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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it dates.

Whenever possible upvc door handle repairs near me to windows that are already in use should be done in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills for improved air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an 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 amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.

There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value because they typically illustrate, in some way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time from when they were built. They could have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of 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 crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden Vinyl window Repair joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, if possible, the same type of wood as the one being removed to prevent any differential movement.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into rebated frames with double glazing seal repairs sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary double glazing seal repairs and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150, 200, or even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to understand that decay problems with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant, and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is essential to select the right type of wood for your location and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The most common reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed, and carried out with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface and facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers that may have historical significance.

If a piece 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 inserted wood should also be treated with wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within one day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the style of the original building. This is especially relevant when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.