Five Cambridge Window Projects For Any Budget
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained timber window is an important element of the historical fabric of a structure. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it originates.
If repairs are possible to existing windows should be made in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.
Durability
Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may mean replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for better air sealing.
A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these instances, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.
Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay.
The structural movement of the wall can also lead to distortions in the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.
There are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.
Aesthetics
Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the period from which they originate. They could have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true for 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 wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.
Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning feature of a building and is essential to maintain its appearance. As soon as upvc window lock repair repairmywindowsanddoors see any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture, it is important to stop it. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.
Wet rot is a frequent issue in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of wood as the one being removed, to prevent any differential movement.
In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glazing was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.
It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical value, as they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. 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 most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.
It is essential to understand that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. The damage is usually not apparent until the paintwork is wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage and can lead to further decay.
A good paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also essential to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this may lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.
The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather, but can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with historic buildings.
Maintenance
The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary cause of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows must be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that 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 remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.
Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that handles removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the historic character of a building. Anyone who installs replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that are suited to the original building's style. This is especially true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.