8 Tips To Up Your Cambridge Window Game
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. double glazing repairs cambridge is a representation of the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period that it was built in.
When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window.
Durability
Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.
The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To avoid this windows, they should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.
Corroded areas should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes drilled in the frame to allow cable entry since they can let in moisture and cause decay.
The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and older work.
There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They may also have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings which were just a collection of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to deter intrusions.
Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is essential to maintain its appearance. It is crucial that any decay resulting from the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is discovered. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.
The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting timber must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible using the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.
Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass 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 and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on the smallest of details. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.
It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.
It is essential to realize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and address them promptly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.
A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame.
The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is crucial to select the right kind of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.
Maintenance
Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main reason for decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
It is important that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed and done without causing any disturbance. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.
When a section of wood has rotted, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.
It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes removal and replacement in one day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of an historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the original building. This is especially applicable when windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.