Why Everyone Is Talking About Cambridge Window This Moment

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important element of a building that is historic. It reflects in varying degree the materials and techniques of the time it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship.

If repairs are possible to existing windows 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 hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning properly. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be very wide. In these circumstances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening windows, they should be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry as these can let in water and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening and broken glazing. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing 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 make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural style of the time they were built. They could have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, take out any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible, the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

As window maintenance , retaining existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical value, as they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are that are typical of timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork is damaged or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A good paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, 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 produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main reason for decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done with the minimum disturbance. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value and if they are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

When a piece of wood has become rotten the best option is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes removal and replacement in a single day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the style of the building originally. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.