structural movement could also cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. Often this can be corrected by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.
There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the period from which they originate. They also may have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is especially true for early unglazed window openings in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.
Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative feature of a building and is essential to maintain its appearance. It is essential that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and number of coats required at each stage.
The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To prevent this, remove any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and should it be possible, the same type of wood as the one being removed, to avoid differential movement.
In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. In recent times, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of lead lights.
Energy efficiency
The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on particulars. They also have large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to remember that such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.
As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair instead of replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows of the past often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150, 200, or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.
It is essential to realize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are preventable by timely and thorough repairs. Additionally it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate 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 could lead to further decay.
A quality paint will block moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow within the window frame.
The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings.
Maintenance
The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The primary cause of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping paint layers that could have historical value If these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.
Where a section of timber has become rotten the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.
Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that handles removal and replacement in one day. However, it is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a building that is historic. Those who provide replacement windows must 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 install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.