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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a significant element of the historic fabric of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period that it was built in.

If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include Upvc Door repairs (articlescad.Com) to sash cords, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills for improved air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be very wide. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry since these could let in water and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to avoid differential movement between new and older work.

To alleviate this issue to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They could have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber framed buildings which were simply a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is essential that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is identified. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. 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 recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this, take out any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of cambridge double glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Historic windows often have an historic value that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay problems in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with quick and thorough repairs. It is also essential to identify damp problems and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it could cause structural damage and 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 possible. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop in the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these variables can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by careful painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be done with care and minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a piece of wood has rotted, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in the span of a day. However, it is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't harm the character of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to original building's character. This is particularly applicable when windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.