Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is an important part of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects in varying levels, the materials and techniques of the time in which it was made, the design and craftsmanship.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be done in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the entire window lock repairs.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many old structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can often be extremely large. In these situations water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is also important to reduce the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry since these could admit water and lead to decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent differential movement between new and existing work.

There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the materials, technology, and architectural style of the time they were built. They could have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true for early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, which were merely a series of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning aspect of a building, and is crucial to maintain its appearance. When you spot any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, remove any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and secured with 'glazing sprigs' rather than 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 without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as attention to the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to remember that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but they are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay issues in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also essential to identify damp problems and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause 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 can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this may result in the formation of mildew within the window repair Near me frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be built 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 significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The primary reason for the decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows and casement window frames should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, which could have historical significance.

If a piece of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement within 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 enable them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of an historic building. The windows that are replaced must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the style of the building originally. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.