Cambridge Window Tips From The Top In The Industry
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained window made of timber is an important element of the historical fabric of a structure. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period from which it dates.
When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most severe areas of decay is possible with the help of specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to keep them looking great. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills the air to seal better.
A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be very wide. In these situations water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows must 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 highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are created in the frame to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.
The wall's structural movement could also cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, to avoid shifting between the new and existing work.
There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often illustrate, in some way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the period from which they originate. They also may have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, which were merely a series of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.
Traditional timber window joinery can be a highly decorative element of a structure and is crucial to keep its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is crucial to stop it. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.
The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten parts as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.
In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass was set within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures should be considered 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, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. Historic windows often have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Repair My Windows And Doors to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.
It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by regular maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.
A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this may cause the growth of mildew in the window frame.
The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic structures.
Maintenance
Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary reason for decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and done with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.
When a piece of wood has become rotten the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and the masonry sub-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 a single day. It is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is particularly true when the windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.