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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden upvc window and door repairs is an essential part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it originates.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows are required, they should be made in situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be very wide. In these instances, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To avoid this, windows should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to deformations in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent the movement of new and existing work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes to fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain form, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They could have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true for early windows that were not Double Glazed Door Repairs in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window doctor cambridge joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep its appearance. It is vital that any decay resulting from the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is recognised. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem for older timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same type of wood that is being removed to prevent the possibility of differential movement.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. The glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and secured with '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 much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on particulars. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to remember that these measures need to be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

As a result, retaining existing historic windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be made economically through simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to architectural style. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them are still in service for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and swift repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues 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. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent mould and condensation. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this can result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window supplier cambridge manufacturers offer an array of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The primary cause of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows and casement upvc window and door repairs frames must be done with care and with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window designs without having to remove 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 and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance If these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

If a piece of timber is rotten, the best option is to take out 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 preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation that handles both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that won't harm the historic character of a building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the style of the original building. This is especially true when the windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.