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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates. If possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of wood in many historical structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. window supplier cambridge include repairs to sash cords, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or putting in new cills to allow for improved air sealing. One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable. The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also important to reduce 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 the structural movement within the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes that have been 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. To reduce the risk, there are now a number of companies who make Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. The new sash, coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some shape, the materials technology, design, and taste from the time period they were constructed. They could also have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings which were simply a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to deter intrusions. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay that results from water penetration is immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and number of coats required at each stage. Wet rot is a common issue in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible it is the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers. In the late the 17th and early the medieval 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 protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be possible otherwise without the use of led lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows. So, retaining old windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. The windows of the past often have historical significance that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance. It is important to recognise that the decay problems caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay. A good paint will block moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem since they are typically designed to be water-resistant which can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is crucial to select the appropriate type of wood for the site 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 historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The main cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative. It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly and done with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted. When a piece of wood has become rotten the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement in one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed acceptable in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the style of the original building. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.