Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historical structure of a building. It reflects in varying degree the materials and techniques of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste. Whenever possible repairs to existing windows are required, they should be made in situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the whole window. Durability The timber windows in many historical buildings were made to last for a long time. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating properly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates or putting in new cills to allow for better air sealing. The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To avoid this, windows should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint. Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can let in water and cause decay. The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work. There are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cambridge-windowrepair/ of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and taste from the time period they were built. They also may have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is particularly true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars to protect against invaders. Traditional window joinery made of timber is a beautiful element of a structure and is crucial to maintain its appearance. As soon as you notice any decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage. The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of timber as the one being removed, to prevent the possibility of differential movement. In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be possible without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window. As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. The windows of the past often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained. It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are typical of timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay. A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and can cause mildew growth in the window frame. The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is essential to select the right type 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 timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended considerably through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. It is essential that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are properly executed and completed with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface and allow for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical value. If a portion of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an all-in-one installation that includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the historic character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.