What Is Cambridge Window? How To Make Use Of It
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It reflects in different degree the technology and materials of the time it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship.
When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
The windows made of wood in many historic structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills to allow for better air sealing.
A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.
Corroded areas should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also important to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry since these could let in water and cause decay.
Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the existing and new work.
To alleviate this issue, there are now a number of companies who produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.
Aesthetics
A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain shape, the materials technology, design, and style of the time they were built. They may have significant historical value on their own. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intrusions.
It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be removed as soon as it is discovered. This is best accomplished by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.
The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, remove any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as that which is being removed to prevent shifting between the new and old timbers.
Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. In recent times, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be employed than would be possible without the use of lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on detail. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to 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 need to be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.
It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they show a range in technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.
It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and prompt repairs. In addition it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a major issue, 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 could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.
A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, which can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.
The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of timber used is well-suited to the location and climate conditions, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce various types of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings from the past. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.
Maintenance
The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection, careful redecoration and prompt repair. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. cambridge window Repair My Windows And Doors can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.
Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is important to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.
If a portion of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and 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 that handles removal and replacement within a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that won't harm the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such 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 are sympathetic to the style of the building originally. This is especially true when windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.