How To Choose The Right Cambridge Window Online
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It reflects in varying levels, the materials and techniques of the time period it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.
If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems.
Durability
The windows made of timber in many historic structures were designed to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors may include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to increase the air seal.
One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be very large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this windows, they should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.
In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are created into the frame in order to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.
The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening, and damaged glazing. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and older work.
There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.
Aesthetics
Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the time in when they were built. They also may have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.
Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and it is important to keep its appearance. When you spot any decay caused by the penetration of moisture, it is important to stop it. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.
The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of wood as the one that is being removed, to prevent the possibility of differential movement.
In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more 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 times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not 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 employed than would be possible without the use of led lights.
Energy efficiency
The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on the smallest of details. They also have large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.
It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Older windows typically have historical significance that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.
It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage and lead to further decay.
A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this may lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame.
The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they 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 site and climate, as these variables can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.
Maintenance
Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary reason for decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.
Repairs to old sash windows as well as frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many traditional timber window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be followed whenever feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. It is essential to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.
If a portion of wood is rotting, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated using wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and 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 that includes removal and replacement in a single day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that do not alter 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 replacement windows are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that are suited to original building's character. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.