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Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in varying levels, the materials and technologies of the time period it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship.
If possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.
Durability
The windows made of wood in many old buildings were built to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for upgrading windows made of timber to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills to allow for improved air sealing.
One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.
The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are made into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.
The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.
There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that will suit the needs of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they date. They may have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, which were just a collection of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter intruders.
It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.
Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten 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 with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible, the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers.
In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery 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 not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.
It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Historic windows often have historical significance that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.
It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. The damage is usually not evident until the paintwork is damaged or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage, and could lead to further decay.
A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this may result in the formation of mildew in the window frame.
The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected by an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with historic buildings.
Maintenance
Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.
Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement should be handled with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.
If a portion of wood is decayed, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.
It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly if the installer offers an installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. It is essential 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 energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that will not harm the character of a historic building. cambridge replacement windows who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed acceptable in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the style of the original building. This is especially true when windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.