It's Time To Increase Your Cambridge Window Options
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It reflects in different degrees, the technology and materials of the time period it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship.
If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
The timber windows in many historic buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.
The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.
Corroded areas should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric retained. It is also important to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.
Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work.
There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.
Aesthetics
Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, since they show, in some form, the materials, technology, and architectural taste from the time period they were built. They could also have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were simply a series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars in order to protect against intruders.
It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to moisture penetration it is crucial 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 best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to 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 way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of wood that is being removed, to prevent differential movement.
Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In recent times, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of 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 employed than would be feasible without the use of lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for the smallest of details. The large glass surfaces, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.
As door fitter cambridge , retaining old windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical especially when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows typically have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150,200, and even 250 years with proper maintenance.
It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and timely repairs. Additionally, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.
A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow within the window frame.
Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.
Maintenance
The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The main reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative.
Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the "key" of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, which may have historical significance.
If a piece of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.
It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both replacement and removal within a single day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the historical character of a building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that are suited to original building's character. This is especially true when the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.