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Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the period from which it dates.
If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems.
Durability
Timber windows were designed to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning correctly. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk include repairs to sash cables, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.
One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be extremely wide. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To stop this from happening windows, they should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.
Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric preserved. It is also important to limit the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay.
The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown 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 existing work.
To reduce the risk to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house.
Aesthetics
A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were made. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.
Traditional timber window joinery can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is essential to keep its appearance. It is crucial that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is identified. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.
Wet rot is a frequent problem for old timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of timber as the one being removed, to avoid any differential movement.
In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and secured with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaks but also allows for larger clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their care for particulars. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the original window.
It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows typically have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.
It is essential to realize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly 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 issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.
A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints are problematic since they are usually water-resistant and can cause mildew growth within the window frame.
The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic buildings.
Maintenance
Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed and completed without causing any disturbance. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the 'key' of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical value.
If a piece of wood is rotting the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.
Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement within a 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 right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historic character of a building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is especially true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.