8 Tips To Enhance Your Cambridge Window Game
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important part of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects in varying levels, the technology and materials of the time in which it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship.
If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.
Durability
The timber windows in many historic buildings were made to last for centuries. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal.
The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes can often be very large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To avoid this, windows should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.
Areas that have been damaged must be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are created into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.
Repair My Windows And Doors can cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can lead to sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and existing work.
There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. The new sash, coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the period from which they originate. They could have significant historical value as a set. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were simply a series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to keep out invaders.
Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative feature of a building and is crucial to maintain its appearance. As soon as you see any decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.
The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible, the same species as which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.
In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it also allows much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows provide an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.
So, retaining old windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is sensible especially when their thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however they are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.
It is important to recognise that the decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. Additionally it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is damaged or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.
A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow in the window frame.
The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings.
Maintenance
The life span of windows made from timber can be extended through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.
Repairs to old sash windows and casement window frames must be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping paint layers that could have historical value and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.
If a portion of wood is rotting, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.
It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both replacement and removal within a single day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that won't harm the character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.