Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period that it was built in. Whenever possible repairs to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of timber in many historical buildings were made to last for centuries. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills for improved air seal. One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. window supplier cambridge Repair My Windows And Doors is particularly important in the case of sash windows because the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these circumstances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To stop this from happening windows, they should be regularly painted with a suitable 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 is preserved. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can let in water and cause decay. Another major 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 and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and older work. To help reduce this problem, there are now a number of companies who manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use. Aesthetics A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they display, in a certain shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were constructed. They also may have a significant historic value in their own right. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to protect against intruders. Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is vital that any decay caused by water penetration is removed as soon as it is discovered. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage. Wet rot is a frequent problem in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts immediately to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of timber as the one that is being removed, to avoid any differential movement. Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. In the process, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but it can allow for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form. It is sensible to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. The windows of the past often have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. Many people believe that these windows will have 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 essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing 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 important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant and can cause mildew growth in the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historical buildings. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and using a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option should be followed whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers that may have historical significance. If a piece of timber is rotten, the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of a building that is historic. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. 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 relevant when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.
Member since: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cambridge-windowrepair/
The email you entered is already receiving Daily Bits Emails!
