What Is Cambridge Window? How To Make Use Of It
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It reflects in varying degree the materials and technologies of the time period it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship.
If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
The timber windows in many historic buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. ventilation repair cambridgeshire repairmywindowsanddoors could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills that allow for improved air sealing.
A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.
Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.
Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, or breaking glass. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and existing work.
There are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time in which they date. They also may have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars in order to protect against intrusions.
It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to water penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already 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 guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.
Wet rot is a common problem in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact kind of timber as the one being removed, to prevent 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 sophisticated with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible without the use of lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.
It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.
It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems associated with traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.
A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, which can lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame.
Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.
Maintenance
Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many traditional timber window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the "key" of the surface and allow for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.
Where a section of timber has become rotten the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the junction between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.
Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in a day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the character of the building originally. This is especially true when the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.