Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical fabric of a structure. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period from which it originates.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning correctly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow for better air sealing.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these instances water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes drilled in the frame to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to distortions in the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and existing work.

There are now several companies that manufacture 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-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and style of the time they were constructed. They also may have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars in order to protect against intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is essential that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is identified. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used as part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible it is the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. In recent times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been possible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on the smallest of details. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the original window.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they show a range in technical development and changes to architectural taste. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly so that you can avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this may result in the formation of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected by an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also essential 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 hinges Leeds manufacturers have a wide range of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic structures.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be done with care and with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window doctor cambridge designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be followed whenever feasible. Remove 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 not remove old paint layers that may have historical value.

If a piece of wood is decayed, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a «one-stop shop» installation that handles removal and replacement within one day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that won’t harm the character of a historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building’s style. This is especially true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.