7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Cambridge Window

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a significant part of the historic fabric of a structure. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period from which it dates.

If repairs are possible to existing windows 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

Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame as well as sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, to avoid differential movement between new and existing work.

There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They may also have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars in order to keep out intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay resulting from the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible using the same species as that which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent years, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures need to be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping the existing windows from the past that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal improvements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows often have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A quality paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent mould and double glazing cambridge , it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often made to be water-resistant and this may lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed, and carried out with the minimum disturbance. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired 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 crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, as they may have historical value.

If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the junction between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation service that can handle both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions 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 such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is especially relevant when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.