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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it originates. When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window. Durability Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills to allow the air to seal better. One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this, windows should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is essential to limit the number of holes created in the frame to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay. Another major issue 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 or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to avoid differential movement between new and old work. There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They may also have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were simply a series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to protect against invaders. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay caused by water penetration is removed as soon as it is recognised. This is best accomplished by painting thoroughly, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. window glass replacement cambridge is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage. Wet rot is a frequent problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten sections immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers. In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent times, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it can allow for more expansive and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Historic windows often have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained. It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are that are typical of timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. In addition it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. The damage is usually not apparent until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay. A good paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often designed to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings from the past. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures. Maintenance Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement should be done with care and with minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value If these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted. If a portion of wood has rotted, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides a “one-stop shop” installation that handles removal and replacement in a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the the building originally. This is especially applicable when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.