This Is The History Of Cambridge Window In 10 Milestones

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historical fabric of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be done in situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without having to remove 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. double glazed door seal repairs Repair My Windows And Doors are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using an adhesive-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 drilled in the frame to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.

To alleviate this issue, there are now a number of companies who produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some shape, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars in order to keep out intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this, remove any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of timber as the one that is being removed, to prevent differential movement.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. In recent times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.

As a result, retaining old windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the location and climate conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that are in keeping with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be done with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to repair several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value If these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

If a piece of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated using wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that are suited to original building's character. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.