Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window seal repairs is an important element of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period that it was built in.

If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. The most common maintenance tasks are repairs to upvc doors to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This may include replacing old double glazing repairs units, repairing existing window repairs near me rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are created into the frame to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, or breaking glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like 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 range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the period from which they date. They may also have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is vital that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be stopped as soon as it is identified. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, if possible, the same type of wood that is being removed to prevent differential movement.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It is logical to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows typically have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. 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 damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop in the window doctor cambridge frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The main reason for decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to upvc door repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers that could have historical significance.

If a piece of wood is rotting, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and the masonry sub-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 in a single day. It is essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't alter the appearance of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the original building. This is particularly relevant when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.