Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects, in various degrees, the materials and technologies of the time period it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste. When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal. The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this windows, they should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes made into the frame to allow cable entry since they can let in moisture and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the old and new work. There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time from which they date. They may also have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series of openings within structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions. Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning aspect of a building, and it is important to maintain its appearance. It is essential that any decay that results from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is discovered. It is best to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. timber casement windows cost cambridge is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. 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 less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. In the past, more often, the glass was set within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible otherwise without the use of led lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form. It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Historic windows often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is essential to understand that the decay problems associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and swift repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop in the window frame. The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection, careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common cause of decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows as well as frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface and allow for an easier adhesion of the new coating. Care should be taken to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out. Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles both removal and replacement within one day. However, it is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden 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. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.
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