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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window supplier cambridge is a significant part of the historic fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time from which it originates.

If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay is possible with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning properly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing the window repair cambridge rebates that are in place or putting up new cills for improved air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as 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 the wood underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes created into the frame in order to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to deformations in the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These sash are coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window Seal repairs near me joinery. When you spot any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent issue in older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood should be done with care and by using 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 section and existing timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but also allows for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on the smallest of details. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to remember that such measures must be considered in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with quick and thorough repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major issue, as 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 becomes curly. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew growth in the upvc window lock repair frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and climate, as these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make various types of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic structures.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided with thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

It is essential that emergency upvc door repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Loose or peeling paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface and allow for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers that could have historical significance.

When a section of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that handles both removal and replacement within the span of a day. However, it is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.