Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical fabric of a structure. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates. When repairs are feasible to existing windows are required, they should be done in situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the whole window. Durability The windows made of timber in many old structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills that allow the air to seal better. A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also important to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could let in water and cause decay. Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a strong hardwood like oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and existing work. To reduce the risk to reduce the risk of this happening, there are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the materials, technology, and architectural style of the time they were built. They could also have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of openings within structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders. Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is essential to keep it looking good. As soon as you notice any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage. Wet rot is a typical issue in old timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as that which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new and old timbers. In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it also allows much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and care for particulars. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows. Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to the architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance. It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay. A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected by an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is crucial to select the right kind of wood for your location and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The primary cause of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cambridge-windowrepair/ can be avoided with thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative. It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and done without causing any disturbance. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the "key" of the surface, allowing for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical value. If a piece 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 match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the timber cill and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation that handles both removal and replacement within one day. It is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of an historic building. The windows that are replaced must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is especially true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.