Why All The Fuss About Cambridge Window?
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial part of the historic structure of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates.
If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.
Durability
The timber windows in many historic structures were designed to last for centuries. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills that allow for improved air sealing.
One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important in the case of sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.
The areas that are damaged should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are created into the frame in order to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.
Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. upvc sash windows cambridge could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work.
There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of the modern homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can make a significant difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
Aesthetics
Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were made. They may have significant historical value as a set. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars in order to protect against invaders.
It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you notice any signs of decay due to water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.
Wet rot is a typical issue in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing 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 structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on particulars. They also feature large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.
It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical value, as they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to 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 with proper maintenance.
It is essential to realize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and address them promptly in order to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.
A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed 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. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.
Maintenance
Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The primary cause of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.
Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be used whenever it is possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then 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 paint layers that may have historic value, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.
Where a section of timber has become rotten the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.
Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within a day. It is, however, vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is especially true when the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.