Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window replacement cambridge is a significant part of the historic structure of a building. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and techniques of the time period it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship.

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 most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could mean replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow for better air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this windows, they should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. 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 structural movement in the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. Most often, this is corrected 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 such as oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and older work.

There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some form, the materials technology, design, and taste from the time period they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful feature of a building and is crucial to keep it looking good. As soon as you see any decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible using the same species as which is being removed to prevent shifting between the new and old timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and secured by 'cambridge double glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on the smallest of details. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows typically have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace such aluminium casement windows cambridge are typically based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay problems in traditional timber windows are avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is wavy or cracked however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good paint will block moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. 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 wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the site and climate, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The main reason for the decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by careful painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

It is crucial that Upvc Repairs Near Me to the old sash and aluminium casement windows cambridge windows are properly executed and completed with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the 'key' of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

When a section of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles removal and replacement in one day. It is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the historic character of a building. window seal repairs replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the character of the building originally. This is particularly true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.