Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is an important part of the historic structure of a building. It reflects in varying degree the technology and materials of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many old buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to keep them looking great. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing 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 particularly important when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also important to reduce the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening, and damaged double glazing cambridge. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood like oak, to prevent the movement of new and existing work.

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

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time from when they were built. They may also have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, which were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is vital that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be removed as soon as it is recognised. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

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

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for larger and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided by regular maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and 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 high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration rapidly if exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window repairs near Me manufacturers have an array of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is essential to not remove old paint layers that could have historical significance.

If a portion of wood is decayed the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement in one day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a deep 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 technical upgrades that won't harm the historic character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is especially relevant when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.