It's Time To Expand Your Cambridge Window Options

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historic fabric of a structure. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period from which it dates.

Whenever possible repairs to windows that are already in use should be carried out in situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many old structures were designed to last for centuries. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This may mean replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills to allow for better air sealing.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can often be extremely large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly, sticking or jamming in the opening and cracked glazing. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and old work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They also may have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and 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 it looking good. When you spot any decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to 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 timber. To prevent this, remove any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible, the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their attention to the smallest of details. The large glass surfaces, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures must be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they show a range in technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay problems in traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, since it allows moisture 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 curly. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.

A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically made to be water-resistant and this can cause the growth of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

window repairs cambridge repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and done without causing any disturbance. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the 'key' of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that may have historical significance.

If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best way to proceed is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes removal and replacement in a single day. It is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a building that is historic. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.