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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It reflects in different degree the materials and technologies of the time period it was made, the design and craftsmanship.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows are required, they should be done in situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire Window maintenance.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many old buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills the air to seal better.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an 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 greatest amount of original fabric preserved. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.

There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better 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 since they usually illustrate, in some way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the period from which they originate. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter intrusions.

Traditional window repair near me joinery made from timber is a beautiful aspect of a building, and it is important to maintain its appearance. When you spot any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem in older timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of timber as the one that is being removed to prevent differential movement.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. In recent times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the window hinges leeds in its original form.

As a result, retaining existing historic windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made economically through simple repairs and improvements. The windows of the past often have an historic value that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay problems in traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To prevent condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this may result in the formation of mildew in the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if 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 suited to the location and climate conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The primary cause of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and completed without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

When a piece of wood has become rotten the best way to proceed is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer provides an installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the character of the building originally. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.