monkeyjumper0

Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in. Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be made in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of wood in many historic structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal. The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes may be extremely large. In double glazing repairs cambridge Repair My Windows And Doors , water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly 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 possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes made in the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. This is often corrected by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and older work. There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time from which they date. They may also have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intrusions. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be stopped as soon as it is identified. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and number of coats needed at each stage. Wet rot is a typical problem in older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever feasible using the same species as which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and existing timbers. Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for more expansive and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form. Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technological advancements and changes to architectural taste. Many people believe that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150, 200, or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance. It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems that are typical of timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay. A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow within the window frame. The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing an extensive proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is crucial to select the right kind of wood for your location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows must be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be used whenever it is possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that could have historical value and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted. If a portion of wood is rotting, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't harm the character of an historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is particularly relevant when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.