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Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an essential element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in.
Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.
Durability
The windows made of wood in many historic buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working correctly. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.
window companies cambridge of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.
In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are created into the frame to allow cable access, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.
Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening and broken glazing. This is often corrected by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made of a durable hardwood like oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work.
There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home.
Aesthetics
A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were built. They also may have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intrusions.
Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning element of a structure and it is important to keep its appearance. It is vital that any decay that results from moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.
Wet rot is a frequent issue in old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact kind of timber as the one being removed, to avoid any differential movement.
In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projection cills. In recent times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on detail. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.
It makes sense to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. Historic windows often have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural tastes. Most people assume that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150, 200, or even 250 years with proper maintenance.
It is crucial to understand that decay issues in traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.
A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop in the window frame.
The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather, but can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide a wide range of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.
Maintenance
The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common reason for the decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.
Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement must be done with care and minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the key of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, as they may have historical value.
If a portion of wood has rotted, 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 wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.
Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of removal and replacement within a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the original building. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.