Say "Yes" To These 5 Cambridge Window Tips

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is an important element of the historic structure of a building. It reflects in different degree the technology and materials of the time period it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be made in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables and retightening pulleys for sash and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing 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 important when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can often be extremely large. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are made into the frame to allow cable access, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from which they date. They may also have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative element of a structure and is essential to maintain its appearance. It is crucial that any decay caused by water penetration is removed as soon as it is recognised. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever feasible, the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was set within rebated frames and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be possible otherwise without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on the smallest of details. wooden sliding doors cambridge feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to remember that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, they will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are that are typical of timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A good paint will block moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended considerably through regular inspections, careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and completed with the minimum disturbance. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option should be followed whenever feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the key of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value If these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If a piece of wood is decayed, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes removal and replacement in a single 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 recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the the building originally. This is especially true when the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.