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Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant part of the historic fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it originates.
If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be made in situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems.
Durability
Timber windows were made to last for centuries. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.
The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this windows, they should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.
The areas that are damaged should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay.
The wall's structural movement can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.
To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved 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 since they usually show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time from when they were built. They could have significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, which were simply a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to deter intruders.
Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning element of a structure and is crucial to maintain its appearance. window repair cambridge is essential that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is identified. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.
The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten parts as promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of wood as the one being removed to prevent any differential movement.
Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible otherwise without the use of led lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to remember that such measures should be viewed in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.
It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. The windows of the past often have an historic value that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.
It is important to recognize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be preventable by quick and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems 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. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay.
A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame.
The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather, but can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the location and climate, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.
Maintenance
The life of timber windows can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The primary reason for decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.
Repairs to old sash windows as well as frameless casement windows must be done with care and minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance.
If a portion of wood has rotted, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.
Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that handles removal and replacement in the span of a day. However, it is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't harm the character of an historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the style of the building originally. This is especially applicable when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.